Hi,

I am a skin geek but sometimes you ned to ask another persons opinion,so im asking...

I seem to have alot of surface dehydration and congestion on my skin and am wondering if anyone knows of a product that would help?...I have a very sensitive/reactive skin which is also acne prone(although my skin is not oily) due to years of using too many products so i cant use anything too potent or harsh,my skin doesnt seem to tolerate exfoliants!

Was thinking maybe the decleor rose balm would help,but i really dont know??

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I've just ordered a lorry load of decleor stuff for my own personal use but it won't be here until tomorrow...watch this space and I'll get back to you with how good it is for me, my skin is EXACTLY the same as yours by the sounds of it.

[quote=beautyfreak;821035]
Was thinking maybe the decleor rose balm would help,but i really dont know??[quote]

Hey There,
The Decleor rose d'orient balm is good for sensitivity/sensitisation but I would be more inclined to use the ylang ylang balm if I were you. It is a balm so still very nourishing on the skin but has the added benefit of being antibacterial and normalising sebum as well.
I would also stick to basic hydrating and nourishing products until your skin is more hydrated you have and re-built up some of your barrier function (obviously it is down because your skin is quite reactive) and introduce a gentle efoliant (If you want to use Decleor try the micro-smoothing cream) once a week.
Sometimes congestion can occur as a result of dehydration, because the skin is tighter and can no longer move in ways it needs the sebum finds it difficult to slide easily onto the skins surface. This would account for the congestion and the sensitivty because without enough oil on the skins surface the barrier function is reduced, sensitivty increases and the oil is trapped below causing congestion.

I hope this helps! Let me know how you go Goodluck

Nik

I think you need a two pronged approach to this. You can apply product to the presentation layer all you like but if the supporting layers aren't treated then it will be all in vain.
If I had a client with similar skin I would advise 2 or 3 facials fairly close together using a product designed to penetrate deep into the skin layers, after an enzyme peel designed to split the intercellular cement, i.e. one with AHAs in it. This will ensure that the flaky top layer of cells is disposed of efficiently, allowing the deep feeding products a better chance of penetrating, and easing the congestion. You can use this product at home once a week too. So far I've not had a single client have an adverse reaction to this, so I would say that it's ok to use on a sensitive skin.
You need a deep feeding serum, under a decent cream which will protect the presentation layer from environmental stressors.
You also need to look at your diet - are you drinking enough fluids, are you drinking lots of alcohol, are you eating a low fat diet?
PM me if you need any more information!
Best wishes
lynne
x

Hi there - I think you have answered your own question as you mention the years of harsh exfoliants! It sounds very much as if the acid mantle of your skin has become disturbed. The ph has become altered and needs to be restored.
First stop harsh products and use gentle ones instead - Nimue for sensitised skin is excellent or any specialised professional products designed for this condition. Avoid AHA's as they will add to the distress and sensitisation. Your skin needs calming and products to restore moisture and balance the S.corneum.
Second - Make sure you are getting enough essential fatty acids, this is very important - these will give skin cells strength and resilience (plus make sure your water intake is sufficient). The congestion can occur as when the acid mantle of the skin becomes impaired the more unpleasant bacteria are likely to thrive! Sort out that and hopefully it should clear up.