Personalised to You: Prescription Skincare for Sensitive Skin
When it comes to skincare, there is no one-product-fits-all. This is especially true when dealing with sensitive skin because sensitivity can be shown and experienced in infinite ways. Luckily, this is where prescription skincare comes in — custom-made products for each individual according to their skin’s needs, allowing for skin sensitivity to turly be considered based on the individual.
In the endless sea of skincare products, finding the perfect product for your unique complexion may seem like an impossible task, but the first step is understanding what works and what doesn’t work on your sensitive skin.
The Difference Between Sensitive & Reactive Skin
Having sensitive or reactive skin may not be pleasant, especially when trying to find products that work to create healthy, glowing skin. But before looking at products, let’s review the differences.
The difference between sensitive and reactive skin is subtle. Sensitive skin is not a skin type, but rather a common condition across all skin types, where the skin is more likely to react and get irritated when exposed to certain things. Reactive skin on the other hand, refers to skin that quickly and strongly reacts to specific triggers, resulting in immediate and exaggerated responses.
Sensitive Skin
The causes and reactions for those with sensitive skin can be influenced by genetic factors, sun damage, or the use of harsh products, amongst other things. Common signs can include redness, dryness, itching, and stinging.
Reactions for those with sensitive skin may not be visible like a rash but can it cause pulling, prickling, burning, and stinging sensations. Triggers for those with sensitive skin can be external (pollution, temperature changes, UV exposure) or internal (stress, hormonal changes). Diagnosing what your skin is sensitive to is essential for choosing adequate skincare products to treat the skin and avoiding any discomfort.
Reactive Skin
Reactive skin is associated with excessive reactions to irritants, allergens, or emotional stress. Symptoms can include redness, inflammation, flushing, hives, or rashes.
Reactive skin can become sensitive over time, but initially, it may not be dehydrated or inflamed. Unlike sensitive skin, which can have permanent unpleasant sensations, reactive skin experiences discomfort temporarily in response to certain triggers. Skin tends to redden alongside a feeling of discomfort.
Common Triggers for Reactive Skin
- External Triggers - pollution, unsuitable products, temperature changes
- Internal Triggers - spicy foods, alcohol, stress
Reactive skin is prone to intense stinging, burning, and itching, and often requires cosmetics with calming and soothing properties.
Why Regular Use of Nourishing Ingredients are a must
The outermost layer of our skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a protective skin barrier and plays a crucial role in ensuring our skin's comfort. The primary function is to retain essential elements within our skin, such as moisture and hydration, while protecting against external substances that could lead to irritation, infection, or allergies. An impaired skin barrier is one of the reasons our skin becomes sensitive, and likewise, when we have sensitive skin, our skin barrier is typically weakened.
Nourishing ingredients should be part of our skincare regime regardless of skin type and whether you have sensitive skin or not. For those with weakened or sensitive skin, it is even more important to give our protective skin barrier some love.
Lipid-Loving Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
With skincare often having a long list of active ingredients, we’ve put together some of our recommended ingredients to look out for when buying prescription skincare for sensitive skin.
Niacinamide
A variant of vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a vital water-soluble nutrient that promotes the well-being of your skin. Since your body can’t produce this ingredient on its own, it must be obtained from your diet or skincare routine. The best news? Niacinamide welcomes every skin type with open arms, including sensitive skin. With its gentle nature, it is generally well-tolerated and often recommended for sensitive skin or anyone seeking a gentle yet effective nourishing formula. Niacinamide is known to enhance hyperpigmentation, brighten your complexion, and maintain clear skin, as well as promote rejuvenating properties, firm skin, and act as a potent antioxidant, delivering protective properties that help shield your skin barrier against the damaging effects of oxidative stress. If you’re wondering how often you can use Niacinamide, the recommendation is twice daily!
