The Skin Nerd: Do you have sore, sensitive skin? Here's what to do

Do you want your skin to feel as rested as you would after a week away from it all, relaxing by the pool with nothing to do but to chill?

The Skin Nerd: Super Soothers: Skincare treats to bring comfort to sore, sensitive skin

So far, this summer hasn’t gifted us with much sunshine, and our budgets (and life commitments) don’t always allow for a getaway, but you can help your skin to reclaim some peace with some soothing treats that put a time out on redness, sensitivity and irritation.

Firstly, you might ask what causes skin sensitivity? There’s no doubt that the weather has been changeable and this- in extremes - can affect our skin barrier. However, this is not the only thing that can cause blotchy, red or sore skin. Disruptions in sleep, exercise, use of the wrong products, sun damage and even stress are also common triggers for irritated skin.

For red skin

If your skin is suddenly red or irritated, this is often a sign of an impaired skin barrier. We want our skin barrier to be functioning at peak productivity mode as it does an important job, protecting your complexion by locking hydration inside and keeping irritants (like environmental aggressors) out. Some people will have always had sensitive skin, which means that they were born with a weakened skin barrier. Another reason for red, irritated skin is the overuse of either potent or the the wrong skincare ingredients. Repeat exposure can sensitise your skin, which makes it more prone to inflammation due to a weakened skin barrier. If your barrier does become impaired, this can cause the skin to lose more moisture than usual, and dehydration can make your skin appear inflamed and feel uncomfortable.

A great remedy for red skin is vitamin C, which can reduce any redness and help to protect your skin from environmental stressors. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C also supports collagen synthesis, which is important for those experiencing redness as collagen is a protein that keeps our capillaries strong and when our capillaries are strong, we will see fewer damaged capillaries and reduced redness.

Solgar Ester-C Plus 1000mg Vitamin C (€8.45, theskinnerd.com, solgar.com) can be a great addition to your internal skincare regime, helping to protect the skin from oxidative stress from the inside. 

Topically, DMK Super Serum (€108.95, dannemking.com) is packed with potent betaglucan and vitamins B and C to soothe inflammation and support the skin’s immune system.

For blemish-prone skin

Dehydrated skin will naturally produce oil to try and counteract dryness and this overproduction of oil can often lead to breakouts and / or flareups as the excess oil clogs pores and leads to congestion.

I suggest keeping salicylic acid on hand to help speed up the lifespan of a spot post breakout. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid, which means that it is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid and ideal for dissolving blockages which might have otherwise led to those pesky spots.

One salicylic acid must-have is Environ Focus Care Clarity+ Sebu-Wash Cleanser (€42, environ.com and theskinnerd.com) which gently removes excess surface oils without drying your skin. It also contains tea tree leaf oil which has potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and glycerin, a skin humectant that helps to prevent dehydration.

Top Soothing Skincare Picks

Avène Soothing Radiance Mask (€18.95, lookfantastic.com) Infused with the iconic Avene thermal water and barrier-replenishing safflower oil, this luxurious feeling mask boosts radiance and promotes optimal skin hydration for nourished, supple skin. Apply post serums and leave on whilst you sleep to wake up to calmer, more content skin.

Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Serum (€77, spacenk.com) Protect and soothe a discontent barrier with this luxe serum that locks in moisture and helps the skin to restore suppleness and resiliency. Apply it post-cleanse twice daily for optimal barrier boosting results!

Skingredients Skin Good Fats Ultra Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser (€55, skingredients.com and leading pharmacies): This indulgent hydrator is often described as ‘a hug in a tub,’ containing skin-native lipid (fat), ceramide NP which can help to restore and soothe your skin’s barrier. It also contains a patented anti-itch ingredient – perfect for smoothing on after cleansing and serum-ing for skin which is prone to itchiness and discomfort.

Today vs Payday... Hyaluronic acid serums

Today: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (€9.90. Boots.ie) is a great budget option, priced at less than a tenner and containing 5 forms of hyaluronic acid to provide hydration to multiple layers of the surface of skin.

Payday: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum (€46, int.eucerin.com) helps to tackle multiple areas of ageing with high and low molecular hyaluronic acid to plump up deep wrinkles, thiamidol to address age spots and arctiin to boost firmness.