Almost every client I consult with complains about having sensitive skin and how they have reactions to almost everything that touches their face-rashes, eczema, rosacea-like symptoms, red breakouts, etc. But while there are some reasonable exceptions, such as an ingredient allergy, skin should actually be resistant and hearty, and ideally, never sensitive. Yet more and more people are diagnosing themselves as having sensitive skin. What’s going on here?
If your skin is truly sensitive, it will probably always react to the environment, food and products in this way. This is considered by some experts as a type of acne called food allergies/digestive acne. Under the theory that everything we eat eventually shows up on our skin, if you are eating something your body is allergic to, it will show up on your face. In fact, eczema is almost always an internal issue, thus skincare products only work as a band-aid. The deeper problem is what you are putting in your body.
Some of the more infamous triggers are dairy, gluten, soy, peanuts and eggs. The challenge is discovering which one(s) are bothering your gut. Try a diet that contains sugars primarily from vegetables, and pay attention to your pulse after you eat-does it race? If so, this could be a sign that you just consumed an offending allergen.
People with skin sensitivities rarely produce enough stomach acid (especially those noticing a localized rash around their mouths). Supplementing with apple cider vinegar can be a huge help. I tell clients to consider probiotics, colonics and digestive enzymes. Yogurt is a great power-food, but to see a real difference, you need billions of probiotics (yogurt only contains a few), so search for a brand with a “full spectrum” containing 14-20 types. Lastly, watch out for yeast, sugar and foods with a high-glycemic index (white potatoes, pasta, bagels, and fruit juice to name a few).
Remember, you really are what you eat. What you put in your body is just as important (or more so) than what you put on your skin. The moment you see that blemish, the internal damage has already been done.