Sensitive skin is a common concern for many people. Dealing with sensitive skin can be frustrating and overwhelming. Understanding the signs of sensitive skin, distinguishing between sensitive skin and sensitised skin, and knowing how to care for your skin effectively can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to treat skin sensitivity and redness, so you can enjoy calm and healthy skin.
Signs of Sensitive Skin
Here are some common signs that you might have sensitive skin:
- Redness: persistent and recurring redness often appearing as blotchy patches.
- Tightness: particularly after cleansing, that maybe accompanied by dryness.
- Dry Patches: sensitive skin often struggles to retain moisture, leading to dryness and flaky patches.
- Itching or Burning: even mild skincare products can cause itching, stinging, or burning sensations.
- Breakouts: sensitive skin may react by developing small rash-like bumps or breakouts.
- Visible Blood Vessels: you may notice tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin, particularly on your cheeks.
If you experience these symptoms regularly, your skin may be sensitive and in need of special care. However, it’s also important to differentiate between sensitive skin and sensitised skin.
Sensitive Skin Vs Sensitised Skin
Sensitive Skin
- Genetic, meaning you are born with this skin type.
- Has a natural tendency to react to various triggers such as weather changes, skincare products, or even stress.
- Skin’s protective barrier is usually thinner and more delicate.
- Prone to skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and allergies.
Sensitised Skin
- Skin condition that develops over time.
- May be caused by over-exfoliation, harsh skincare products, environmental stressors like extreme weather or even lifestyle factors like diet.
- It’s a temporary state where your skin becomes reactive and fragile.
- Often occurs due to damage to your skin’s protective barrier.
Understanding the difference between the two is crucial, as it can guide you in choosing the right treatment and skin care approach.
Causes of Sensitised/Sensitive Skin
There are several factors that can contribute to skin sensitivity. Some of the most common causes include:
- Genetics: if sensitive skin runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience it yourself.
- Environmental Factors: cold weather, wind, pollution, and sun over exposure can all compromise your skin’s barrier leading to sensitivity.
- Harsh Skincare Products: products containing simple alcohols, fragrances, or harsh exfoliants can compromise your skin’s natural barrier, leading to sensitivity.
- Hormonal Changes: pregnancy, menopause, or fluctuations in hormone levels can make your skin more reactive.
- Diet: certain foods, especially spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine can cause redness and sensitivity.
- Other Lifestyle Factors: stress, and lack of sleep can weaken your skin’s barrier leading to increased sensitivity.
- Skin Conditions: conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis can cause your skin to be naturally more sensitive.
Caring for Sensitive Skin
Caring for sensitive skin requires a gentle, thoughtful approach. Here’s how to treat and manage skin sensitivity and redness effectively:
1. Simplify Your Skincare Routine
When it comes to sensitive skin, less is more. Stick to simple skincare routine with just a few key products. A gentle cleanser, a soothing moisturiser, and sunscreen. Adding too many products can overwhelm your skin and lead to further irritation.
2. Choose the Right Cleanser
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. For sensitive skin, it’s important to choose a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Look for products labeled as “fragrance-free” and “hypoallergenic”. Avoid products with sulfates and alcohol.
Recommendation: opt for a creamy or milky cleanser that hydrates while cleansing. Such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
3. Moisturise Regularly
Moisturising helps to restore and maintain your skin’s natural barrier, which is crucial for preventing sensitivity. Choose a moisturiser that is free from fragrances and artificial dyes, and contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Recommendation: use a rich, calming moisturiser like Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer or Avène Skin Recovery Cream, which are designed to soothe sensitive skin.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun over exposure can worsen sensitivity and lead to increased redness and irritation. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Choose a mineral-based sunscreen, as chemical sunscreens can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
Recommendation: a gentle mineral-based sunscreen like eltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 or Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30.
5. Be Selective with Your Skincare Products
Avoid using too many products at once and introduce new products slowly to see how your skin reacts. Stick to simple, gentle formulations and steer clear of known irritants like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or strong acids.
Recommendation: use products with calming ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or green tea extract. Consider incorporating a soothing serum like Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum, or Krave Beauty The Great Barrier Relief.
6. Avoid Common Irritants
Identify and avoid common irritants that can trigger sensitivity. This includes harsh soaps, hot water, and products with alcohol, fragrances, or essential oils. Also be mindful of physical irritants like rough fabrics or overly aggressive exfoliation.
Recommendation: instead of using physical scrubs, opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, polyhydroxy acids, or fruit enzyme exfoliants. Try Reviva Labs Gentle Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask, or Hanna Müller PHA Serum.
7. Manage Stress
Since stress can worsen skin sensitivity, finding ways to manage stress is key. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga. A balanced lifestyle, with plenty of sleep, hydration, and a nutritious diet also supports overall skin health.
8. Patch Test New Products
Before applying a new product all over, it’s a good idea to do a patch test. Apply a small amount on a discreet area of your skin, such as behind your ears, or on your inner wrists, and wait 24 – 48 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your skin sensitivity and redness persist despite your best efforts, or if you experience severe symptoms like blistering, open sores, or intense itching, it’s important to consult a dermatologist.
Conclusion
Managing sensitive skin requires a delicate balance of gentle care, protective measures, and mindful product choices.
By understanding the causes of sensitivity and adopting a skincare routine tailored to your needs, you can reduce sensitivity and calm redness, as you enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin.
Remember, every skin journey is unique, so be patient with yourself as you find what works best for you. You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your skin!
