The science behind sensitive skin
The collagen arrangement in an individual’s sensitive skin is fragmented and less dense. That means an individual with sensitive skin has an accelerated skin aging process
Daily TribuneThe collagen arrangement in an individual’s sensitive skin is fragmented and less dense. That means an individual with sensitive skin has an accelerated skin aging process
(FROM left) Bianca Gonzalez, Donny Pangilinan, Hannah Pangilinan, Ella Pangilinan, Catriona Gray, Andi Manzano, Bea Fabregas and Nico Bolzico.
Photographs courtesy of Pauline Songco
Khen Kon, head of medical, Galderma Asia Pacific Region.
In a recent study by Galderma, the Philippines ranks the highest among Southeast Asia and sixth globally regarding the prevalence of sensitive skin.
“Sensitive skin is common in the Philippines. And, it’s real,” Khen Kon, head of medical, Galderma Asia Pacific Region, said.
Other countries included in the heatmap are Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China, Australia, Brazil, USA, Kenya and India. Topping the list overall is Nigeria.
Several reasons contribute to this, said Kon. Several external factors trigger sensitive skin, like cosmetics, soaps, cleaning products, clothes, diet and alcohol.
There are also environmental factors such as dry and cold climates, UV radiation and air pollution. Probably the most important are psychological factors like hormones, anxiety, depression and most especially stress and lack of sleep. So, the next time you are stressed, remember that it will sooner or later affect the health of your skin.
“Individuals with sensitive skin have a thicker epidermal layer, the most exterior part of the skin. The blood vessels are extremely constricted. They are closing down and are tightening,” Kon added.
The collagen arrangement in an individual’s sensitive skin is fragmented and less dense. That means an individual with sensitive skin has an accelerated skin aging process.
For the skin to be healthy, one needs a good barrier function. If not, bacteria and germs can enter the skin and moisture from inside the skin can get away.
Products, like those of Cetaphil, are made of glycerin, panthenol, vitamin B5, niacinamide and vitamin B3, which help provide not only tender love and care for your skin but also target, locking the moisture and connect the cells to prevent further evaporation. These ingredients also ensure that external factors will no longer irritate the skin.
“We can boost the ceramides, the mortar of the skin holding the cells together,” Kon said.
He added that a simple and consistent routine helped prevent sensitive skin.