Hyaluronic Acid
If there’s one ingredient that takes your hydration needs to the next level, this is it. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a highly effective skincare ingredient for hydration, which helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Despite its name, HA is very gentle and can be used for sensitive skin and people with eczema. Hyaluronic acid is found in numerous skincare products due to its moisturising properties and ability to reduce signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types and rarely causes adverse reactions when applied topically. Any issues that may arise are often related to other ingredients, such as certain preservatives, which can potentially cause irritation.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids (fats) naturally found in high concentrations in the upper layers of the skin, making up over 50% of its composition. This is why it’s no surprise they play a vital role in maintaining skin health and its response to environmental threats. Acting as the mortar between skin cells, ceramides form a protective layer that limits moisture loss and defends against visible damage from pollution and other stressors. With age and sun damage, natural ceramide levels decrease, weakening the skin's barrier and resulting in dryness, roughness, wrinkles, irritation, and signs of dehydration. This is where skincare products come in. High-quality formulations containing ceramides can effectively restore and reinforce the skin's barrier, supporting sensitive skin while increasing hydration and providing plumper, smoother, and firmer skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles.
Prescription Skincare for Sensitive Skin
If you’re still on the hunt for products that support your sensitive skin needs, The Secret’s got you. Here are our top recommendations, which can be customised for both sensitive and non-sensitive skin.
Sensitive Range
Cellular Repair Night Cream - Sensitive I & II
Introducing the Cellular Repair Night Cream – Sensitive I & II, specially formulated for those with sensitive skin. These products harness the power of prescription-strength ingredients, just like our original Cellular Repair, but with a gentle delivery system tailored for sensitive skin. This night cream is designed to promote the creation of healthy skin cells, which serve as the foundation for a smoother, even-toned, and radiant complexion.
Day Brightening Elixir - Sensitive
Your daytime secret for luminous skin. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, this nourishing elixir combines prescription and active ingredients to enhance the results of our Cellular Repair Night Cream, adding a radiant glow to your complexion. It gently removes dead skin cells, fights inflammation, strengthens the skin's barrier, and provides antioxidant benefits. You can use it under sunscreen and as a perfect base for makeup.
Stress Repair Night Cream
For Rosacea & Dermatitis
Feeling stressed? The Stress Repair Night Cream is a prescription solution specifically formulated to alleviate stressed skin. This carefully crafted cream combines antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to remove dead skin cells and harmful bacteria, as well as reduce inflammation. The result? A healthier, calmer complexion with reduced redness, improved texture, controlled breakouts, and relief from sensations like burning and itching. Strengthen your skin's resilience and say goodbye to skin sensitivities for lasting results.
Base Range
Introducing our Reformulated Face Serum, the ultimate multi-tasking skin saviour that perfectly complements our prescription range. Containing our hero ingredients, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Adic, this liquid-gold serum is quickly absorbed by the skin, replenishing and supporting its healing process. A must-have in your routine, it can be used day and night for continuous hydration, fortifying the protective barrier, and reducing inflammation. With the added benefits of antioxidants, it also neutralises free radicals.
A nourishing addition to our prescription range, our Face Oil is aimed at strengthening the skin's barrier for optimal health. With its lightweight and luxurious formula, it provides rich hydration and antioxidant protection, keeping the skin moisturised and soothing inflammatory skin concerns. This versatile oil can also be mixed with foundation for an intensified glow. Packed with natural oils, essential fatty acids, and emollients, it nourishes the lipid barrier and prevents moisture loss, making it especially beneficial for dry skin and inflammatory conditions like eczema and rosacea.
Our Solar Serum is a luxurious SPF50 sunscreen that offers advanced protection against UVA and UVB rays. It has a lightweight and hydrating formula containing hyaluronic acid that leaves a luminous finish, making it perfect for daily use. The serum also features a universal peach undertone, providing natural coverage to even out skin tone and complexion. With its sun protection, anti-aging benefits, immediate luminosity, and antioxidant protection, our Solar Serum is a must-have, especially for those using our prescription range.
Whether you’re looking to add the perfect products to your skincare routine, treat a specific concern, or are interested in finding out if medical grade and prescription skincare is the right option for you, The Secret is here to guide you on your journey to clear, glowing skin.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us online.
