Sensitive / Sensitised Skin
Medik8 Calming Solutions – Sensitive Skin Remedies
Increasingly, clients describe their skin as “sensitive”, but there is an important distinction between sensitive skin and sensitised skin.
Sensitive vs Sensitised Skin
A truly sensitive skin is usually genetic. It is often thinner, paler, and has blood vessels closer to the surface. As a result, flushing and blushing are more visible, and thread veins or spider veins may be more apparent.
These vessels can appear:
in a spider-like pattern
in branching formations
as fine linear veins
In cases such as these, professional treatments such as IPL may be suitable for larger areas, particularly on fair skin.
For smaller areas, such as individual thread veins, red blood spots, or fine linear veins (often found on areas like the inside of the knee), electrotherapy-based treatments can be used to reduce their appearance without breaking the skin.
Thread Veins and Skin Redness
Thread veins and broken capillaries can develop due to a range of factors including genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle influences.
Blood spots occur when blood becomes trapped under the skin. Spider naevi may present with a central red spot and fine capillaries radiating outward. These can sometimes appear after minor trauma or during pregnancy, although pregnancy-related changes often resolve naturally.
More persistent redness across the face may present as rosacea, commonly affecting the cheeks, nose and chin. This can include flushing, persistent redness, and small inflamed bumps that are not true acne, but linked to vascular and inflammatory activity in the skin.
Sensitive vs Sensitised Skin
Sensitive skin is usually inherited. Sensitised skin, however, is acquired.
Sensitised skin occurs when the skin’s protective barrier becomes compromised. This can be triggered by:
lifestyle factors such as alcohol or smoking
environmental exposure such as pollution or pollen
overuse of active skincare
stress and hormonal fluctuations
When the barrier is weakened, the skin becomes more reactive, inflamed, and uncomfortable.
Managing Sensitised Skin
For sensitised skin, restoring the skin barrier and reducing inflammation is key. This includes:
gentle, supportive skincare
consistent moisturising
daily UV protection
barrier-repairing serums and calming formulations
The Medik8 Calmwise range is designed specifically to support red, irritated, and reactive skin types.
Professional Treatment Support
At Daydreams Skin & Body Therapy, calming and redness-reducing facials can help support fragile or sensitised complexions, helping to restore comfort, balance, and skin resilience over time.
