Sensitive and Dry Skin

It is tight, itching, and burning; there are skin flaking and reddened skin… Are you slowly losing patience with your skin? Take a deep breath. Your care needs just a little more time and attention.

The experts of Kneipp Skin Research have therefore addressed dry and sensitive skin and for this particular purpose developed a special care line ((link to the landing page Almond Flowers Soft Skin)).

Diagnosis: Do I Have Dry and Sensitive Skin At All?

For the condition of dry-sensitive skin, there is still no clear scientific definition. Generally, it often responds with high sensitivity to influences that are not a problem for normal skin: Thus, the skin has a low tolerance and is easily irritated.

Among other things, this is due to impairment of the skin barrier. This protective coat is like a shell on our skin and prevents it from drying out, from pathogens and from intrusion of contaminants and irritants. In dry skin, however, the natural protective layer is disturbed. One reason: Fat and moisture are lacking. Many processes of the skin are reduced to a minimum. In addition, the skin’s own moisturizing factors such as urea may be lacking.

This becomes noticeable – in the form of visible (clinical), non-visible (subclinical) and measurable (objective) symptoms.
Dry and sensitive skin is therefore not necessarily visually recognizable. Sometimes only invisible symptoms occur: constant burning, tingling or itching. Visible signs are redness, skin flaking or swelling.

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At a glance: Measurable changes that lead to dry and sensitive skin

Measurable changes in dry-sensitive skin	Dermatological effects
increased transepidermal water loss	the skin loses moisture and dries out
lower density and thickness of the stratum corneum	permeability to pollutants increases
elevated pH value of the skin surface	the skin barrier becomes fragile and sensitive
disturbed hydrolipid layer of the skin surface	the skin surface becomes dry and flaky
disturbed lipid matrix within the skin barrier	the skin loses moisture and elasticity

What Triggers Skin Sensitivity?

Especially in developed countries such as the USA, France, Japan, and Germany, the proportion of people with sensitive skin is high, on average about 55 percent, whereas the incidence in China is, for example, only 23 percent.

Environment and temperature

Environment and temperature

The seasons play a big role, as both in winter and in summer the skin is greatly affected by external factors. In addition, cold- and heat-induced temperature fluctuations caused by heating air and air-conditioning systems dry the skin up and make it more vulnerable. Long-term sun exposure additionally leads to reduction in the skin barrier function.
Occupation

Occupation

Occupational groups that have frequent contact with water or chemicals are particularly prone to develop dry and sensitive skin. For chemicals corrode the skin barrier, making it more permeable to pollutants. Work with surfactants, organic solvents, coolants or metals can cause either direct damage to the skin barrier or trigger immunological reactions.
Hormonal influences

Hormonal influences

Hormonal changes in the body, such as during puberty, pregnancy or during menopause, can lead to dry and sensitive skin, as the barrier function decreases. Many women report sensitive skin especially in menopause, which is probably due to the fact that the skin becomes thinner and thus more susceptible to negative environmental influences.
Age

Age

In addition to hormonal, age-related changes of the skin, there are other physiological changes over the course of life: Thus, Kneipp^{^®} skin research was able to prove that with age the resilience of the skin decreases sharply due to increased skin pH. The skin becomes more sensitive and more susceptible to external influences, and skin regeneration is slowed.
Individual predisposition and skin diseases

Individual predisposition and skin diseases

Various systemic diseases such as diabetes or renal or thyroid disorders can promote loss of skin moisture and thus dry out the skin. Skin diseases such as psoriasis or atopic eczema likewise lead to increased skin sensitivity by doing damage to the skin barrier.
Lifestyle

Lifestyle

In science, many other causes for the emergence of sensitive skin are being discussed. For example, stress, smoking, diet, medication, and excessive use of cosmetics are responsible for the occurrence of sensitive skin conditions.

Various influences lead to moisture loss. The skin becomes dry and sensitive (left). Appropriate care compensates for the lack of moisture and supports the functions of the skin barrier (right).

How Do I Take Care of Dry and Sensitive Skin?

Even hot water already dehumidifies the skin. Anyone who thinks that applying a thick layer of moisturizer is all that is needed will be disappointed with the results. “More is better” does not apply in the care of dry and sensitive skin. Regular and especially appropriate care is what matters.

The active compounds thus need to counteract the processes that lead to dry and sensitive skin. Kneipp’s experts consider mineral oil-based care products as unsuitable for the care of dry and sensitive skin. They have a negative effect on the regeneration of the skin, as they are occlusive, i.e. form a film on the skin.
Rather, nourishing and moisturizing substances that support the function of the skin barrier are the basis of suitable products. The further basic requirements are good compatibility and low allergenic potential.

Almond oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and panthenol, for example, have been found in studies to meet these requirements. They are therefore also part of the Kneipp Care Series Almond Blossoms Soft Skin. This includes particularly mild cleaning and care products specifically developed for the needs of dry and sensitive skin.

Dry and Sensitive? Empathize With Your Skin

Diagnosis: Do I Have Dry and Sensitive Skin At All?

Top 5 Products for Dry and Sensitive Skin:

What Triggers Skin Sensitivity?

Environment and temperature

Occupation

Hormonal influences

Age

Individual predisposition and skin diseases

Lifestyle

How Do I Take Care of Dry and Sensitive Skin?

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