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If I had to guess, I would say almost half of the male population have sensitive to very sensitive skin. Typically if you suffer from sensitive skin, you will experience one or a combination of the following:
- Skin Reactions: this is any sort of inflammation and/or discoloration that changes the skin’s normal appearance which can include reactions such as a rash, skin bumps, skin redness or spots due to putting something on, or doing something to your skin.
- Dry to Very Dry Skin: this is any sort of redness, tightness to the skin, itching, flaking, dry patches which can look like a rash. Sometimes, even touching the skin can be be painful and feel like a burning sensation if the skin is severely dry.
- Eczema, Psoriasis and/or Rosacea:
- Rosacea occurs primarily on the face and causes symptoms like easy and severe blushing or flushing, hotness, redness, bumps, and swelling. These symptoms often come and go, with periods of time when they are more severe and times when they are milder. Rosacea can develop at any age, even during childhood.
- Psoriasis can develop at any age, even during childhood. It tends to run in families and can change in severity over the years. When you have psoriasis, your immune system is overactive and treats your skin like a foreign invader. This creates inflammation inside the body, which is a cause of the symptoms seen on the skin.
- Eczema (also known as Atopic Dermatitis if long-lasting and severe) can develop at any age, even during infancy. Eczema tends to run in families, especially those prone to allergies and asthma. Eczema means skin inflamed and irritated. Eczema is usually itchy. For many people, the itch is usually only mild to moderate. In some cases it can be much worse and it can develop into extremely inflamed skin. Sometimes the itch gets so bad that people scratch it until it bleeds, which can make your eczema worse. This is called the “itch-scratch cycle.”
- Ingrowing Hairs: This is very common especially for Mediterranean men and those with very curly hair. The cause of normal ingrown hairs is that the regrowing hair curls back toward the skin rather than breaking the surface of the dermis. As a result, an inflamed bump pops up. Normal ingrown hairs are easy to treat. Severe Ingrown Hairs may be due to a combination of other sensitive skin factors that prevent even the thinnest and straightest hair from being able to break the skin when it regrows; in this case, please see a doctor.
Sometimes no matter what we do, sensitivity remains. When this is the case, please make an appointment to see a Dermatologist. I know as men this is not your preferred option but it can save a lot of time, pain and money in the long run to see a professional if your skin either is not improving or is getting worse.
What Skincare Routine Should I Follow for my Sensitive Skin?
Use a Gentle Cleanser Twice a Day
Use a cleanser that is free from irritants, scent and alcohol. For those of you with an oily sensitive skin type, the Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel is a great option which can be used on face and body. It cleans the skin without stripping it and is soap free. For those of you with more of a dry sensitive skin type, the Aesop Skin Fabulous Face Cleanser would be my recommendation. It is a mild olive-derived cleanser, which purifies and hydrates with botanicals. This will very gently cleanse your skin without stripping.
Moisturise Twice a Day
Use a moisturiser without irritants, perfume or alcohol. The key is for it to gentle and work for combination skin. Most people with sensitive or irritated skin can suffer from patches of dry skin and oily skin at the same time. A good moisturiser will help balance both. I think the L’Occitane Light 5% Shea Butter Face Cream is superb and even I reach for this when my skin becomes out of balance. It soothes and comforts without irritating or overwhelming the skin. Another great option is the Elemis S.O.S Emergency Cream especially if your skin is inflamed. It soothes irritated skin and aids the skin to rebalance and repair. It will even help treat any blemishes or spots on the skin.
Gently Exfoliate Once a Week
The Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator is very good for sensitive, dry skin. This very gentle skin polish smells divine and leaves the skin feeling fresh and extra clean without irritating the skin. Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask is another excellent option; it is easy and gentle on the skin yet very effective with probiotic technology to help nourish and balance the skin.
If you have any questions, please ask in the comments section below or send me an email.
