Sensitive skin: tips that really make a difference
Redness after showering. A feeling of tightness in the föhn wind. A new detergent – and straight away it itches. If that sounds familiar, you are probably one of the 30 to 50 per cent of the European population who, according to dermatological surveys, suffer from sensitive skin (source: Wikipedia – Sensitive skin). Women are affected more often than men. But what is actually behind it – and what can you do in concrete terms?
What many people underestimate: sensitive skin is rarely just a cosmetic issue. It is a signal. The skin reacts more strongly than normal to external and internal stimuli, because its natural protective barrier is weakened. In technical language this is called increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – the skin loses moisture faster and becomes more permeable to irritants (source: Misery et al., JEADV, 2017).
Why Switzerland is particularly challenging for sensitive skin
The Swiss climate is no friend of sensitive skin. Cold, dry winters draw moisture out of the skin. Föhn conditions intensify this effect. And then there is UV radiation: because of its altitude, Switzerland has above-average UV exposure – a point the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) treats as a central health topic.
Even in spring at 1,500 metres above sea level, UV intensity can be surprisingly high. Sun protection with a high sun protection factor therefore belongs not only in your beach bag but in your everyday life – all year round.
The right care: less is usually more
Here is an observation that surprises many people: with sensitive skin, the real problem is often not too little care, but too much of it. Too many products, too many active ingredients, changing the routine too often. Sensitive skin needs consistency and few, well-tolerated ingredients.
If you are looking for a structured way into a mild care routine, the Herbalife SKIN Basic Product Pack offers a coordinated combination with aloe vera, vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and antioxidants. For a more comprehensive routine – including a serum and more intensive moisturising – the Herbalife SKIN Advanced Product Pack offers complete daily care.
What should you generally avoid with sensitive skin?
- Aggressive surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which attack the protective film
- Strong fragrances and synthetic perfumes – frequent triggers of irritation
- Alcohol-based toners, which dry the skin out further
- Exfoliating products with coarse particles, which can cause micro-injuries
Ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are useful instead – they support the skin barrier gently without irritating it. If you want to target the first fine lines and skin texture specifically without overtaxing the skin, you can build the Herbalife SKIN Line Minimising Serum into your evening routine.
Nutrition for sensitive skin: what really counts from within
External care is only half the story. Have you ever wondered why your skin reacts more strongly during stressful weeks or after a one-sided diet? The answer lies in your micronutrient supply.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recognised clear, scientifically grounded claims (source: EFSA – Register of Health Claims):
- vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal skin function
- Biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal skin
- Vitamin A also supports the maintenance of normal skin
On top of that come omega-3 fatty acids which, according to a study by Pilkington et al. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011), have anti-inflammatory properties and can support the skin barrier.
The Swiss Society for Nutrition (SGE) recommends a balanced diet with enough vitamins, minerals and healthy fatty acids for general health – including the skin (source: sge-ssn.ch). However, the FOPH's menuCH study shows that a considerable proportion of the Swiss population does not reach the recommended five portions of vegetables and fruit a day. That can have a direct effect on the supply of micronutrients relevant to the skin.
Collagen peptides in combination with vitamin C are becoming increasingly important. If you want to supplement your diet in this area, the Herbalife Collagen Skin Booster is a practical option – it contains collagen peptides and vitamin C, which contribute to normal collagen formation.
Three everyday habits that often make sensitive skin worse
It is not always the big things. Sometimes tiny habits sabotage your skincare:
- Showering too hot – it feels soothing, but it destroys the skin's lipid layer in minutes
- Rubbing your face with the towel instead of patting it gently dry
- Ignoring stress: chronic stress has a demonstrably negative effect on the skin barrier
Shower lukewarm, for ten minutes at most. That alone can already make a noticeable difference.
Sensitive skin and sun protection: no room for negotiation
UV protection is not optional for sensitive skin. In Switzerland this applies in particular: anyone who is regularly at altitude – whether hiking, skiing or simply on a balcony in Davos – exposes their skin to radiation that increases by about 10 to 12 per cent per 1,000 metres of altitude. A mineral sun protection product (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is often better tolerated by sensitive skin than chemical filters.
And yes, in winter too. And under clouds too.
How to bring care and nutrition together
Sensitive skin needs a strategy that works from the outside and the inside. A mild, low-irritant care routine protects the barrier from the outside. A balanced diet – rich in vitamin C, zinc, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids – supports the skin from within. Both together work better than either measure on its own.
What most guides do not say: patience is part of it. Sensitive skin reacts slowly to change. Give a new routine at least four to six weeks before you take stock.
Discover our products at myherbal.ch and find the right support for your skin – from gentle care to targeted food supplements. You will find more wellness findings at herbalife.com.