The Skin Challenge Spectrum
WHERE DO YOU FALL?
AGING
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner and more fragile, which accelerates the formation and deepening of wrinkles. Aging also causes changes in overall skin texture and tone, and instigates the development of age spots, or hyperpigmentation.
ENVIRONMENT
The harmful effects of outdoor and indoor environments (air pollution, UVA/UVB, chemicals, etc.) are extensive. People who live in areas where there is more or less exposure to sun can affect their circadian rhythm of cell renewal. Effects on the skin include dryness, premature aging, skin rashes, eczema, poor or slow healing, and acne.
HORMONES
Hormonal changes due to menopause, pregnancy or birth control pills can cause various reactions. Skin type, sensitivity threshold, and scent or fragrance tolerance might change during these stages.
SKIN ALLERGIES
Some people have reactions to various stimuli (such as natural/artificial compounds, animals, greenery, foods, cleaning agents). If they come into contact with these stimuli, they can experience a range of mild to harsh skin reactions, or “allergic sensitization.” Conditions such as dermatitis and eczema can be the outcome of these reactions.
DISEASES, DISORDERS & MEDICATIONS
People dealing with health challenges frequently have very sensitive skin, from both the condition itself and the medications that treat it. Diseases that can affect the skin may be viral (shingles or roseola), gastric (celiac or Crohn’s), motor neuron (Lou Gehrig’s or Parkinson’s), metabolic (thyroid or diabetes), auto-immune (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma). Cancer and cancer treatments are known for their often severe effects on the skin. All of these health challenges can cause the skin to experience one or more of the following conditions: dryness, itchiness, inflammation, irritation, neuropathy, hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, rashes, blisters and sores.
STRESS
Stress has an unfortunate cyclical relationship with the skin: stress causes skin problems and skin problems cause stress. Stress affects skin by aggravating skin conditions such as premature aging, eczema, psoriasis, acne, allergies and rashes.
COSMETIC INTOLERANCE SYNDROME
Skin can develop a sensitivity due to a combination of factors, one being the over-application of topicals containing irritants, usually on a daily basis. Regular exfoliation using acids or manual means can disrupt or thin the skin barrier and allow for deeper penetration of these irritants, accelerating this process even more.
Whether your skin is at one end of the Skin Challenge Spectrum or the other, or anywhere in between, Hale & Hush has a product created just for you.
