DO YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?

Do You Have Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin is not really a medical term and can mean many things depending on whom you ask. To most laypersons, people who easily break out in rashes in reaction to commonly used products have sensitive skin.  Doctors will say you are likely to have sensitive skin if you have acne, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, rosacea, or eczema. These medical conditions can run in the family. Allergic reaction to a cosmetic or household product is usually not hereditary.

What are some tips in choosing products for sensitive skin?

• Choose soap-free cleansers and cleansing bars with no fragrance, no sulfates, and no parabens. Avoid antibacterial and highly scented soap bars and liquid

  

  DERMAX Gel Cleansers are
  fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.

  cleansers.
• Avoid alcohol-based toners.
• Use silicone-based foundation for minimal skin irritation.
• Avoid waterproof cosmetics. Removing them require a special cleanser that may irritate skin.
• Use black eyeliner and mascara because they are the least allergenic. Pencil eyeliner is usually less irritating than liquid eyeliners. Earth-toned eye shadows are safer to use than darker colors.
• Throw out old cosmetics. They can spoil or become contaminated even before their expiry date.
• Products with exfoliants like hydroxy acids, tretinoin, and scrubs should be used with caution.
• Products with fewer ingredients are generally safer for sensitive skin.

Are skin care products labeled “hypoallergenic” or “sensitive skin formula” safer for sensitive skin?

• There are no government standards on the use of the term “hypoallergenic” and “sensitive skin” so they can mean whatever a particular manufacturer wants them to mean.   
• Your best bet is to test your own skin reaction before using a new product.

How do I test a new skin care product?

• Every night before bedtime, apply a small amount behind an ear and leave it on overnight. Do this for 5 days.
• If there is no skin irritation, follow the same procedure, this time applying the product on an area alongside an eye.
• If you still don't see irritation, the product should be safe for your face and other sensitive body parts.

Whether your skin sensitivity is the result of a skin disorder, a reaction to a product, or to sudden change in weather, it requires extra care. Making these small changes in your daily skin care regimen can help improve your skin condition.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on January 28, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph. 

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ON FACIALS

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ON FACIALS

THE PURPOSE OF STEAMING IS TO OPEN YOUR PORES.

You must have encountered estheticians explain to you during a facial that steaming is used to open up the pores. The simple truth is that pores don't open and close like doors. The real reason for steaming is to soften the hardened oil in the pore for easier extraction and deeper pore cleansing. The soothing cold towel after a facial doesn't close your pores either.

IT IS NORMAL TO BREAKOUT AFTER A FACIAL.

There is no reason you should break out after a facial. If you do, it’s because the esthetician used the wrong products, or did not do the extraction properly. The esthetician should examine each pore and assess whether the blackhead can be safely extracted. If she thinks that the debris is ready to come out, then it is gently pushed out. If it does not budge, the esthetician should not force it out. You can end up with a scar, or cause the bacteria to spread out.

EXTRACTIONS SHOULD HURT.

Extraction is usually the most dreaded part of any facial procedure. You may have at one time experienced excruciating pain during extraction by a poorly trained esthetician. Contrary to what the esthetician may tell you, extraction should not cause a great deal of pain. You have all the right to complain if she is using too much pressure. Tell her to go easy on your skin. If, after applying gentle pressure, the comedones are not budging, then she should leave them alone. 

CLAY MASKS CAN DRAW IMPURITIES OUT OF THE SKIN.

Clay masks can absorb oil and can dry up infected breakouts, but they cannot draw blackheads and impurities out of the skin. The only way blackheads can be removed is by manual extraction. Masks are actually designed to improve the delivery of active ingredients into the skin.  Vitamin C is one of the most widely used active. Serums with collagen builders or lightening agents are also quite popular.

FACIALS ARE FOR PAMPERING.

You get more than pampering with facials. For many minor and common skin concerns, having a regular facial can help immensely. If you have dry, or oily, acne-prone skin, facials can help keep your skin balanced. Estheticians are trained to perform regular skin care procedures, and make you feel pampered at the same time.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on January 14, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.