Do you break out in rashes, have persistent acne, or get itchy skin and other reactions under certain conditions or after using certain products?

If so, you may have “overactive” skin, sometimes called “sensitive” or “hyperactive” skin. What exactly is this and, more importantly, what can you do about it if it is happening to you? 

Sensitive Skin 101 

The terms “overactive skin,” “sensitive skin,” and “hyperactive skin” are very general. They all describe basically the same thing: a chronic situation where something (or a few somethings) is causing stress and inflammation in the skin organ. Eventually, this may manifest on the surface of the skin as: 

• Lumps
• Bumps
• Rashes
• Skin tags
• Dry skin patches
• Blisters
• Discoloration
• Scabbing
• Acne
• Other out of the ordinary blemishes or markings

Sometimes reactions can turn into skin-related conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, ichthyosis, panniculitis or any one of the dozens of other conditions affecting the skin. (1)  

Many people with sensitive skin simply shrug their shoulders in defeat then trudge out to their closest pharmacy in search of the perfect product for their “skin type.” Words like “hypoallergenic,” “for sensitive skin types,” and “100% natural” may come on picture perfect, wholesome-looking packages, yet most of them will provide little relief, and some can even be harmful (for more information on how you can tell pure, ToxicFree © products from fakes, be sure to check out this article).

What Is Your Skin Trying to Tell You? 

There is a lot more to the story when it comes to overactive skin. That is why we suggest that you hold off just a little while before rushing out to buy the latest lotion or cream. The reality is that sensitive skin is not a skin type at all. For most people, it is an indication of something else that may be going on. 

Don’t you owe it to yourself and to your good health to find out what that may be? 

Our bodies are amazing, self-healing works of art, designed by God to return to a balanced state whenever a stressor throws us off. Even our incredible bodies, however, have their limits. There sometimes comes a point when its systems for defense and detoxification cannot keep up with the stressors coming at it.  Some underlying situations that can give way to “sensitive skin” symptoms include: 

• Toxic overload
• Emotional stress
• Hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid issues
• Immune system conditions
• Circulation issue
• Liver issues
• Lack of sleep
• Histamine imbalance
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Common chronic conditions like diabetes
• Getting older

Problem #1: Toxic Overload.

Toxins that can create an overload in your body and spill out in the form of skin reactions can come from anywhere – food, water, air, and commercial sundry products. If you are still in doubt that our bodies need our help in this toxic world, consider this. Out of the thousands of chemicals used in skin care products and cosmetics today, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned less than a dozen. In fact, the majority of chemicals used in this industry have never been properly tested for health and safety. (2) 

Solution: Kick Toxins Out & Support Your Organs of Detoxification

First of all, remove as many toxins as you can from the food you eat by choosing organic and non-GMO. Also remove airborne threats by using air purifiers, staying away from SMART meters, and turning off Wi-Fi at night. Protect your water too by installing quality water purifiers that can remove sneaky toxins like fluoride as well as other pathogens. Next, investigate strategies for deep detoxification of your liver, kidneys, GI system, and lymph nodes especially. Finally, choose 100% ToxicFree© beauty products that put your safety and your health first. Of course, we are talking about CHARLíS Luxury Skincare and Body Care. There really is nothing else like it! 

#2 The Problem: Emotional Stress

Did you know that heightened levels of emotional stress can bring on hives, rashes, discoloration, increased dryness, and even full-blown skin-related conditions like eczema? In fact, scientists are discovering such a correlation between emotional and skin health that it has led to a whole new branch of psychology called “psychodermatology.” Researchers in this field acknowledge that the link between stress and skin-related conditions can be a double-edged sword. While conditions like PTSD and chronic stress can raise the risk of skin-related conditions, having visible rashes, blisters, acne, or blotches can create low self-esteem and social anxiety. (3) 

“The skin is the most noticeable part of our body that could be impacted by psychological factors…” said Kristina G. Gorbatenko-Roth, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, in a recent interview for the American Psychology Association. Gorbatenko-Roth began studying psychodermatology when she developed alopecia areata (a hair loss condition). She discovered that this and many other skin-related conditions are often strongly linked to depression and anxiety. (4) 

The Solution: Make Lowering Stress a Priority Every Day! 

