A Cosmus Guide to Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin refers to a skin type that is more prone to irritation and adverse reactions when exposed to certain substances or environmental factors. People with sensitive skin may experience symptoms such as redness, itching, burning, dryness, or even breakouts when they come into contact with certain skincare products, cosmetics, detergents, fragrances, or environmental triggers like sunlight, wind, or extreme temperatures.

Sensitive skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, allergies, underlying skin conditions (such as eczema or rosacea), or using products with harsh chemicals or fragrances. Managing sensitive skin typically involves using gentle, hypoallergenic skincare products, avoiding known triggers, and protecting the skin from harsh environmental conditions.

In the case of Chronic skin sensitivity;

Doctors may prescribe various treatments and skincare products to help manage sensitive skin, depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

 

But What if it is not Chronic? What if its a side effect of the wrong products you are using or the wrong lifestyle you are leading?

Skin allergies caused by food, also known as food-induced dermatitis or food allergy-related eczema, occur when the immune system reacts to certain proteins in food. This reaction can manifest as various skin symptoms, including itching, redness, swelling, hives, eczema flare-ups, or even more severe reactions like anaphylaxis in rare cases. Here's a brief overview of the scientific understanding of food-induced skin allergies:

1. The immune system mistakenly identifies specific proteins in the food as harmful invaders when a person with a food allergy consumes or comes into contact with the allergenic food. This triggers an immune response, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and skin reactions.
2. Certain foods are more commonly associated with skin allergies, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, although any food can potentially trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
3. Some individuals may experience cross-reactivity, where proteins in certain foods resemble those in other allergenic foods or environmental allergens, leading to allergic reactions to structurally similar foods.
4. The primary management strategy for food-induced skin allergies involves strict avoidance of the offending food(s). Additionally, individuals may be prescribed antihistamines or topical corticosteroids to alleviate skin symptoms during allergic reactions. In severe cases, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) may be necessary to treat potentially life-threatening reactions.

Skin allergies caused by skincare products, also known as allergic contact dermatitis, occur when the skin comes into direct contact with substances that trigger an immune response. These substances, known as allergens, can be found in various skincare and cosmetic products. Here's a scientific brief on skin allergies caused by skincare:

1. Allergens in Skincare Products: Fragrances and preservatives are among the most common allergens found in skincare products.
2. Immune Response: When an allergen comes into contact with the skin, it can penetrate the outer layer and trigger an immune response in susceptible individuals. This immune response involves the activation of T cells and the release of inflammatory mediators, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and rash.
3. Common Allergens: Fragrances, both synthetic and natural, are one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis from skincare products. Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone (MI) and formaldehyde releasers (e.g., diazolidinyl urea) are also frequent culprits. Other potential allergens include nickel, lanolin, propylene glycol, and various botanical extracts.
4. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis caused by skincare products typically involves patch testing, where small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin under occlusion to identify specific triggers. A dermatologist or allergist typically performs this testing.
5. Management: Management of allergic contact dermatitis involves identifying and avoiding the offending skincare products or ingredients. This may require careful reading of ingredient labels and using hypoallergenic or fragrance-free products.
6. Prevention: Prevention of allergic contact dermatitis involves minimizing exposure to known allergens. Patch testing can help identify specific triggers, allowing individuals to make informed choices about skincare product selection. Additionally, using products labeled as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and formulated for sensitive skin may reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Now Cosmus Remedies

From understanding to how your body works and what your body needs to intentional choices, we have several solutions to taking care of the skin.

1. Understand your blood. What nutrients are you deprived of and what products cause allergic reactions to you.
2. Strengthen your immune system by eating well and exercising
3. Stop Stressing. Mind-body connection is stronger than you think.
4. Go for a minimal approach to life. Keep it simple.
5. Use less chemicals.
6. Embrace Wabi Sabi
7. And lastly Skincare.

Choose ingredients that are high in natural AHAs & BHAs (your natural exfoliants, antioxidants) instead of concentrated versions of it. Always go for products that will help your skin create than rely. Self-sufficiency is key to find a balance.

Some ingredients we swear by are Rice, Lily flower, Ginseng, Fruit extracts and of course Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

Now our case study !

Recently, we came across a customer who was suffering from severe skin allergy, similar to psoriasis that was spreading across her body. We suggested that she use Serum eclat as spot treatment to help wound healing and reduce inflammation due to the presence of Fucogel® and Lily cell leaf extract in it. Clinically tested, these ingredient increase cell turnover to bring that fresh layer of healthy skin on top that is nutrient dense.

To both our surprise, she healed in less than 2 weeks! And the best part? It stopped spreading.

You don't believe us?

Let's break down our formulation and try it for yourself !

We use Oryza Sativa (rice) startch and hydrolyzed rice protein (peptides) to kick start healing and reduce sun damage. This also has a high amount of antioxidants that flush out free radicals and help the skin produce its own ceramides with plant glycerin.

While Lily cell extract is called the natural alternative to botox for its rapid cell regeneration properties, Fucogel® accelerates skin healing and locks in moisture. Another key ingredient that is tested and proven for wound healing is Plant Glycerin. Synergy works best for skin repair and resistance to damage.

SERUM ECLAT

GENTLE. FREQUENT. NATURAL.

Vegan 🌱 Cruelty Free
MADE IN FRANCE