Sensitive Skin: Increase Hydration to Control Excessive Dryness

In most cases of sensitive skin conditions, the stratum corneum does not function normally, resulting in increased TEWL – or trans-epidermal water loss. The surface of the skin may be flaky and dry, and inflammation and activated Langerhan’s cells are common. To effectively reduce TEWL, you must increase hydration and control excessive dryness. To accomplish this, products must contain humectant ingredients that draw moisture to the epidermis and occlusive ingredients that hold moisture in. Here are examples of humectant and occlusive ingredients to look for:

Humectant ingredients:

• glycerin
• AHA
• lecithin
• urea
• hyaluronic acid
• sorbitol
• collagen
• honey
• sodium PCA
• pseudoalteromonas ferment extract

Occlusive ingredients:

• silicones (dimethicone and cyclomethicone)
• shea butter
• titanium dioxide
• olive oil
• zinc oxide
• niacinamide