Dermalogica for Sensitive Skin

Skin sensitivity is caused due to a weakened skin barrier. The barrier, which is often referred to as the lipid barrier, is the layer on the surface of the skin which protects the deeper skin layers from pollutants, harmful chemicals, irritants and the environment. Its job is also to lock in goodness and moisture. The lipid barrier is a combination of dead skin cells which are glued (joined) together with oil (lipids). If the barrier is damaged or weakened because there is insufficient oil to keep it together, it affects how it functions. Breaks in the barrier allow for irritants to get under the skin and valuable water to seep out. There are some resemblances between sensitive skin and allergic skin reactions. In both instances, the damaged barrier is unable to stop irritants seeping into the deeper skin layers, which trigger a reaction. Allergic skin reactions are often caused by individual ingredients, while a more general reaction to irritants is known as having sensitive skin. Despite hypersensitivity being confused with allergic skin reactions from time to time, they are, in truth very different.

Shirley recommends:

• Cleanser: Precleanse Balm, UltraCalming Cleanser

• Exfoliator: Daily Microfoliant

• Toner: UltraCalming Mist

• Corrective Serum: Redness Relief Essence

• Moisturiser: Calm Water Gel (AM), Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 , Barrier Repair (PM)

• Targeted Treatments: Barrier Defence Booster, UltraCalming Serum Concentrate