Sensitivity to Products and the Treatments to Resolve: Part Two

In this second part on Sensitivity to Products and the Treatments (part one is here), we dive deeper into acne and age management products.

Acne and Age Management Issues

There are two groups that may need special attention when it comes to the acne and age management issues.

Age Management

Age Management is inundated with many choices. When it comes to sensitivity, sometimes the blending of a cleanser, moisturizer, and makeup can setup someone’s skin with sensitivity, either in the short run or over a period of time. No burning, itching, or tightness are the usual go-to warning signs.

One of the signs we look for are if there are red and/or flakey issues especially around the brow, corner of the nose, or sides of the lower lips.

Bumps on the upper chest (especially in the summer) – can be a telling sign of possible allergic reaction to the sun. What this particular issue tells me is that the sun not only affected the top layer if the skin, but also underneath the surface (So, the oils on the surface cannot be protected – injuring the DNA, the collagen and elastin).

It’s called free radical damage that stimulate sensitivities and inflammation and possibly allergic, histamine reaction.

We like broad spectrum SPF (UVA-UVB) products that are reapplied every couple hours. One product that makes it easy for outside application can be purchased on Amazon called Block on Brush.

Things to remember when you are applying are:

  • Are your eyes not watering
  • It does not mix well with makeup

As a rule, sunblock and screens are usually not a hydration product, as they are intended to sit on the surface.

It is likely with the desire to eliminate the wrinkles, providing better tone, addressing the sag and pore size that stronger ingredient products are recommended.

Retinol is an alcohol and can be drying. Retinoic Acid can cause irritation, and other antiaging mixes can cause low inflammation and swelling, and chronic low-level irritation (without you really knowing it’s going on).

Also, with many professional services such as laser treatments and chemical peels, adding a product mix on top can be helpful.

Acne

The second issue is acne.

If acne is present on the skin, it is recommended that micro-needling, micro-dermabrasion, vacuum, applying pressure, and scraping be avoided, especially when there are cystic lesions present.

Some techniques that are OK can be IPL, Intense Pulse Light, or photo facials, LED Light Emitting Diode and non-stimulation services.

Obviously, there is likely a need to use specialized products to match the goals and concerns. Some of the ingredients that may be something to watch out for as reactions are more common are: BPO’s or Benzoyl Peroxide, acids such as Glycolic or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acid or Beta Hydroxy Acids, heavy manual scrubs and high percentages of alcohol.

If your skin is burning, itchy, or tight, then adding more irritants is not the answer.

We often recommend charting your breakouts can be helpful in figuring out what may be an affecter. Too much or the wrong type of oil or sebum (non-comedogenic) can cause: flacking skin or hyperaeration, or Hormonal fluctuations.

Most clients have tried other avenues such as over the counter, multi-level marketing products, and asking a doctor (That isn’t a dermatologist) for a recommendation, but the missing piece I find is the conversation on what has worked, what has not in previous treatments.

An easy component I find is getting the skin hydrated, making sure the makeup is removed properly, and a product balance on the surface that helps with dealing with the oil, dead skin and bacteria.

Part One