A 2013 meta-analysis published in the journal Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery found that “proven interventions” for chronic stress such as guided imagery, meditation, and biofeedback can also ease skin-related conditions. (5) 

One proven modality for reducing stress is essential oils. According to a clinical trial conducted by Mie University School of Medicine in Japan, citrus fragrance can help normalize neuroendocrine levels in depressive individuals. (6) The incredible, evidence-based, mood-lifting power of citrus is exactly why we chose to use wild-harvested, non-GMO, organic essential oils of grapefruit, sweet orange, and bergamot in almost every one of our products. It is also why we decided to offer our unique essential oil-based Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum as part of the new CHARLíS Body Care Line. 

#4 The “Problem:” Getting Older

We put the word “problem” in quotation marks here because we really don’t believe that getting older is a problem at all! In fact, we know that life can be just as active and vibrant in our 60’s as it was in our 20’s. With the right lifestyle, foods, mindset, and skin products, you can experience beauty on the inside and on the outside, no matter what your age! 

Of course, that doesn’t mean we can’t help our bodies along just a little. According to the FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology, skin can become more sensitive as we get older. In part, this is because collagen production has been shown to decrease by up to 1-2% per year after age 30. (7) At the same time, our skin’s ability to both protect from environmental toxins and hydrate itself tends to decrease as we age as well, making us more sensitive to toxins and our skin more prone to dryness (link to dryness article), blotchiness, and infection. 

The Solution: Be Your Healthiest, Most Beautiful Self as You Age! 

In particular, “eating for beauty” can significantly help to increase collagen levels naturally and restore all layers of your skin. This means eating foods rich in skin-revitalizing vitamins and minerals including C, D, E, and beta carotene (as a natural source of vitamin A) as well as zinc and iron. Organic lean meats as well as bone broths are the best food-based sources of collagen by far. Fresh fish like salmon and sardines are natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids as is olive oil. Eggs and sunflower seeds are both solid sources of zinc. Certain plants and herbs like turmeric, carrots, red bell peppers, and leafy greens as well as nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax, and even cacao are all staples that you should be consuming regularly for the benefit of your skin. (8)(9)(10)  

And, of course, what you apply on the surface can really make a huge difference too. For age-related skin sensitivity, especially stay away from any product that may contain harsh chemicals. Go organic, non-GMO, and plant based if possible. This is exactly why we created our Anti-Aging Toner with aging skin in mind. The CHARLíS Anti-Aging Toner contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a super-absorbable, super-antioxidant form of vitamin C. It also provides soothing, cell rejuvenating aloe vera and skin protecting alpine rose. Studies have found that alpine rose stem cells can prevent the formation of carbonylated proteins, which are major markers for skin aging. Alpine rose has also been found to have an antiviral effect for the skin. (11) 

You CAN Find Balance, Healing, and Strength for Sensitive Skin!

It’s time to take the mystery out of sensitive skin and step back into balance. Include independent lab-tested CHARLíS Luxury Skincare and Body Care in your healthy lifestyle routine and watch your skin rebalance, heal and regain its beauty like never before! 

Reference: 

(1) Merck Manual: Overview of Hypersensitivity and Reactive Skin Disorders
(2) FDA: Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics
(3) The link between skin and psychology
(4) Beyond health-related quality of life: initial psychometric validation of a new scale for addressing the gap in assessing the full range of alopecia areata psychosocial burden
(5) Nonpharmacologic management of psychodermatologic conditions
(6) Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states
(7) Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin
(8) Folate content and composition of vegetables commonly consumed in China 
(9) Cocoa BioactiveCompounds: Significance and Potential for the Maintenance of Skin Health
(10) Essential fatty acids as functional components of foods- a review
(11) ECOCERT CERTIFIED ALPINE ROSE ACTIVE PROTECTS SKIN PROTEINS