Have you got sensitive skin? Are you tired of hearing contradictory information? Well, on our side we love clean and clear science. There are so many myths out there about sensitive skin care and we think it’s time for some mythbusting. A little look in to the folklore behind those sensitive sweethearts if you will. Whether you have acne, rosacea, or allergy-prone skin, you may think there’s not much you can use on your prickly complexion. But, you could be limiting yourself. Here’s fifteen sensitive skin care myths to erase from your mind, after you’ve told some friend in need first, obviously!
Sensitivity is caused by allergies
While it’s possible that allergies to certain ingredients can cause unwanted skin reactions, in most instances, sensitive skin appears when the skin’s barrier becomes weak. The reason for a weakened barrier? That can be anything from stress, improper cleaning, UV exposure and even hormonal changes. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you have an allergy in the first instance and concentrate on working to build that barrier back up.
Only people with dry skin suffer from sensitivity
Dry skin can become sensitive and sore if you don’t treat it correctly. However, any skin type, regardless of whether it’s dry, oily, or something in between can become sensitive. Dehydration is a prime cause, but so is chronic subclinical inflammation. Anyone with sensitive skin should make sure they consume plenty of water and maintain a consistent skincare regime that includes an appropriate moisturiser – even if your skin is oily.
You can’t wear perfume if you have sensitive skin
Some fragrances can cause adverse effects if you use them when you have sensitive skin. Still, that doesn’t mean people with skin prone to flare ups have to avoid perfume altogether. Depending on the cause for your skin discomfort, you might just have to avoid products that contain particular additives and ingredients.
Sensitive skin is always sensitive
Sensitive skin can be triggered from a number of sources so while there may be days that you wish you could sort it out for good, there will also be days where you’ll be flaunting a glow. Either way, keep on smiling.
Skin care products won’t help sensitive skin
Knowing your skin is the best solution and skin products can absolutely help. Getting in the know WILL help sensitive skin. FYI, our hydrating face cream helps support your skin’s good bacteria, evens out your complexion, while also nourishing and protecting your skin. Our Facial Foaming Cleanser helps support your skin’s good bacteria for a clearer complexion and the cleansing bar uses patented complex of prebiotics and lactic acid to nourish your skin.
You should never use Retinoids
Anyone can use a retinoid if they know how. There will always be a point where things get a little worse before they get better but if you push through your skin can become healthier and more resilient. You can even lessen its harsh effects by layering it over a moisturiser that has anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide.
People with sensitive skin shouldn’t exfoliate
While you don’t want to overdo on the exfoliation if you are rosacea or an allergic type (removing that protective barrier is a no-no), you should come up with a mild exfoliation routine if you are acne-prone. The Gallinée Face Mask & Scrub provides the skin with an instant radiance boost by delicately exfoliating the skin and stimulating microcirculation. This will help to keep your pores nice and clean!
Sensitive skin outbreaks are unavoidable
This brings us back to being in the know. Prepare your skin and let it breathe when you’re at home. Know what causes it to break out. Protect it in harsh conditions and always ensure you’re safeguarding it from the sun.
There are no triggers for sensitive skin
Food, makeup, sun exposure, harsh weather can all be triggers for skin reactions. Identifying these triggers is the first step in avoiding symptoms.
Regular use of moisturisers causes sensitivity
It’s certainly not true that you can only use basic moisturisers or prescription-only skincare if you have sensitive skin. In fact, it’s important that you use a good cleanser, because improper cleansing can reduce barrier function and as we’ve firmly said, a barrier is your best friend. As always, just check the labels for any ingredient triggers. The fragrance-free and natural Gallinée light and creamy Hydrating Face Cream nourishes the skin with a high-performance hydrating formula that soothes, protects and brightens – it even has a patented Triple Biotic Complex of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support your skin’s microbiome in the most gentle and effective way possible.
“Hypoallergenic” means non-irritating
Hypoallergenic doesn’t necessarily mean gentle or free of allergens as cosmetic companies are not required to meet any regulations or do any testing to validate their claims. There are no set standards for this term and if you are indeed allergic to certain ingredients, you’ll always need to check for them on the label.
Cosmetics will make sensitive skin worse
We all love to paint our faces to paint the town and it wouldn’t be fair if those sensitive ladies weren’t able to join in. The key to avoiding a break-out is all in the prep work and using the products that you know suit you. ‘Breathable’ foundations with soothing plant extracts are great for the skin and there are plenty of tinted moisturisers out there that could potentially be the one. That being said, we love the fact that our customers tell us that they don’t feel the need to wear foundation thanks to Gallinée, and well, that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The more expensive the skin cream, the better the results
We don’t think so! There’s absolutely nothing to say that more expensive brands work any better. Expensive creams and treatments can sometimes just be more indicative of a successful marketing plan and there’s been plenty of blind tests to prove it. We’d always suggest taking a look at the ingredients in a product to work out whether it’s worth the price. Due to the high concentration of natural active ingredients in Gallinée products, we price accordingly and still remain affordable.
Steamy showers will hydrate your skin
In reality, long and hot showers can dry out your skin so as lovely as they can be, don’t make this an everyday experience. Baths and showers should be warm and short but sweet!
Oily sensitive skin does not require moisturiser
Oily skin absolutely requires moisturiser. If your skin becomes dry, your skin will produce more oil to lubricate the skin. Moisturising can reduce the amount of oil your skin produces by keeping your skin hydrated and reducing your body’s need to produce its own oils.
So there you have it.
If you take a moment to read that list and consider that none of the statements mentioned are 100% accurate; you should manage to avoid falling into the same pitfalls. If you ever have any concerns about skin sensitivity; you should always consult a professional.
