Ultimate creams and serums for sensitive skin
ISABELLE LUCAS searches for the best face products for (him and her) to achieve a healthy, winter glow
Although it may be comforting to hear you share sensitive skin with the likes of A-listers such actress Cameron Diaz, Jessica Simpson and singer Le Anne Rimes it really doesn’t make you feel better when staring at your red, blotchy complexion every morning!
In fact, I share my problem with more than seven-and-a-half million British women who are also finding it hard to find lotions and potions for their face that doesn’t cause irritation.
And, anti-ageing creams tend to be the worse as they have rich or potent formulas can contain ingredients (such as collagen-building retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxy acids and fragrance) that can over-stimulate sensitive skin.
Sensitive skins have a weak and thin barrier, which means irritating substances can penetrate the skin more easily. And those suffering from roseacea will now how hard it is to find the right moisturiser to wear under make-up.
And now we are in the midst of winter, skin, like mine, is only likely to get worse with the onset of icy winds and lack of the Vitamin D which is derived from exposure to the sun.
During the past few months I have been searching for the best products on the market for sensitive skin like mine and I am excited to reveal we have found some real gems.
1. ARK - Anti-Redness Skin Response Serium
The old adage “little is more” is appropriate for ARK’s Anti-Redness Skin Response Serum.
You will only need two to three drops of the serum for this ultra-soothing serum to be effective.
It’s very easy to overdo any treatment especially when you’re trying to calm down red or flushed skin – but hold back and you will see the results.
The serum, which contains arnica, cypress and Soloman’s Seal is easy to apply from a dropper and spreads easily over the face.
ARK claims it maintains the skins moisture levels and natural barrier integrity and I must admit that after a few weeks there was a noticeable difference in my skin.
The red blotchy areas around my nose had settled down and I felt confident again to face the world!
SkinResponse Serum 30ml, worth £39.
www.arkskincare.com |
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2. SKiN - Anti-Redness Face Cream
Soothing is the word that springs to mind as soon as you spread this cooling cream over your face.
The active ingredient of magnolia bark extract immediately relieves irritation and inflammation of red blotches.
The cream also contains grape seed extract and Vitamin E which both helps protect the skin from free radicals.
After using the product for a fortnight my inflamed cheeks had calmed down and even the winter wind didn’t cause a flare-up.
www.skinclinics.co.uk
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3. Avene - Anti-redness Light Moisturising Cream by Avene
A tint of green is always reassuring when you suffer from a red or inflamed face as this can diffuse the colour prior to adding a foundation.
The Avene anti-redness moisturiser is light to the touch and was quickly absorbed into my skin leaving it silky smooth.
All the Avene products are used with pure spa water from France so you can always be sure of it purity – especially if you have sensitive skin.
This cream also has a built in SPF 10 and offers vascular and climatic protection.
After using the moisturiser twice a day for two weeks the high colour of my face was toned down allowing a more natural glow to shine through.
www.avene.co.uk
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4. Elemis Sensitive Cleansing Wash £19.40 (200ml)
This is an effective and gentle wash ideal for sensitive skin. The soothing blend of essential oil of chamomile and Lady’s mantle in the milk protein base are renowned for their anti-bacterial properties.
The wash replaces soap with its high grade proteins to cleanse without harshness and has anti-bacterial properties.
Use daily with warm water to lather. Pump a small quantity onto a sponge or flannel and use as a soap replacement.
www.timetospa.co.uk
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5. Origins Plantscription Anti-ageing Serum £45
When it comes to tackling deep wrinkles, prescription-strength retinoid creams (such as tretinoin) or lower strength retinol-based products are recommended by dermatologists. However, side-effects include dryness, redness and flaking. This serum is designed to be used under moisturiser and contains a bark extract that mimics prescription retinoids — without the irritation.
www.Origin.co.uk |
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6. Pukka Ayurveda Firming Face Oil £38
Designed for mature and sensitive skin showing the first signs of sagging, this lightweight blend is filled with organic oils of starflower, and rosehip to plump the complexion, plus arnica and neroli to repair and rejuvenate.
www.Pukkaherbs.com |
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7. Manuka Doctor Api Nourish Rejuvenating Face Mask £49.99
The skin barrier becomes weaker as we age — it begins to lose water, making it drier.
This face mask in a pot, which has been flying off the shelves, is loaded with manuka honey and avocado oil to hydrate and soothe.
Its star ingredient is purified bee venom, said to encourage the body to react in a similar way as it would if it had been lightly stung, increasing blood flow to the affected area and so stimulating cell renewal and collagen growth.
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Skincare for men
Elemis Deep Cleanse Facial Wash (200ml/£17.40) for Men
This fast-acting gel formulation, contains a potent blend of oak bark, spearmint and peppermint in a milk protein base to loosen and remove dirt and grime leaving your skin squeaky clean and thoroughly refreshed – this product also helps to prevent in-growing hairs.
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Elemis SOS Survival Cream (50ml/£39.90) for Men
This should be applied sparingly morning and evening to the face and neck. The powerful healing properties of this ultra-rich treatment cream work to reduce redness and de-sensitise the skin after shaving. This textured cream containing marine extracts, lavender and myrrh seals in moisture to provide ultimate hydration, whilst leaving a protective barrier, which is slowly absorbed into the skin to comfort and protect.
www.timetospa.co.uk
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