Sensitive Skin or Sensitized Skin which do I have?

No other skin condition is more misunderstood than sensitive skin.  Many people say they have sensitive skin when their skin really is sensitive.  To really know if you have a sensitive skin condition you first need to understand what causes it. 
Sensitive skin is often a genetically-inherited condition that primarily affects very fair-skinned individuals, usually of Northern European ancestry.  Someone with truly sensitive skin has a very fine complexion, is highly prone to blushing and may experience allergies, hay fever or asthma.
What most people suffer from is in fact sensitized skin which is a reflection of the environment they are exposed to, lifestyle and physiology.  Pollution, stress, cosmetic allergies, hormonal imbalance, a poor diet, alcohol, or over-exfoliation can all trigger for sensitized skin condition.  Once you understand you have sensitized skin it can be treated but if left untreated over time the skin can respond unfavorably and can result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging.

Tips to avoid trigger factors:
Skin care modifications can usually solve most people's skin sensitization.  Maintaining the skin's barrier function is vital, so remember to apply your moisturizer after every cleansing, and whenever your skin feels tight or dry use the Lavender Hydrating Toner that was developed with this specific goal in mind.  Avoid over-exfoliating skin skin - remember, more exfoliation is not better!  If you notice redness or tightness that lasts more than a few hours, you should discontinue the use of the exfoliant for a few days.  When returning to exfoliating add the Aloe Hydrating cleanser to your powder mix along with water - this will give your skin a spa like treatment.

Sun protection is also very critical because sensitized skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage.  Apply a daytime moisturizer that is chemical-free and specifically for sensitized skin. Natures Umbrella Daytime Moisturizer and Natures Umbrella balm is chemical-free and uses a non-nano zinc oxide along with neem oil to hydrate and give a natural protection to the skin.

Finally, avoiding trigger factors such as spicy foods, MSG, caffeine, hot drinks, nicotine can help skin recover and rebuild its resistance - if you choose to indulge in these foods just remember to increases your skin hydration with hydrating moisturizer, soothing toner, aloe hydrating masque and extra water intake to help your skin recover and rebuild its normal resistance.   

What steps to take for an onset of sensitization:
The discomfort of an attack can be very scary, the skin feels tight, red and swollen, and it seems everything just makes it worse - even water.
First step to balancing sensitized skin is to avoid all trigger factors.  Then, follow a special regime to help your skin recover.  Cleansing with a aloe gel to calm the skin, follow with a soothing toner that will bring hydration to the surface immediately. Lavender Maximum Moisture creme will help shield the skin from further assault.  This regimen doesn't replace your existing skin care routine - but just a temporary quick relief.

How is sensitized skin different from rosacea:
Rosacea is a skin condition that is as misunderstood and often times misdiagnosed.  In the early stages of Rosacea the symptoms are often very similar if not the same as skin that is sensitized - redness, tightness and blushing - as well as the same trigger factors.  A disorder of the facial blood vessels, Rosacea is a progressive inflammatory disorder that, when untreated, develops additional complications that include facial swelling, burst capillaries and often spots on the face that look like acne breakouts, which is why people confuse Rosacea with acne. 
Good news, Rosacea is manageable, with avoiding trigger factors, using products that came the to skin and when there is a Rosacea attack use the same method as with sensitization skin, aloe gel, cooler water to rinse skin hydrating toner, and Lavender Maximum Moisture Creme to calm the skin.  There are medications that can be recommended by your dermatologist that may help with the progression of this disorder.   

Bilanceia sensitized skin products for at-home use
Aloe Hydrating Cleanser - Aloe and lavender calm the skin
Lavender Hydrating Toner - Immediately reduce the redness associated with climactic extremes, stress, pollution or allergies. Lavender soothe irritated skin
Lavender Maximum Moisture Creme - melts gently into sensitized skin to soothe and help strengthen the skin's natural lipid barrier.