Daily advices
Sensitive skin can be exacerbated by external factors. When exposure to these stressors is constant, it leads to chronic skin inflammation which weakens the skin’s defences and leads to accelerated skin ageing, known as inflamm’ageing. Let’s look at how lifestyle, diet and skincare can help reduce the effects of inflamm’ageing.
External irritants like sudden hot and cold temperatures, pollution, UV rays, stress, makeup, and some cosmetics can aggravate skin sensitivity. This leads to increased oxidative stress that weakens the skin barrier and triggers inflammation. When constant, inflammation becomes chronic and accelerates the skin’s natural ageing process. First referred to as “inflamm’ageing” (inflammation + ageing) by immunology professor Claudio Franceschi in the early 2000s, this chronic inflammation process accelerates the appearance of visible ageing signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, dehydration, and a dull complexion.
Both premature skin ageing and sensitive skin can be triggered and exacerbated by external stressors. Let’s take a closer look at different ways you can adapt your lifestyle and skincare routine to slow premature ageing and manage sensitive skin.
Vitamin E helps support the immune system, cell function, and skin health. As an antioxidant, it is effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced during internal metabolic processes and through exposure to toxins in the environment. Vitamin E also stimulates blood flow to the skin and hair, increasing collagen production, which supports skin structure and delays the signs of ageing. You can find Vitamin E in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds and many fruits and vegetables – as well as certain skincare products.
It goes without saying that it is important to protect yourself from the sun. UV rays can make sensitive skin overreact. The best way to avoid this is to wear adapted clothing and, whenever possible, avoid being out during the hottest part of the day. Adapted suncare products ensure high UVA and UVB protection. A sunscreen like Photoderm Aquafluide SPF 50+ is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It activates the skin's natural defences and protects from the risks of cellular damage, while helping combat premature cutaneous ageing thanks to the SUN ACTIVE DEFENSE patent.
Vitamin E isn’t the only benefit of adopting a balanced diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with fibre-rich whole grains and other plant foods, mean fewer spikes in blood glucose. This is thought to help reduce inflammation.
Many fruits and vegetables are also loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress. So, try to include red bell peppers, spinach, kale, carrots, and blueberries in your diet.
“Antioxidants also act as anti-inflammatory agents. Some vegetable foods and molecules from robust organisms show potent anti-inflammatory activity.” – Dr Miroslav Radman
Fatty acids like Omega-3s also play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the skin's natural protective barrier function against environmental factors and reducing water loss through our skin. This leaves the skin feeling smoother and softer, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Fish like anchovies, herring and mackerel are packed with fatty acids.
Part of the inflammatory process is governed by endorphins, which control repair and help manage inflammation. If you’re not moving that means you’re not producing endorphins. So, try to walk more, do yoga, or take up a hobby that keep you moving like gardening, golfing, hiking, or biking – even moderate amounts of exercise stimulate endorphin production.
One of the biggest drivers of inflammation is stress. Stress triggers inflammation in different ways, one of the most significant is by disrupting the body’s hormones and complex messaging system. This essentially “turns on” the immune system to produce inflammation. To keep feeling calm and in control, why not try mindfulness, meditation and gentle activities like tai chi and qigong? Also remember just how beneficial it is to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
An effective dermatological skincare routine targets both the causes and consequences of sensitive skin and premature skin ageing.
1. Cleanse
Apply Sensibio H2O micellar water or Sensibio Gel moussant micellar cleansing foaming gel. Sensibio H2O eye will remove even the heaviest waterproof eye makeup.
Formulated specifically for sensitive skin, Sensibio cleansing products respect sensitive skin’s natural ecosystem and ensure very good tolerance.
2. Sensibio Defensive serum
Apply Sensibio Defensive serum daily to face and neck.
This sensorial long-lasting soothing concentrate helps slow premature ageing caused by external irritants. It reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It also restores skin radiance and provides 24-hour moisturisation.
3. Sensibio Defensive
Apply Sensibio Defensive daily to face and neck.
Available in a light and refreshing, or rich and nourishing texture, this cream provides antioxidant protection and active soothing, while strengthening sensitive skin’s ability to defend itself against daily irritations. It soothes immediately and over time. 12-hour moisturisation.
When combined, Sensibio Defensive serum and Sensibio Defensive, an active soothing cream, increase skin hydration by 100%* and are 24%** more soothing.
