May 04, 2022

Reactive skin

Reactive skin

Reactive skin is defined as a skin problem involving outbreak of undesirable sensations such as sting, burn, tingle brought on by a stimuli that otherwise would not produce such a reaction (Misery, L., 2019, 585-591).  The skin can be red, and irritated. The author states that it seems to originate from enhanced reaction of the nervous system relating to the skin with no unanimity on the best treatment.

Last weekend at the market, a concerned client came to ask for a friend experiencing this very situation.  She was asking me which of my product would help her friend the most.

My answer was actually "none".  I have come across people in that situation and here is what I have found the most helpful.

* Step back and bring calm to the situation.  The nervous system is often in an hyperactivity state.  There is a need to decrease the stimuli of many kinds being for all the senses.  Calmer and more peaceful surroundings are needed to encourage a feeling of settlement.

* Simple food.  Nurture with simple food with include wholesome, unprocessed high quality protein, carbohydrates and lipids to support the overall system.  Some examples are soup, rice and lentils, steamed vegetables, fresh juices, organic meat in small amount.

* Support with simple herbs.  

Herbal tea of stinging nettle is simple and deeply nourishing for all systems of any age.  It is a safe and supportive tea.

Lemon balm is an other herbal tea with is pleasant and supporting for the nervous system.  It brings calm and peace.

* For the skin.  I suggest to do nothing for 1 to 2 weeks.  Let the situation settle while not adding any other element for the skin to have to deal with.

Support the large intestine.  Be sure to have a bowl motion at least once per day to ensure the wastes are being eliminated and not reabsorbed by the body.

* After the storm has passed.  Once the situation has settled, go slow.  Maintain simple food, support the nervous system, keep the bowl motion happening.  If the skin is dry and need moisturising, select product which are simple making it easier for the skin to handle.  A pure, good quality oil can do wonder such as almond, apricot, macadamia oil.  Read the list of ingredients to choose the best product which will nurture your skin in a simple and calming way.  Our Calendula oil and Calendula Cream are good options as they are both certified organic, have a simple composition (very few ingredients) as well as being free of essential oil.  These are a lot more likely to soothe the skin if you use anything at all.

I hope this is helpful for you and loved ones and assist in returning to soft skin.  If you have questions relating to this blog, feel free to email me.  I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you all the very best.

 

Reference 

Misery L. (2019) "Sensitive skin, reactive skin". Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie, 146(8-9):585-591. DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2019.05.007. PMID: 31320184.