Extra Care for Dry or Sensitive Skin

While the skin can be extremely resilient, the skin barrier itself is sensitive to several factors like humidity, temperature, and pH, and requires the right conditions to function optimally.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and it’s also the first line of defence to the outside world. It’s made up of three main layers: the hypodermis (deepest layer), the dermis (middle layer) and the epidermis (upper layer).

Many of us already know that we may protect our face during the workday by applying a hydrating face cream or mist. However, what we often forget is that the rest of our body also needs a moisture top-up. Think beyond the face by adding these hydrating body skin care products to your desk-side arsenal.

Labels emblazoned with claims like dermatologically tested or hypoallergenic instil a certain level of confidence that a product won’t harm or irritate our skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might be particularly attuned to these sorts of terms, but what do they mean and how do you know you can trust them?

Around 87% of cosmetic products list “parfum” as an ingredient, indicating the presence of fragrance. While this may seem good for our noses, it may not be so good for our skin.

Those of us with dry or sensitive skin are often advised to use a cleanser with no added soap and avoid soap. But why? What exactly are alternatives with no added soap, and how do they work if they don’t have soap in them?