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The sensitive
skin type is basically characterized by a fine texture with a thin epidermis
and blood vessels very close to the surface. As a result, external and
internal up-sets can easily register in form of blotchiness, redness,
increased warmth, dehydration and irritation. The sensitive skin can feel
taunt over the bone areas and have a tendency toward dryness, and with
aging it usually results in a crepey texture. While there is always the
danger of over stimulating this skin type, it is important that cellular
function be increased to improve skin tone and elasticity. The term sensitive
skin is a widely used name to describe a specific skin type. Although
all skin types should be treated gently and respective of individual symptoms,
the skins described as sensitive, however, do have some things in common.(Generally
they are fine, have an insufficient keratinous layer and an unbalanced
hydro-lipid film. In practical terms, the surface defenses are considerably
lowered, causing the skin to be easily affected by chemical, mechanical,
and atmospheric irritation and to react to fluctuations in temperature.
From an internal perspective, sensitive skin is easily stimulated by stress,
causing vasodilation, chronic dehydration and often erratic oil production.
It is necessary at this point differentiate between individuals with sensitivity
tendencies whose skin naturally have an underactive character, and the
ones who fit into the over-active category. Since behavior in both types
are similar in a number of instances, such as increased redness and dehydration,
they oppose each other in the area of oil production. Under stress, the
alipic sensitive skin dries up as the day goes by, accentuating lines
and wrinkles - while the over-active skin, true to its character, can
easily erupt and/or show a greasy film.
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