Sensitive skin is a term which was once exclusively used in reference to a particular skin type. However, many people are experiencing occasional sensitive skin issues and reactivity such as redness, inflammation, adult acne, and dryness and dehydration. When this reactivity occurs it’s often a sign that the skin barrier function has been disrupted, whether through stress, lack of sleep, a change in diet, using products that don’t suit the skin type, or simply using too many products at once.
Sometimes this sporadic sensitivity is defined as sensitised skin as opposed to sensitive skin, because it’s not something that is happening on a continuous basis. It can also happen when there’s a change in weather, so monitor your skin when the seasons change ~ in the summer, skin can become sensitised due to UV, heat, and higher pollution levels if you live in the city, while autumn and winter can bring dry air, wind, and cold snaps that disturb your skin’s natural rhythms.
All our products were created with ingredients known to positively affect the skin’s appearance and function, whatever your skin type. So if your skin is reacting and you know it’s because you need a stable skincare routine using products that support skin health, we may be able to help. Read on for our tips on how to manage sensitised skin and create a ritual that leads to natural balance.
“I have tried nearly all face cleansers on the market without any success on my sensitive skin until I tried this little miracle. Honestly, it changed my skin in 3 days!”
Customer Review
Caring for the skin is a lifestyle choice
Our skin plays a large role in our health and wellbeing. If our skin looks clear and radiant with an even tone and texture, it makes us feel good. The French saying ‘je me sens bien dans ma peau’ is often translated as ‘I feel comfortable in my own skin’, but more literally, it means to feel well in one’s skin.
It’s worth noting that our health is often expressed through our skin – the two are inextricably linked. The skin is the largest organ in the body and so its appearance is reflective of how well the body is functioning ~ from its ability to eliminate toxins to being able to successfully absorb and use the vitamins and minerals in our food.
For instance, the appearance of dark circles under the eyes or lack of radiance in the complexion can certainly be improved by using certain skincare products. But ultimately, it comes down to good sleep, exercise and diet choices that work for you, self-care in times of stress, and a sense of contentment. The usual suspects of caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and processed foods can be the reason behind sensitised skin, whether that shows up in dehydration, redness, or breakouts.
As ever, the mantra ‘everything in moderation’ is a useful one to remember ~ there’s beauty in balance. If you do feel like something in particular may be triggering sensitive skin, keeping a food diary (and/or a mood diary) can help you pinpoint what it is. Seeking the support of a professional, such as a nutritionist could also lead to further understanding of what your body uniquely needs in order to feel and look its best.
Use a soap-free cleanser
Many facial washes or wash-off cleansers can contain ingredients that remove natural oils and alter the skin’s pH in the process of cleansing. These formulations often contain harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulphate which can irritate the skin.
Our soap-free cleansing bar le savon lune contains a sulphate-free anionic surfactant, which means it behaves somewhat like a soap, producing a gentle lather, but is not a soap at all. To help skin to find its own balance, it contains natural ingredients like Bentonite Clay, renowned for its deep cleaning and purifying properties, and Silver Hydrosol, which is known for being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Betaine, Glycerin, and Shea Butter support in sealing in moisture, leaving the skin feeling clean, clear, and cushioned.
For a cleanser with a balm-like consistency or for a second cleanse, la lune de velours is our nourishing oil to milk cleanser. When first applied, the velvety texture melts into the skin and dissolves make-up. On applying water, the oil transforms into a milk which is easy to rinse away ~ allowing the skin to absorb all the benefits of natural plant oils without leaving behind any residue. The skin-soothing combination of Sweet Almond Oil and Argan Oil helps balance sebum levels while Silver Hydrosol & DNA HP help plump the skin with hydration and soothe inflammation.
Consider using a facial essence
Old-fashioned toners can pose problems, especially if they contain alcohol, as this strips the skin of its natural oils and moisture. Thankfully, most toners today contain active ingredients that support hydration or offer gentle exfoliation, for example, rather than simply removing the last traces of cleansers, dirt, and make-up.
They say that still waters run deep, and there’s certainly depth behind the creation of l’eau de jouvence, our silver tonic water that offers an extra layer of hydration between cleansing and moisturising. Containing Silver Hydrosol & DNA HP for ten times the hydration of Hyaluronic Acid, we enhanced the formulation with Copper Hydrosol and Glycogen to support optimum skin function.
Instantly soothing thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, it also encourages the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin, while offering protection from oxidative damage. Use it a bit like a serum, by pouring a little onto the fingertips and pressing into the skin, so that your complexion is hydrated and primed to fully absorb your moisturiser.
Choose a facial oil that helps to balance and soothe the skin
Facial oils are excellent for all skin types. This is because they have the ability to help skin rebalance both oil-prone areas and dry patches. Dry oils are easily absorbed and less inclined to leave the skin feeling oily to the touch ~ they also tend to be non-comedogenic.
Our facial oil l’étoile infinie was specifically formulated using a combination of oils that nourish and balance the skin, and which are rich in antioxidants and triterpenoids to protect against oxidative stress. Ethically-sourced Abyssinian Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, and Argan Oil are combined with Vitamin E to create an elixir that enhances our restorative day & night cream, la potion infinie (simply combine on the fingertips before applying). Or use this richly beneficial yet lightweight facial oil on its own for glowing skin.
“Ideal for those with sensitive skin who want to swing a powerful punch at the early signs of ageing”
ELLE UK
Care for the body’s skin as well as the complexion
We often think of our complexion as primary in our skincare routines, but the skin below the jawline and beyond needs love and attention too. Our silver face cream, la potion infinie, has been microbiome assessed and is proven to restore the balance of the skin microbiome and protect it*. The skin’s microbiome is our first line of defence, not unlike a natural armour that keeps us safe from infection, UV damage, premature ageing, and skin irritation in general.
la potion infinie can also be used on the neck, décolletage and shoulders. Extending the use of your facial moisturiser in this way actually has a name, the French face, because French women have always seen this as part of their daily self-care ritual. To add to this, our hydrating body lotion, la lotion infinie was formulated using exactly the same ingredients as la potion infinie. Essentially, it has the powerful benefits of a face cream but with a lighter texture for the body, ideal for sealing in moisture after a shower or bath.
“lightweight and amazing for sensitive skin”
Customer Review
When skin becomes sensitised or your sensitive skin flares up, we know that it can affect your sense of self as much as your appearance. It can be hugely reassuring to have results-driven formulations by your side, such as those in our silver skincare collection, which have an instant effect as well as a long-term one. Thanks to their natural ingredients, the scientific research behind them, and the wonderful textural and sensorial experience offered by ARgENTUM products, sensitised skin will feel balanced and cared for in no time.
*Microbiome Assessment Study from the Medical University of Lodz in Poland.
