The Science of Sensitive Skin

The Basic Structure of Skin

The outermost layer of your skin. the epidermis, is protected by two structural elements: a hydrolipidic film and the stratum corneum. 

• Hydrolipidic film is a thin layer of water and sebum that protects your skin and helps it retain moisture. 
• Stratum corneum is comprised of 15-20 layers of dead skin cells, which naturally shed and renew every 28 days. These cells contain kertain, a protein that helps prevent moisture loss. 

A common cause of sensitive skin is a thin or comprised hydrolipidic film, which reduces the skin’s ability to protect itself and stay hydrated. The result is increased sensitivity to outside stimuli, including soaps, detergents, perfumes, environmental stress, friction and seasonal changes. a fragile hydrolipidic film and stratum corneum make it difficult for skin to maintain its natural balance of oils and water. This is the reason sensitive skin can feel dry and flaky at times or oily or sometimes BOTH!

“What’s the best way to care for sensitive skin?” This is one of the most frequent customer questions we receive at Inna Organic. Our experts understand the day-to-day concerns of those with easily irritated, sensitive skin. Here are four of their top tips!

Best Practice for Sensitive Skin

Avoid heavy, over-nourishing moisturizers. 

Remember sensitive skin is fragile skin! Thick, occlusive or too-rich formulas can easily trigger breakouts and irritation. Instead, look for moisturizers that are readily absorbed – this provides skin with just enough hydration to supplement a thin hydrolipidic film. A great choice: Frankincense Revitalizing Face & Eye Cream.

It contains Jojoba and Beeswax conditioning complex which adapts to varying climates to deliver the correct amount of moisturization to your skin…not too little and not too much! 

Remember sensitive skin doesn’t doesn’t stop at the neck.

 Sensitive skin affects the face AND body. Think about how your arms, legs and back can feel dry, itchy and flaky during the winter months. Look for a nourishing-yet-gentle body lotion with natural ingredients that are easily absorbed by the skin. Ingredients like shea butter, macadamia oil and sunflower seed oil are all renowned for their replenishing and soothing benefits. Pure Moisturizing Body Lotion contains all three of these certified organic moisturizers and more!     

Gently does it!

“Gentle” is a broad and often misused term, so how do you know if a product is actually gentle enough for sensitive skin? One of the easiest and most objective methods is to look for a respected certification seal from EWG or COSMOS. To receive certification from these independent, nonprofit organizations, organic ingredients and products must meet the highest standards for safety and be guaranteed toxin-free.