Sensitive skin can be a pain! And like most sensitive skin sufferers, the skin troubles don’t stop just there. Those with sensitive skin can experience a lot of other skin-irritating ailments like sweat acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation and more.
Sometimes most skincare products are too harsh for those with delicate skin, which usually reacts to certain ingredients. So, even if you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, your skin might be too sensitive to take on all those harsh chemicals and treatments.
BeautyStat got in touch with dermatologist Dr. Gervaise Gerstner M.D. who gave us the scoop on some of the amazing ingredients found in the sensitive skin-friendly line VMV Hypoallergenics. Whether you have sensitive skin and suffer from dark underarms, chicken skin, redness or acne, there is bound to be a product that will work for you.
VMV Hypoallergenics was created in 1979 and is the only brand to validate its hypoallergenicity. Its products are skin-safe Validated Hypoallergenic VH -76 (sans all 76 common allergens), 100% all-types-of-fragrance-free, 100% phthalate-, dye-, paraben-, preservative-free and non-comedogenic.
Rosacea/Acne
Dr. Gervaise Gerstner M.D. says: “Rosacea and adult acne consists of papules, pustules, telagectasia. And can have findings in the eye. Rosacea and acne can be treated in basically the same way.”
The Red Better Deeply Soothing Cleansing Cream ($26.00) is an ultra-gentle facial cleanser for hyper-reactive skin. Most of VMV’s products contain virgin coconut oil which, according to Dr. Gerstner, “… is a fast-acting emollient that provides soothing and softening results; it also gives skin a nice glow.”
Find out the best dermatologist-recommended skincare products to treat rosacea —> HERE!
Those with roseaca and acne usually are genetically predisposed and have colonizations of certain microbes and high levels of pro-inflammatories.
This facial cream is rich in redness- and inflammation-calming ingredients including monolaurin, glycerin and soothing antioxidants like green tea and rice phytic acid. A non-foaming action doesn’t strip skin of essential oils, but leaves skin feeling clean and oil-free.
The Red Better Spot Corrector ($25.00) is a non-drying acne balm made specifically for rosacea-related acne papules and pustules. This acne balm kills certain micro-organisms that cause redness as well as acne. It won’t cause any irritation that could bring on additional reactions to extra-stressed skin.
Learn how to cleanse skin properly for acne-prone skin/7 Acne Treatment Myths revealed —> HERE!
Salicylic acid and sulfur work to fight acne, while the coconut-derived monolaurin targets microbes for anti-inflammatory purposes; silicones and anti-oxidants help to prevent scarring as well.
I applied this on a pimple and after three days saw it dry up completely. It didn’t cause my surrounding skin to peel or flake, which most spot acne treatments do. Its non-drying formula is ideal for acne sufferers who actually are in need of adequate moisture.
Sweat Acne/Bumps
Dr. Gervaise Gerstner M.D. says: “Sweat acne is caused by yeast known as pityrosporum folliculitis. Monolaurin gel is a gentle gel that treats the fungus/yeast that causes sweat acne. It also keeps skin cooler.”
If you suffer from sweat pimples, razor bumps, you name it, then this is the one product you’ll need this summer. The ID Sweat Acne And Overall Antibacterial Monolaurin Gel ($26.00) is a coconut-derived monoglyceride gel that treats the fungus that causes sweat acne.
It is a clear, topical gel that dries instantly reducing even oily skin. It can be used as an effective hand sanitizer and disinfects minor wounds without over-drying. I love to use it on pimples caused by ingrown hairs. Its safe yet effective formula gets the job done without harmful chemicals and ingredients aggravating skin.
Chicken Skin
Just how it looks like, “chicken skin usually appears on neck and chest skin, which shows loss of elasticity,” explains Dr. Gerstner. The ID Buff-Buff Apricot And Salicylic Clarifying Body Soap ($13.00) is an invigorating and stimulating cleanser for the body.
Apricot kernals buff, massage and stimulate the skin all while sloughing off dull, old skin cells to keep skin feeling fresh and clean. You can also use this before shaving in order to life hairs, lessening the potential for irritation.
Found out how to best treat chicken skin (A.K.A. Keratosis Pilaris) —> HERE!
It was definitely exfoliating — you could feel the apricot kernals buffing away. I was afraid at first that it would be too harsh on my skin, but it didn’t leave it red or irritated at all. My skin felt thoroughly clean and matte. It is not meant for the face, but make sure to use it on inner thighs, back of legs and anywhere you have chicken skin.
Wrinkles
Dr. Gervaise Gerstner M.D. says: “Glycolic loosens bonds between old dead cells and enables a mechanical exfoliation. Unbuffered glycolic works quicker and more aggressively, so just be cautious with sensitive skin.”
Even sensitive skin can be stubborn when it comes to dealing with fine lines and wrinkles. The Re-Everything Cream Anti-Age Primary Treatment ($85.00) is a gentle introduction to the brand’s anti-aging therapy line: It renews skin with unbuffered glycolic acid that provides micro-dermabrasion forcing new skin cells to the surface.
It regenerates skin with kinetin growth factor, which promotes skin rejuvenation. In Dr. Gerstner’s experience as a dermatologist, “Growth factors can reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture, and can used on sensitive skin, which I’ve never seen having a problem with.”
Is Botox right for you? Learn how it can help banish wrinkles, prevent underarm sweating and migraines —> HERE!
It revitalizes skin with green tea and rice phytic acid to protect skin from the sun and environmental damage. Virgin coconut oil deeply moisturizes skin at the cell membrane level leaving you looking younger and glowing.
The directions suggests applying a pea-sized amount all over your face, neck, chest and hands twice a week. After one week it is advised to start applying it three times, until you increase it to twice a day no earlier than week 8. It has a lightweight, serum-cream consistency that sinks right into skin. It is best to apply a moisturizer afterwards to avoid any over-drying.
Hyperpigmentation/Dark Underarms
Dr. Gervaise Gerstner M.D. says: “Discolored underarms is often due to yeast called tinea versicolor. Bleaching pads or treating the yeast can help lighten; hormone levels can cause darkening of genital and axilla areas, too.”
Dark underarms aren’t very pretty — and are usually what most women are self conscious about. The Illuminants+ Axillight Treatment Antiperspirant ($35.00) is an active lightening treatment for underarm skin that has been discolored by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and irritations (from dyes, fragrances, deodorants, etc.).
Learn how to get rid of dark spots, hyperpigmentation with laser and bleaching therapy methods —> HERE!
It contains 7 potent depigmentors and antioxidants with hydration elements. It contains 7 Swiss Alpine plants that inhibit tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin. Glycerin makes it a soothing antiperspirant that controls dryness all day long. Aluminum chlorohydrate provides even more dryness protection without irritating skin or causing rashes.
Dr. Gervaise Gerstner
To use: Spray six inches away from underarms. Apply only 2 times a week, then three times until slowly increasing it to twice a day no earlier than week 8.
You can find all VMV Hypoallergenics products on their website at www.vmvhypoallergenics.ph or at a VMV Hypoallergenics store near you.
Do any of you lovely ladies suffer from these skin conditions? Do you have sensitive skin as well?
Let us know by commenting below (you just might win a free sample)! Make sure to check out our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat!
– Theresa Romano
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