Why so sensitive?

By Kirsti Shuba

As skincare Experts with over 65 years’ experience in the professional beauty industry, we are always asked our advice, we love to share our knowledge and experience with you all.

Currently in the UK, approximately 60% of women consider themselves to have sensitive skin and most of us will have sensitive skin issues at some point in our lives. This could either be because of something that we have caused or due to environmental factors, lifestyle, climate or genetics.

A sensitive skin reacts more quickly or strongly than normal skin. It can cause discomfort and make the skin feel fragile, reactive, intolerant or irritable. The signs may include visible redness, flushing, prickling, overheating, tightness, redness, dry patches and small red spots. The dryer and more sensitive the skin is, the higher the alkalinity of the skin will be.

Unfortunately sensitive skin ages faster than other types and in turn, ageing skin becomes more sensitive, dry, fine and vulnerable.

What are the causes of a sensitive skin?

Skin sensitivity can be caused by external factors such as temperature, tobacco, pollution, aggressive products and food. As well as internal factors such as skin type, complexion, alcohol intake, cutaneous history (dermatitis, seborrhoea, sun burn etc), genetics, hormones and the natural ageing process. With today's lifestyle, it can even be caused by stress and emotion.

So as the largest organ in the body, it is important we really care for our skin and pay attention to changes in sensitivity. Going on that sun-filled holiday abroad is great fun but the sudden change in climate can be a shock for the skin, as can the sudden change in diet and often alcohol intake.

Soon-to-be Brides will often find that as the big day approaches and emotions run high, their skin can behave like a petulant child. This can make it feel sensitive and reactive and less tolerant of their regular creams, even if only temporarily.

A sensitive skin can be helped but it needs specific treatment, it can be easily strengthened with the correct treatment programme and homecare prescription.

Treatment

The Age Defence Sensitive Skin Treatment is the perfect solution to combat sensitivity whilst being supremely rehydrating. The skin will be calmed, soothed, strengthened and more able to defend itself against premature ageing.

Homecare

The Step 3 Skin Defence – Sensitive Skin Cream & Sensitive Skin Rich Cream

The Sensitive Skin Cream has a light, gel-cream consistency and brings a soothing sensation to the skin’s surface whilst the key ingredients work into the deeper layers to heal, restore and strengthen. Anti-ageing properties leave the skin with a soft, supple, more youthful appearance.

The Sensitive Skin Rich Cream has a fondant texture and is more suitable for skin in greater need of nourishment. Key ingredients of Cucurbita Pepo and Maris Aqua reduce the 5 phenomena of skin sensitivity: pain, swelling, itching, redness and heat to leave your skin soothed and comforted and hydrated. A real treatment for sensitive, dry skin.

Don't just take our word for it...

‘I was first introduced to Katherine Daniels by a beauty salon. Because of my sensitive skin they used Katherine Daniels Sensitive Skin products during my treatment. Afterwards I was so pleased with how lovely my skin felt! The Sensitive Skin Cream was so light and fresh and non-greasy... It left my skin looking refreshed and feeling great! I now purchase it regularly, use it on a daily basis and would definitely recommend it to my friends and family.’

- Stacey Dillon

As the cold months roll in it's easy to think SPF can take a backseat in your skincare routine. But Daily DNA Defence SPF30 is much more than just a sunscreen, it’s your final coat of skin armour, it’s weather protection for your skin.

Our award-winning, broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin from more than just UV rays. It guards against environmental pollutants and blue light
emitted from your screens. Meanwhile, winter’s cold air, winds and rain can damage your skin barrier.

During and after exposure to the elements, Daily DNA Defence protects and repairs your cells DNA.

And more than this, it’s the best make-up primer. Talk about a multi-tasking product! Its lightweight formula sits comfortably under your foundation, ensuring your make-up stays fresh and stays ‘put’ all day.

Keep reading as we deep dive into the benefits of Daily DNA Defence SPF30 and why it’s an essential part of your winter skincare regime.

Broad-spectrum, photostable protection with Daily DNA Defence SPF30

Not all SPF products are created equal, Daily DNA Defence SPF30 offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that it shields your skin from both UVA rays (the ones that age your skin) and UVB rays (the ones that burn your skin). If your moisturiser or foundation contains an SPF it’s worth checking, make sure you’re covered for both UVA and UVB. Many of those products only protect against UVB, leaving your skin vulnerable to the long-term damage caused by UVA rays.

I’m guessing that you follow your daily skincare regime to promote skin health and to keep your skin looking great for your age? Using Daily DNA Defence SPF30 will help you avoid undoing all that effort by providing the UVA protection your skin truly needs.

And here's the bonus: our SPF is photostable, meaning it won’t break down or lose effectiveness in the sun. However, if you're by the pool make sure to reapply every two hours as water, sweat and towel drying can remove it, leaving your skin vulnerable.

Blue light and pollution protection

In today’s world, your skin is up against more than just the sun. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 also shields your skin from two often overlooked threats: blue light and pollution.

Blue light, mainly from our smart devices and pollution in the atmosphere. Blue light and pollution trigger changes in your skin cells, even leading to cell death. Unprotected exposure to these will lead to hyperpigmentation and can damage your skin’s health. Most blue light comes from smart technology, which is used daily by most of us. Pollution is all around; levels are higher in towns and cities all year.

DNA Defence and Repair: protecting your skin at the cellular level

When your skin is exposed to radiation it faces more than just surface damage, your cells DNA is at risk. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 acts like a "virtual parasol," shielding your cells during exposure to harmful rays. But the protection doesn’t stop there. After exposure, your body naturally works to repair DNA damage. Your cells naturally produce an enzyme which kickstarts the repair process of your DNA. Thanks to the powerful repairing ingredients in our formula this process is accelerated up to 100 times, meaning your skin recovers faster, stays healthier and sustains less long term damage.

In summary, wear Daily DNA Defence SPF30 as your final coat of skin armour each day in all seasons and you can rest assured you’re doing your best to protect your skin.

Magical make-up priming

We know that finding the perfect daily SPF texture is a challenge. We’ve been there too. Most SPFs feel like a layer too many, leaving skin feeling greasy, heavy or cause foundation to slide off by midday. This is why we made our product for you. A super light veil, which is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. With no oily or white residue, it’s non-pore blocking and
dries over your moisturiser to become the best make-up primer you’ll ever use, keeping your foundation perfectly in place all day or all night long.

No make-up, no problem

For our men and/or non make-up wearers, our handy pocket size product gives you the same invisible veil and matt skin finish. Skiers, golfers and cyclists will love that it slips easily into a pocket, bag or pouch.

Where else should you be applying your SPF?

Your SPF isn’t just for your face, use all the way down to your décollete and up to your hairline. Not forgetting areas like the tops of your lips, ears, nose and the backs of your hands. These are often overlooked spots that are equally exposed to the sun, whether you’re lounging by the pool or simply driving. The backs of your hands are quick to show signs of ageing, so it’s vital to keep them protected. And if you’re grabbing some winter sun make sure to apply it to the tops of your feet.

How much SPF should you use?

Aim for about the size of a 5 pence piece for each application. However, this should come after Step 2 – Skin Boost and Step 3 – Skin Defence Cream in your skincare routine. If you're planning to sunbathe, apply Daily DNA Defence SPF30 at least 15 minutes before heading outside. Once you're in the sun reapply after 15 minutes for the ultimate protection, then continue every two hours.

And remember, swimming, sweating or towel drying can remove your SPF, so be sure to reapply regularly to keep your skin fully protected.