More than half the population in America claims to have sensitive skin and other first world countries show similar statistics. In our view, this is an indictment on the products people use and how skin is viewed.

Consider that a reaction may be to your perfume, shampoo, conditioner or detergents.

Sensitivity shows as reddening after applying product. Skin tends to flush, is easily aggressed when placed under stress, marks and scars easily.

LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS

• Avoid abrasive exfoliants.
• Use non-drying masks.
• Avoid excessively hot baths or showers and apply moisturiser immediately after washing.
• Seek mild sun exposure on a large part of your body at least once a week. Cover up with physical sun protection.
• Take an omega-3 supplement with at least 400 mg of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). Make sure that you are not allergic to fish oil — the symptoms include facial swelling and a rash.
• Take a good quality ingestible probiotic and apply a probiotic skincare treatment that contains live strains of beneficial microbes to improve the skin barrier.
• pH of ALL products must be 4,5.
• Avoid excessive coffee and alcohol.
• Avoid dry air-conditioned atmospheres.