Depending on our lifestyle or genetic make-up, our skin can become more sensitive.
Sophim invites you to discover the signs of sensitive skin, prone to irritation, and how our ingredients can respond to this problem.
Sensitive skin is a hot topic: in China, 59% of women are looking for specialised products for sensitive skin; in Brazil, 16% of women had skin problems between February 2019 and 2020, and 23% for Brazilian women over 55.[1]
[1] Source: Mintel GNPD
Sensitive skin is skin that has a higher reactivity threshold to external aggressions or stimuli. Pollution, new cosmetic products, hard water, temperature changes, household products, rubbing of clothes… Physical, chemical, hormonal or psychological, these factors are multiple and can trigger a reaction of the epidermis. Sensitive skin is not allergic skin, but it does show a greater response than so-called normal skin to aggression.
What are the symptoms of sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin may show discomfort, as well as possible redness, also called erythema. The skin may be tingling, tight, hot or itchy. It may also be intolerant to certain products, especially cosmetics.
Sensitive skin reacts more strongly than so-called “normal” skin. This is due to the fact that the epidermis has had its lipid barrier altered, which allows any irritating agents to penetrate it. A good way to deal with reactive, intolerant skin is to treat it with ingredients of natural origin, avoid perfumes and alcohols for example, and moisturise it to help it rebuild a protective and effective lipid barrier.
For this, our ingredients for sensitive skin such as emollients of natural origin will be particularly effective. Phytosqualan, Insapolive or Biophytosebum contain squalane or squalene of olive origin, and offer moisturising and repairing functions. Ingredients such as Vegeline 65 and Vegeline 70 offer a natural alternative to petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is a product widely used in cosmetics for its many benefits, but this ingredient is petrochemical-based and, for sensitive skin, its natural alternative is recommended. Similarly, the use of waxes as texturising agents is common in cosmetics, however for a formulation intended for sensitive skin, it would be more appropriate to favour waxes of natural origin such as our Phytowax range.
