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Do I have “Sensitive Skin”?

Millions of people have sensitive skin, but depending on who you ask, its definition can vary. Most dermatologists will tell you that a significant portion of their practice is made up of those reporting sensitive skin.

What’s the definition of “Sensitive Skin”?

Sensitive skin affects millions of people and, depending on who you ask, its definition can vary. Most dermatologists will tell you that a significant portion of their practice is made up of those reporting sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin can include four distinctive types: Acne, Rosacea, Burning & Stinging, and contact dermatitis (allergies and irritants). These all have one common characteristic: Inflammation.

Rosacea has been classified into four main subtypes according to the symptoms that often occur together. The symptoms of each subtype can range from mild to severe in expression and typically worsen if left untreated. Rosacea is a very diverse condition that can manifest with the symptoms of only one subtype, more than one subtype, or all four. Redness, or erthema, is associated with just about every subtype of rosacea.

Acne in Teens and adults

Acne can be effectively treated, although response may vary from person to person based on a number of factors, including skin type. Although acne is usually most severe during teenage years, adults are also afflicted.

The earlier acne is treated the more likely scarring will be minimized, so a proactive approach is important. Modern science has allowed for the development of oral treatments that contain and suppress varying degrees of acne. That said, antibiotic resistance is becoming a global problem and causing a need to revise our approach to acne management.

With this in mind, how individuals care for their skin at home can have an impact on one’s skin.

Sensitive Skin

Millions of people have sensitive skin, but depending on who you ask, its definition can vary. Most dermatologists will tell you that a significant portion of their practice is made up of those reporting sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin can include four distinctive types: Acne, Rosacea, Burning & Stinging, and contact dermatitis (allergies and irritants) and these all have one common characteristic: Inflammation.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is mainly an inconvenience that leaves one feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious. Although some experience dryness on their body, it is facial dryness that prompts a search for treatment options. Dry skin can appear as:

  • Rough Skin
  • Scaly Skin
  • Itchy Skin
  • Chapped Skin
  • Red Skin

Causes of Dryness

  • Hormonal changes
  • Weather Extremes, hot or cold. Low humidity levels can also dry skin out
  • Soaps, Cleansers and Detergents can also “strip” the skin of natural occurring moisture
  • Unprotected Sun Exposure and use of tanning beds

Managing Dry Skin

If you suffer from dry skin, you already know there a thousands of products claiming to be “the best” The challenge for consumers is to find the product best-suited to the individual.

Based on dermatology principles, Dr. Jason K. Rivers, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of British Columbia, recommends exploring the following in order to control your situation:

  • Live a healthy lifestyle with consideration to a diet that supports bright and healthy skin
  • Use products that do not contain harmful chemicals
  • Avoid unprotected sun exposure
  • Incorporate a routine at home that includes scientifically based hydration
  • Consider seeing a medical aesthetic skin professional or doctor about treatment options, should your dryness persist

Dr. Rivers sees a varied range of skin conditions and problems in his daily dermatology practice. Based upon his experience, he developed Riversol, a natural product based from an organic compound first discovered in the essential oil of the Western Red Cedar tree in the 1930’s by First Nations peoples. His goal was to develop a safe, hypoallergenic skin care line that helps minimize the effects of Acne.

Blackheads

Also known as comedones, blackheads typically have a wider opening than normal and will present as “black plugs” in the upper layers of the skin. 

Formed by sebum (oil) and skin debris, blackheads occur when oils cannot follow a natural pathway or drain freely to the skins surface, in essence resulting in a back log of debris. Clogged debris, once formed and exposed