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EMPFINDLICHE HAUT UND GESUNDE HAUTBARRIERE - VENYA

SENSITIVE SKIN AND HEALTHY SKIN BARRIER

 

In the first part of the article on sensitive skin, we defined sensitive skin and then contrasted it with diseased skin and skin allergies. We also briefly touched upon the causes and triggers of hyperreactive skin.

In the second part, we want to particularly highlight one of the most important causes of sensitive skin, namely the excessive use of skincare and the use of irritating substances in care products, which can lead to damage to the skin barrier. This contradicts VENYA's skincare philosophy.

Afterwards, we will give you some tips on how to avoid hyperreactive skin or how to reduce skin sensitivity.

 

 

 

 

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Hyperreactive skin can have various causes. One of the main causes is the excessive use of skincare products and the use of irritating substances in these products. These can impair the skin barrier and lead to increased sensitivity. It is important to carefully check the ingredients of skincare products and avoid irritating substances.

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STRONG SKIN BARRIER – THE ALPHA AND OMEGA OF HEALTHY SKIN

To help you understand the phenomenon of sensitive skin, let's start with the aspect that is common to all people with sensitive skin: a damaged skin barrier. But what exactly is the skin barrier?

Our skin barrier consists of two elements:

  • from the outermost layer of the epidermis – the stratum corneum
  • from the acid mantle, which lies on the stratum corneum and is a mixture of sweat and sebum.  

 

The stratum corneum consists of skin cells and lipids and should remain as impermeable as possible. If proteins in the skin cells and lipids around the cells are damaged, the outermost skin layer becomes leaky. This results in, on the one hand, water loss from the skin and, on the other hand, a simplified entry of skin-unfriendly microbes into the epidermis.

A dense stratum corneum is thus the skin's first line of defense against unwanted microbes and dehydration.

The second line of defense is the acid mantle, whose miraculous effect lies in its acidic pH value. The acidic pH value of the skin surface (around 5) is a popular environment for skin-friendly microorganisms of our skin microbiome, while unwanted pathogens prefer an elevated pH value.

To reduce skin sensitivity or prevent hypersensitive skin, we should therefore primarily strengthen both lines of defense.

 

 

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An intact and strong skin barrier is crucial for healthy skin. It consists of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, and the acid mantle, a mixture of sweat and sebum. An intact skin barrier protects the skin from moisture loss and unwanted microorganisms. It is important to strengthen the skin barrier to reduce skin sensitivity.

 

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SENSITIVE SKIN AND WEAK SKIN BARRIER

Unfortunately, sensitive skin is already at a disadvantage: it is suspected in expert circles that the skin barrier in people with sensitive skin is thinner (i.e., consists of fewer layers).

Furthermore, sensitive skin is characterized by a reduced amount of skin's own lipids, ceramides.

This leads to the skin barrier of sensitive skin being less dense than that of insensitive and healthy skin, and therefore particularly needs to be protected.

But how can such a disadvantaged skin barrier be "densified"?

 

 

BIOMIMETIC SKINCARE WITH LIPID LAMELLAR TECHNOLOGY

Studies show that skin's own lipids in skincare products are perceived by the skin as its own lipids and can successfully supplement the gaps in the lipid network.

We should therefore prefer skincare products that contain skin's own lipids: ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.

It would be even better if the structure of the care product used mimicked the skin's own lipid structure. Lipids in the stratum corneum have a special structure that resembles (double) lamellae. Thanks to the latest lipid lamellar technology in skincare, such a structure can be used in care products.

And it is precisely this special lipid structure that VENYA uses in its skincare preparations – we call this concept biomimetic skincare, as it mimics natural, biological skin properties. (More on this here)

The use of skincare with biomimetic properties and skin's own lipids would therefore be a first, helpful step in densifying the skin barrier and reducing skin sensitivity.

 

 

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Biomimetic skincare with lipid lamellar technology aims to mimic the natural structure and function of skin lipids. Studies have shown that the use of skin-similar lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids can strengthen the skin barrier. Products with lipid lamellar technology can help to reduce skin sensitivity by supporting and supplementing the skin's lipid network.

