Sensitive skin

Dear Dr. Jen,

Is it possible to suddenly develop sensitive skin?  As I have gotten older, I noticed that my skin reacts easily to things I use on my face.  Which ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?

Carmi

Dear Carmi,

Sensitive skin irritates easily in reaction to some skincare products, or stress or to the immediate environment.  We experience red patches, some itching, tingling or tightness.  As we age, we become less sensitive to stress, but more sensitive to other things like rough fabrics because skin becomes more fragile.

You can decrease skin sensitivity by moisturizing properly and using the right skin care products.  Using gentler products while avoiding harsh ones is a good tip. You don’t want to feel any tightness after washing. And you don’t want to feel any stinging after applying anti-ageing or moisturizing products. To be on the safer side, treat your skin like it was baby skin.  On this note, choose hypoallergenic and fragrance free products and you won’t go wrong. Lastly, avoid using scrubs because this will irritate sensitive skin further.

* * *

Dear Dr. Jen,

My daughter’s facial acne has resolved but her back and chest are still filled with some pimples and scars.  What can I do to treat it?

Milly

Dear Milly,

Chest and back acne are usually worsened by sweat and heat. If your daughter is sweaty in her uniform a lot, then that may compound the problem.  Using cotton tops and changing when sweaty will help decrease the trapping of heat inside.

Your first objective should be to dry up existing pimples.  This is done by using products containing retinol or tretinoin.  After breakout is controlled, you will want to lighten the scars.  Chemical peels for skin lightening may be more economical since this can be done weekly.  The chest and back is such a large surface area that small bottles of cream can be easily consumed after a few days.  Skin care products containing alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) can help dry out pimples and lighten blemishes, albeit weakly.

You can always ask your PDS derma for prescription medicines.  Some prescription meds can be stronger than over the counter ones.  Bring a list of the products your daughter had already tried.  And remember it takes a little patience to see results.  Good luck!