By Sharon McGlinchey
www.mvskincare.com.au
Recently, Sharon McGlinchey, one of Australia’s leading skin therapists and the founder of MV Skincare, talked to Rescu. about the healing powers of plant oils. Here, she reveals natural remedies for sensitive skin and several skin conditions.
As a holistic skin therapist specialising in skin sensitivities, I see a broad spectrum of ‘sensitivity’, from very mild skin irritation created by the use of a new product to severe environmental sensitivity, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
Although it is often thought that sensitivity is associated with fine textured skin, this is not the case. Due to modern day living, we are now exposed to more skin irritants and general pollutants than at any other time in history, with the possible exception of the Georgian period where the aristocracy were unwittingly poisoning themselves with white face powder containing arsenic!
Redness and flushing is far more obvious on pale skin, but whether pale, olive or very dark skinned, we all experience the discomfort of sensitivity in a similar way. When we burn our skin, it feels hot and tight, when we eat something that we are allergic to the skin can become blotchy, itchy, red and/or prickly.
Pale skin does however react more quickly to heat and cold, hence fair skin burns more easily than olive skin and reacts more easily to severe wind and cold weather.
Sensitivity can also occur with hormonal changes, which is why, during menopause, women often find they can no longer use their favourite moisturiser. This may be the artificial fragrances or a particular chemical within the moisturiser that the skin can suddenly no longer tolerate.
Many ingredients in skin care and cosmetics can cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy. This type of sensitivity is called ‘acute’ sensitivity. The solution is to simply stop using the product that created the reaction. Chronic sensitivity is different and can continue on for months and even years after exposure to an irritant – whether internal or external.
External aggressors:
- tap water (can be very drying and irritating)
- hot showers
- granular scrubs
- alcohol based products
- chemical, fruit acid and herbal peels
- heavily fragranced skincare
- chemical based skin care
- chemical sun screens
- chemical based foundation
- laser and dermabrasion (when inappropriately recommended)
Internal aggressors:
- food, i.e. spicy foods and alcohol are two common triggers for rosacea sufferers
- pollens and dust and their relation to eczema
- certain medications
- certain auto-immune diseases which affect the skin, i.e lupus, psoriasis and scleroderma
To best care for sensitive skin:
- search for natural-based skincare, which tends to be formulated with plant oils rather than petrochemicals.
- avoid using a foaming cleanser, instead opt for a gentle cream based cleanser.
- avoid exfoliating with traditional scrubs and peels, instead gently compress the face with a warm face washer or muslin cloth.
- avoid using sunscreens daily – particularly if you work indoors 5 days a week. Some of the most irritating chemical ingredients are found in sunscreens.
- avoid wearing heavy make-up to cover your sensitivity/redness. this may only exacerbate the problem in the long term.
- avoid using heavy creams at night. Give your skin a rest and treat it to a few drops of an antioxidant rich plant oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond or avocado.
Stress can impact on the skin and trigger conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis so don’t just look at making changes to your skin care routine, also look at your lifestyle. If you have sensitive skin or suffer from one of the above skin conditions, consider taking up yoga, meditation, walking or whatever makes you feel more relaxed as this may also help.
Internal care:
All my clients with sensitivity receive the same advice as I have resounding success with this approach.
First try Udo’s Oil a powerhouse of essential fatty acid oils including omega 3, 6 and 9. Take 2-4 tablespoons a day with food and within 3-4 weeks dry, tight, itchy skin should feel more relaxed, smoother, less red and itchy.
If this does not work I then suggest virgin coconut oil, taken in the very same way.
Organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil is a very beneficial oil for sensitive skin including those with eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
If coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk, it is classified as 100% virgin coconut oil. It contains a high percentage of Lauric Acid, a fatty acid that provides antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
If you find ingesting an oil difficult, them hide the Udo’s oil in salad or hide the coconut oil in a smoothie.
Oils work wonders from the inside out, first working on the internal organs then, when taken consistently, working on the skin, improving the health of the underlying skin tissue from the inside.
The secret is to be consistent, taking it 2-3 times a week will not deliver a noticeable result, but if you take it every day, most will notice improvements to the skin within a few weeks.
MV Skincare’s hero products for sensitive skin are:
- Gentle Cream Cleanser
- Pure Jojoba
- Rose Hydrating Mist
- Rose Soothing and Protective Moisturiser
- Daily Soother Booster • Rose Plus Booster
- Calming and Softening Mask
Some common skin conditions and disorders which sensitise the skin:
Eczema/Dermatitis
One of the most common skin conditions associated with sensitivity is eczema and it can be triggered by the outside environment (dust, pollen, pets) or from food intolerance. Infantile eczema often disappears around the age of 6 of 7, but can continue on into adult life.
I recommend organic jojoba oil externally and Udo’s Oil internally.
Psoriasis
This condition can be hereditary and tends to flare up with stress. The majority of psoriasis sufferers tend to find relief during the summer months if they swim in salt water. Psoriasis is an over production of skin cells, which leave pinkish-purple patches with silvery white scales over various parts of the body. I recommend either organic jojoba oil or virgin coconut oil externally to sooth the skin.
Rosacea
Rosacea is considered a type of acne that has become more prevalent in the last 10-15 years. Traditionally associated with more mature adults (35+), this condition is now often found in much younger adults. There are several common triggers, which are stress, red wine, spicy foods and hot showers. Although there is no cure, this condition can be managed well if caught early.
For more advice on skin care, see the ‘Advice & Info’ section of www.mvskincare.com.au
Also, don’t miss Sharon McGlinchey’s other article on RESCU: Sharon McGlinchey, one of Australia’s leading skin therapists and founder of MV Skincare, reveals the plant oils that can perform skin care miracles.