Written by Dr. Joshua Townley, BForensSc, PhD with contributions from Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam MBBS, FRCP, FACD.
These days, sensitive skin is more common than ever. Around 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men report experiencing sensitive skin1, with symptoms including tingling, itching, tightness in the skin, stinging and burning1. As such, more and more people are looking for products or ingredients that are specifically formulated to help manage sensitive skin.
We'll discuss three ingredients which make great additions to any sensitive skin care routine.
Watch our Science Says video to learn more with Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam
What is Avemide 15ᵀᴹ?
Avemide 15ᵀᴹ contains a purified, standardised mixture of 18 key components, called avenanthramides, which are extracted from colloidal oatmeal, as well as a patented mix of flavonoids that impart a range of skin benefits3. Oatmeal (avena sativa) has been used for centuries because of its soothing and skin-conditioning properties2 and even today, it’s found in everything from baby products to shaving cream.
An unrefined natural extract of oatmeal can be impacted by factors like environmental and growing conditions of the oat crop as well as storage and transport time, leading to variation and uncertainty in the ingredient levels. However, by using a standardised extract, like Avemide15ᵀᴹ, it’s possible to ensure the ratio of key ingredients is always the same.
Skin Benefits of Avemide 15ᵀᴹ
Aside from soothing the skin, colloidal oatmeal, and avenanthremide in particular, also helps relieve dryness associated with dry skin conditions4. In addition, Avemide 15ᵀᴹ has anti-irritant and anti-oxidant properties3.
If you’re struggling to find products that are compatible with your sensitive skin, look for something with Avemide 15ᵀᴹ on the front of the pack.
Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam
What is Sodium PCA?
Sodium PCA is the sodium the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It's a humectant and part of the skin's natural moisturising factor.
Skin Benefits of Sodium PCA
Sodium PCA in combination with other moisturising ingredients such as glycerine, paraffinum liquidum and niacinamide (vitamin B3), developed for use on sensitive skin, significantly improves not only hydration but also the signs of visible skin ageing, including wrinkle size and elasticity without significant adverse effects5.
What is Tocopherol?
Tocopherol, commonly called Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role as an antioxidant throughout the body. It is found in the serum and red blood cells and is essential for the stabilisation of biological membranes, particularly those that contain large amounts of fatty acids, such as the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum6. The oxidation of unsaturated fats produces lipid peroxides that interfere with the structure and function of biological membranes. Vitamin E is recognised as an antioxidant that can prevent the formation of lipid peroxides6.
Skin Benefits of Tocopherol
Vitamin E also offers a number of skin benefits when applied topically7. It has moisturising properties and helps to improve the appearance of age spots, increases skin elasticity8 and smooths fine lines and wrinkles9. Vitamin E has also been shown to be beneficial in preventing UV-induced free-radical formation, reducing UV-induced skin damage10.