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ACIDIC PH OF SKINCARE

 

The second line of defense against the development of sensitive skin and the avoidance of hyperreactions would be maintaining an acidic pH value of the skin. This can be achieved, among other things, with the help of products that have a slightly acidic pH value. Therefore, VENYA consistently uses a pH value of 4.9 in all its skincare products, which best supports the balance of the skin microbiome. We have already written about this in detail in this journal post (here).

 

 

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An acidic pH value in skincare is important to maintain the skin barrier. The natural pH value of the skin is around 5 and creates an environment that benefits skin-friendly microorganisms and counteracts unwanted pathogens. The use of skincare products with a slightly acidic pH value can help to reduce skin sensitivity and support the balance of the skin microbiome.

 

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FURTHER TIPS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

What else can we do to reduce skin sensitivity? Besides using skincare with skin-identical lipids and a lipid-like lamellar (biomimetic) structure, as well as an acidic pH value, you can support a healthy skin barrier through the following factors:

Firstly, avoid potentially irritating ingredients in skincare. These include, among others, higher amounts of ethanol (denat. alcohol), essential oils and their components, harsh surfactants in cleansers, and perfume.

Secondly, less is more. Higher concentrations of active ingredients in skincare, such as antioxidants or retinoids, can be beneficial for the skin. However, one should not start with high concentrations, but integrate them step by step into the skincare routine. The skin will tell you what it tolerates and when to stop. When in doubt: rather lower concentrated active ingredients than a weakened skin barrier.

Also, the entire skincare routine should not consist exclusively of highly concentrated active ingredients. Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and soothing substances should be in a balanced relationship with each other and be accompanied by skin-identical humectants and lipids.

Furthermore, you should not over-cleanse and over-exfoliate the skin, as both weaken the skin barrier functions.

Thirdly, a frequent change of skincare products or a regular adjustment of the skincare routine can overwhelm the skin, to which it may react with sensitivity. If a skin-friendly care product shows no negative effect on the skin (like redness or tightness), stick with it. The skin barrier will thank you for consistency in your care routine.

Finally, fourthly, consider daily application of a sunscreen with adequate UVA and UVA protection factors. UVA rays are the most important triggers of free radicals. Free radicals are not only responsible for damaging collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, but also for destroying skin proteins and lipids in the stratum corneum.

We hope that the extensive information on sensitive skin and tips on skin sensitivity will help you in selecting the right care products and putting together your skincare routine.

 

 

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  1. Avoid potentially irritating ingredients in skincare products such as denat. alcohol, essential oils, harsh surfactants, and perfume.
  2. Start with lower concentrations of active ingredients and gradually increase them to avoid overwhelming the skin.
  3. Ensure a balanced ratio of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, humectants, and lipids in your skincare routine.
  4. Avoid excessive cleansing and exfoliating, as this can weaken the skin barrier.
  5. Stick with skin-friendly care products that do not cause negative reactions on your skin.
  6. Apply sunscreen daily with adequate UVA and UVB protection to shield the skin from damage by free radicals.





 

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Sources for further reading

 

Viodé, C./Rouquier, A. et al. (2022): Specific protection of sensitive skin against environmental stress by maintenance and improvement of barrier function, in: Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 36 Suppl. 5:13-20

Nisbet, S.J./Targett D. et al (2019): Clinical and in vitro evaluation of new anti-redness cosmetic products in subjects with winter xerosis and sensitive skin, in: International Journal of Cosmetical Science, 41(6):534-547

Farage, MA (2019): The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin, in: Frontiers in Medicine, (6):98

Cho, H./Chung, B. et al. (2012): Quantitative study of stratum corneum ceramides contents in patients with sensitive skin, in: The Journal of Dermatology, 39(3):295-300

Duarte, I./Silveira, J. et al. (2017): Sensitive skin: Review of an ascending concept, in: Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 92(4):521-525

 

 

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