Allergy-Prone Skin

vs

Sensitive Skin

What is allergy-prone skin and how does it differ from sensitive skin?

The reactions might be the similar, but there are differences between the two.

Allergy-prone skin is characterized by an increased likelihood of reacting negatively to a certain substance/ingredient and may experience symptoms of redness, swelling, itching or hives when exposed to these triggers. This condition occurs because the immune system overreacts to harmless substances/ingredients, mistaking them for threats (the body's natural protective mechanism). Diagnosis for allergy-prone skin can be done through clinical tests or a history of recurrent reactions.

Sensitive skin is a broader term that refers to skin that is more prone to irritation and discomfort, regardless of an allergic reaction. It can result from factors like skin barrier dysfunction, dryness or environmental conditions.

The key difference lies in the underlying cause: allergy-prone skin is an immune reaction to specific allergens, while sensitive skin is often caused by skin vulnerability, which can be aggravated by external or internal factors.

Both, however, require tailored skincare, and knowing which ingredients to use and those to avoid.

Patch Testing

Testing products before you actually use them is a quick and inexpensive way to discover any allergic reactions. If you are unsure and want to know precisely which ingredient you are allergic to, then a trip to your dermatologist or allergist is recommended.

To patch test effectively, choose a discreet area, then gently cleanse the skin and apply a small amount of the product. Wait at least 24-48 hours to observe any reactions. During this time, avoid washing the test area or applying any other product to it. If you notice any redness, swelling, itching or discomfort, you should stop using the product immediately.

It is important to note that some reactions might take longer to appear, so a 48 hour window is the ideal testing time. For individuals with known allergies, consult with a dermatologist or allergist for recommendations regarding ingredients in the product you will be trying. As allergies can be very specific, getting clinically tested is critical if you suspect you are allergic to a specific substance, since allergies are an immune reaction.

AVOID fragrances, essential oils, synthetic detergents, and alcohol, particularly denatured or alcohol-based products which can strip the skin of moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Preservatives, such as parabens or formaldehyde-releasing agents, are often linked to skin sensitivities.

All experts in the the field of skin care recommend using fragrance-free, alcohol-free and hypoallergenic products where possible and always READ the LABELS carefully to avoid potentially irritating substances/ingredients.

LESS IS MORE ... when it comes to skin, "less is more" is a commonly heard mantra, especially for allergy-prone skin. The foundation of this type of skin care routine should include a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won't strip the skin's natural oils, and, look for a product with soothing ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera, which help calm and hydrate the skin without causing further irritation.

When using a moisturizer, allergy-prone skin benefits from a thicker cream that locks in moisture, hydrating the skin, and provides more of a barrier for the skin. Again, look for skin calming and hydrating ingredients such as borage, helichrysum extract (daisy family), hyaluronic acid, amino acids/peptides, fatty acids, seaweeds and algae which also support skin cell repair and reduce inflammation. Often used in products for their anti-inflammatory properties are niacinamide or calendula.

In the mornings, finish with an SPF spray. That's it. No need to add anything else. The SPF should also include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, natural minerals that are less likely to irritate but protect you from the sun's harmful radiation.

SERUMS & MOISTURIZERS: it's important to keep these to a minimum. Many have high potency retinol or potent acids which can compromise the skin's protective barrier.

At NuVisage, we take pride in developing our products with the best ingredients on our planet, and from our planet; NOT from a lab. We are very careful in the development of our formulas to avoid cross-contaminations, toxic build up, and avoiding molds, mildews and any spoilage. However, we do understand that many people have known and even unknown allergies to many plants, dusts, oils, shrubs, trees, grasses, moss, etc.

If you ever encounter an allergic reaction to any of our products, please seek immediate help from a health care professional and also notify us thereafter so we can rectify the problem.

We specifically design our labels to be transparent so what you read and see is exactly what is in the product.