Is skin becoming more sensitive?

Is skin becoming more sensitive?

If you’ve got sensitive, or easily irritated skin, you may be experiencing more flare-ups recently than ever before, even if you are using a targeted sensitive skin routine. This could be down to lifestyle triggers, but it can be environmental, too. Let’s have a look at why everyone’s skin could be becoming more sensitive.

Ever-increasing pollution.



World Health Organization data shows that nine out of ten people are breathing air that contains high levels of pollutants. And, if we’re breathing it - you can guarantee it’s landing on our skin, too. While city-livers will be more accustomed to pollution e.g. the smog that hangs over cities, smoke from any vehicles and even household dust can have an effect on everyone’s skin.



Pollution emits free radicals which, when on skin, ‘scavenge’ around looking for particles to pair with. This can cause unseen issues, but the seen or felt damage is usually in the form of sensitivity, redness or itchiness. Skin, when covered in pollution, also finds it more difficult to breathe. In this case, a cleanse or double cleanse is detrimental, especially in the evening.Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser is our go-to for double cleansing. To give skin extra comfort and cleanliness, follow up with Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel with irritation-neutralizing ingredients. A moisturizer with a high antioxidant level here is key, plus with anti-irritation ingredients to prevent flare-ups, and for this: Global Protection Day Cream is your go-to.


Over exfoliation.



Not so long ago, excess shine was the enemy of the skin conscious. Blotting papers, shine-control powders and oil-zapping skincare were the norm, however trends shifted to the bright, glowing complexion. In the last 5 years, Google Trends reported that searches for ‘glowing skin’ rose by 64%, however in the last year ‘sensitive skin’ has taken over in the percentage of searches.



Products that impart a glowing complexion have flooded the market and, while moisturizers can impart a dewy glow, most people reach for exfoliation products to slough away dead cells, revealing a smooth, light-reflecting complexion. However, if these aren’t balanced, or we’re using them too much, skin can become inflamed, reddened and start peeling. With skincare for sensitive skin in mind, we developed our famous Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, and 96% agreed it did not irritate their skin.* However if you’ve overdone it with other exfoliators in the quest for glowing skin, Evercalm Ultra-Comforting Rescue Mask is your go-to here, being proven to calm and soothe skin within 30 minutes.


Sun and Blue Light.



Is your Zoom call aging you? Chances are - it probably is. Devices like laptops and phone screens emit Blue Light which can have a similar damaging impact to skin as UVA and UVB light from the sun. And, since the outbreak of COVID-19 has kept us either indoors, or with the outdoors being predominantly the location of our recreational activities - our skin is being exposed to potentially damaging rays for a large part of the day - causing burning, inflammation and irritation.



Luckily this is a relatively simple one to avoid. Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 is an immediate, physical guard that protects skin against Blue Light, UVA and UVB rays, with the added benefit of antioxidant protection, and beautifully skin-mattifying finish. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and won’t cause blemishes, while being easily applied throughout the day. You’ll want to make sure your skin is aptly moisturized before applying, and use Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser in the evening to break it down and wash off before bedtime.


Face Coverings and Maskne.



“Maskne” (which is worth a Google search) is a new term in the beauty world, and not one of the desirable ones, either. Born from the now-in-places compulsory need to wear face masks or coverings, increasing amounts of people are reporting breakouts while wearing masks. This can be down to the accumulation of sweat and oil being pressed against the skin, clogging pores more easily as the friction caused by face coverings impairs the skin barrier.



Friction itself can cause sensitivity. For example, you may notice red patches or indents when taking off your mask after the day. Here calls for the need for a replenishing mask, and Ultra-Comforting Rescue Mask can’t be hailed enough here. Clinically proven to calm and soothe skin after 30 minutes*, it’s the beauty mask you’ll want to swap your face covering for after a long day of being safe and responsible. We also recommend a double cleanse after wearing your mask, and proper moisturization to give skin a protected barrier, and the ability to bounce back.


*96% agreed it does not irritate. Evaluated by a consumer study. 



*Clinically proven to significantly calm and soothe skin after 30 minutes. Assessed by a dermatologist and subjective evaluation.