Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1526870
70 ASCP Skin Deep Autumn 2024 message to the nervous system when a threat is detected and knocks out the alarm glass to trigger the body's fight-or-flight response. This danger message is sent to another part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating a wide range of bodily functions, like appetite, hormones, and body temperature. 3 Wanting to help the body get ready to attack or fight off a life-threatening danger, the hypothalamus releases a surge of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These shoot through the bloodstream to nerve endings, including all the sensitive nerve endings in the dermis, which are now fired up. 4 This may seem insignificant, but since the skin is the body's largest organ, you can imagine what it feels like when burning, itching, and pins and needles sensations start happening all over the body. Combined with shooting hot and cold sensations, this is a frightening and uncomfortable reaction. These sensations are often heightened in facial skin and other parts of the body where the skin is thinner and generally more sensitive. 5 In someone who does not experience an anxiety disorder, this process can occur and dissipate when all miscommunicated elements are naturally regulated. This is because the body has time to recover and reset. However, research shows that people with anxiety disorders (like me), get continuous stress signals. 6 Because we run on this anxiety buzz, our bodies never get a chance to calm down and recover, sending everything into overdrive and contributing to lasting sensitivity of the skin. Many sensitive skin conditions are exacerbated by anxiety or are even caused by anxiety, such as eczema, rosacea, shingles, and psoriasis. 7 A LACK OF SENSITIVITY CARE IN SPAS It's difficult for clients to communicate skin sensitivity to skin care professionals. I understand the frustration on the industry's part, with so many people self-diagnosing and identifying as sensitive. However, doubts about true sensitivity can make it difficult for someone like me to receive help. Facials used to be a monthly staple for me, but I haven't been in a long time. For me—and for many clients who also experience skin sensitivity alongside anxiety disorders—the conversation always follows the same rhetoric: I explain my skin sensitivity, "my perception" of this is questioned, and I'm advised of the perfect product specifically made for sensitive skin. But, whenever I head into the facial, my senses are overwhelmed by the fragrance in the products and my skin feels like it's shrinking away in fear. Many professional products contain fragrance for the sensory experience, but this upsets my skin, as it can for many clients with sensitivities. In the past, I've left in the middle of a facial because I can't tolerate the burning and uncomfortable sensations, or I've rushed home after and frantically tried to wash off the products wreaking havoc on my skin and senses. I have been told there is no place in professional skin care spaces for "free-from" skin care products (those that do not contain common irritants like fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and essentials oils) because clients expect the sensory experience, and therefore they will not sell well. I am here to say: I will not only pay for this, but I will pay extra—many people will! I have what I personally dub "anxious, sensitive skin." Most of what I feel is a bodily response activated by my anxiety disorder. When the hypothalamus releases stress hormones that create full-body havoc and flood the sensitive nerve endings in the dermis, all chaos breaks loose. The body prepares to fight off danger by drawing blood away from nonessential parts of the body and