Do I Have Sensitive Skin?

Do you have sensitive skin?  More often than not, we hear a resounding ‘yes’ as the answer. Sensitive skin comes in a variety of forms – itchiness, redness, tightness, burning, and dryness.  Skincare companies in years past would hear from about 50% of women saying that their skin type was ‘sensitive’.  These days, that number can be anywhere between 75% -90% depending on the day. That is a huge increase….but, why?

“A compromised skin barrier is the first step toward developing symptoms of sensitivity”, says Dr. Jason Rivers, a Vancouver-based dermatologist*.  Our skin barrier is the outermost layer of our skin and it performs important functions for an overall healthy appearance (think glowing, hydrated, soft, firm skin). It helps skin defend itself, protecting against skin dehydration and harsh elements like UV rays, pollutants, microbes, and chemicals that cause inflammation and damage the health of your skin. So basically, if your skin barrier is healthy, sensitivity can be reduced.

There are many contributing factors that may be the cause of your skin barrier being damaged, resulting in sensitivity.  

Too Many Products

The K-Beauty trend led us all down a path to glowy, glass-like skin but it also introduced a regimen of up to 12 products at a time. So many products mean exposure to way too many ingredients that in turn lead to an increased potential for irritation. Keeping your skincare routine simple with fewer products that nourish your skin barrier will help pamper your sensitive skin.

Harsh Products

Hey, we get it.  We want to delay aging and bring back our youthful glow too but too many exfoliants, both physical and chemical, can compromise your skin barrier. Reducing the frequency of application can help restore your skin barrier to a healthy state.

Going All-Natural

Just because something says ‘all-natural’ doesn’t mean it is not irritating to your skin.  If you are experiencing sensitivity to a natural product, check the ingredient label for the culprit.  Our skin can be allergic to certain extracts found in nature.  We love using natural extracts in our products but they are carefully selected and tested to be gentle on the skin.    

Solutions you ask?

If you fall into the sensitive skin category, there are a few things you can do to restore your skin barrier to a healthy state.

>>> For the ultimate in skin barrier defense, nothing compares to B-SILK™ PROTEIN. It creates an invisible shield that acts as an extension of your skin barrier, locking the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.

>>> Look for products that are loaded with lipids and other moisture-binding ingredients. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and healthy oils help protect your barrier and keep it hydrated and plump.

>>> Keep it simple.  Use products that are powerful yet gentle so less is more.  Our Firm + Replenish Serum is specifically formulated to restore your skin barrier to its healthy state.  Followed with a moisturizer that is right for your skin type will nourish the skin and reduce the sensitive feeling you have.

Sensitive skin doesn’t have to be your diagnosis forever.  By simply swapping out irritating products for ones that love your skin barrier (as much as we do!) is a great first step in returning your skin to a normal, healthy state. 

Looking for an easy to follow silk skincare regimen for the ultimate in skin barrier protection?

Step 1: Use our vegan silk serum, Firm + Replenish Serum to restore your Natural Moisturizing Factor

Step 2: Use the best skin barrier boosting silk moisturizer, Hydrate + Restore Rich Cream for normal to dry skin types and Revitalizing Hydrogel Moisturizer for oily and combo skin types

To make it easy, we put these together in our best-selling Eighteen B Essentials (psst you also save 18% when you buy them together).

*Reference from Fashion Magazine