Pacify your skin's sensitivity with these 4 star ingredients

As the body’s largest organ, the skin is a complex (and beautiful) barometer of our health. Making peace with our skin isn't always so obvious though thanks to environmental triggers, genetics, stress, and skincare mishaps that can disrupt the balance. Whether you were born with sensitive, irritable skin or whether the world has made you that way, here are four ingredients to help you make peace with your skin's sensitivity and bring serenity to it once and for all!

According to a recent study, ∼60–70% of women and 50–60% of men report having some degree of sensitive skin. Simply put, skin sensitivity and reactivity occur when the nerve endings in the top layer of the skin become irritated. When the skin's barrier is compromised, you can say hello to immune reactivity.

SIGNS OF SENSITIVITY 

Is your skin stressed? The skin is a defensive organ, so it’s important to remember that it’s going to be reactive more often than not. Whether you suffer from a skin disorder (rosacea, eczema, dermatitis etc.) or feel discomfort from seasonal changes or with your current skincare routine, defensive skin can present itself as:

  • *Itching
  • *Tightness
  • *Stinging
  • *Burning
  • *Redness
  • *Dryness  

PACIFYING INGREDIENTS TO FIGHT REDNESS & INFLAMMATORY STATES

Tranexamic Acid: This hero ingredient is creating a lot of buzz in the skincare world as it works wonders to address post-inflammatory states such as over-pigmentation sun exposure, acne-fighting therapies, and laser treatments. To improve redness and pigmentation due to melasma and age spots, tranexamic acid is the answer! Tip: It can be used AM/PM and mixed into your usual serum and cream.

 

Board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Lina Kennedy weighs in on Tranexamic acids in skincare:

In recent years, tranexamic acid received added attention for its ability to reduce melanin synthesis. It is a powerful ingredient that can improve the appearance of discoloration and brighten the skin. Generally, it is safe on all skin types. Since it’s gentle on its own it can easily be paired with other effective anti- hyperpigmentation ingredients, like Vitamin C, retinol and sunscreen.

Madecassoside: The magic of Madecassoside is rooted in its ability to reduce inflammatory chain reactions. With its soothing and healing properties, it’s one of our preferred ingredients at Swissline! We were one of the first Swiss brands to bring this active to the skincare market in 2006 for use in its Cell Shock Age Intelligence™ products after peelings, lasers, and dermabrasion. It remains today one of the core ingredients in Age Intelligence serums and creams and is the epitome of skin-intelligent skin recovery.

HEALING INGREDIENTS FOR A STRONGER SKIN BARRIER 

A compromised and broken down barrier makes for a sensitive and vulnerable state of affairs. As it’s your first line of defense, it’s crucial to maintain a strong and resilient skin barrier. When breakdown occurs, it’s easier for irritants and external aggressors to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and cause inflammation. 

THE POWER COUPLE 

Ceramides: Naturally present in the epidermis, ceramides are lipids with an amazing capacity to limit moisture loss and protect against damage from environmental stressors. Using moisturizers, serums, and calming creams with ceramides are a great way to replenish your skin’s stores.

Niacinamide: also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide boosts the skin’s production of ceramides, which in turn helps to prevent moisture loss and damage from environmental stressors.  When the skin holds moisture it is more elastic and firm and much less likely to get irritated and inflamed. Our newest addition to the Cell Shock Age Intelligence™ line, The Peace Booster is the perfect antidote to better healing and repair for irritable skin conditions.

For immediate soothing and calming, apply 2-3 drops directly to problematic zones or mix directly into your other skincare products.

Pacify your skin's sensitivity with these 4 star ingredients
Our latest Peace Booster to join our Age Intelligence collection

SOOTHING - EASE YOUR SKIN AND YOURSELF

Did you know stress can literally show up on your skin? The body releases cortisol as a response to stress, and cortisol itself causes an increase in oil production (blemishes, oily skin, increased sensitivity) and yes, inflammation.

Being in a prolonged state of stress slows the skin’s healing and recovery process which leaves your barrier in a weakened state. It’s bad news no matter how you twist or turn it. Finding your zen through rest, a healthy diet (less sugar!), and exercise is more important than ever, especially if you’re hoping to ease your skin's sensitivity.

SENSITIVE SKIN & INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

  • Fragrances 
  • Menthol
  • Eucalyptus
  • Essential oils
  • Camphor
  • Alcohol
  • Witch Hazel

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