Sensitive Skin: Causes & How to Manage it

DR SABA QUTUB
a woman having sensitive skin is worried

Have you experienced red, itchy, and blotchy skin after trying your hands on a new skincare product? This might be a sign of your skin being sensitive.

But you are not alone stuck in this situation; millions of people around the world face similar skin reactions with even worse associated conditions that environmental aggressors or a few internal factors may trigger. A report suggests that 40% of the population has moderate or very sensitive skin.

When your skin is sensitive, it reacts with the mildest of factors that don't bother others. So, what exactly is sensitive skin? Read on to learn the sensitive skin causes and how to manage it.

What is Sensitive Skin?

A common myth you can witness is that sensitive skin is a skin type, but it's not. It's a skin condition that can occur when the sensory nerve endings in the top layers of the skin respond to sensations such as touch or dry air, and much more.

People with sensitive skin may face itching, redness, stinging, or burning at frequent times that may be triggered due to several reasons. These triggers attack the skin’s natural barrier irritating the skin. Moreover, sensitive skin when touched hurts and may give you patches too.

But these criteria only fit some. Its meaning varies from person to person depending upon causes for skin sensitivity or underlying reasons. In some instances, it can be a sign of a serious health issue.

Other skin conditions including dermatitis, rosacea, or common allergic reactions may also be mistaken as sensitive skin as they show similar symptoms like itching and burning.

How to Know If You Have Sensitive Skin?

So, how to tell if you have sensitive skin? Usually sensitive skin hurts to touch, but this is not enough to identify.

Signs are generally objective and common including;

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Peeling
  • Flaky patches
  • Open sores

Very dry skin types may be subject to increased sensitivity and are often associated with hyperactive skin. They may also develop rashes, hives, and patches, which can make the skin feel even drier, rough, or leathery.

If you are experiencing any or more of these, it's a sign that your skin's protective barrier has been broken.

a woman applying a skincare product to treat her sensitive skin

More to these are symptoms that can be subjective depending upon the underlying causes. You can have pain or burning sensations that can or cannot occur in another person dealing with this condition.

We would suggest consulting your dermatologist if you are encountering any of these signs or symptoms to get the right diagnosis followed by the treatment.

What Causes the Skin to be Sensitive?

Routine activities like wearing fragrances, bathing, work-related stress, and sun exposure can aggravate the sensitive skin condition. Let's explore the external and internal factors that trigger your vulnerable skin or worsen an existing condition;

External Triggers

There are various external causes for sensitive skin such as harsh weather, environmental aggressors, and irritating ingredients that can wreak havoc on your sensitive skin, leaving it susceptible.

Sun exposure

Excessive sun exposure can be detrimental to your skin and you might already know that. Moreover, it can cause oxidative stress which is related to causing your skin type to be sensitive.

Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It will control the further damage while repairing the existing one.

Detergent

Detergents are harsh for your skin, be it any type from normal to dry. Even if you are not involved in washing clothes, the traces of these harsh chemically-infused powders remain in clothes. They can reach your skin's surface to start irritation.

One of the enzymes sodium lauryl sulphate can strip off the natural oils from your skin and make it even rougher.

You can opt for a non-biological laundry detergent for sensitive skin and try reducing the quantity too. An extra rinse on the clothes will remove settled traces of powder keeping your skin safe.

Pollution

Pollution destroys your skin drastically affecting its glow to overall health. They can provoke a chain reaction of oxidative stress that further troubles the skin causing excessive dryness.

Opt for the hyaluronic acid and ceramides formulated in serum or facial cleanser for sensitive skin. They shield the barrier of your skin and support its healing. Using skincare with pollution-proof textures would be of great help too.

Fluctuations in Temperature

Cold, heat, and wind can contribute to your skin's sensitivity than you think. They can make your body release a hormone called histamine, an itch molecule. From prickling to burning or itching sensations, it can make your blood vessels dilate resulting in red skin.

Avoid taking excessive cold showers or hot water baths. Sitting in heat or cold for prolonged hours can worsen your skin. Instead, be gentle and mild. Look for a good face moisturiser for sensitive skin.

Synthetic Compounds in Cosmetics

Cosmetics may contain harmful additives like fragrances, colourants, etc that can trigger your symptoms badly. Furthermore, they can have high concentrations of AHAs that can lead the skin toward sensitivity more than usual.

alt text: a woman is getting her touchup done with cosmetics containing synthetic compounds

Include skincare products for sensitive skin. Ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, etc soothe your skin and strengthen its barrier.

Internal Triggers

Next, we'll explore some internal triggers that can contribute to your dry and sensitive skin flare-ups;

Hormones

In women specifically, hormones can bring on major to minor fluctuations in the body that can affect the skin making it severely sensitive at times. You might see redness and inflammation too.

You can apply skin-soothing skincare products for dry sensitive skin while facing flushing containing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants.

Stress

Intense emotions can be another reason for causing redness and patches on your skin. When you feel agitated or stressed, the nerves in your body send pain signals widening your face and neck. This can also make you feel warm while your skin feels sensitive suddenly.

While facing distressful situations, try to be calm and composed getting your stress under control. Be mindful. Your mental health can contribute largely to your skin.

Alcohol

Alcohol when goes into your body can dilate the blood vessels in your skin making it flushed out and red. Secondly, it depletes water out of your body which can dry your skin.

You can limit your alcohol if it's harming your skin or adding to its sensitivity.

Zesty Meals

Overly spicy foods can trigger the irritation receptors in your skin. If you are vulnerable to tingling and sensitive skin or its associated signs, you may say no to the piquant recipes or at least be careful while having them. Opt for the moderate spices instead of having chilli-infused meals.

Note: You may be born with sensitive skin as genetics can cause them too irrespective of your skin type.

Sensitive skin Vs. allergic reactions

However sensitive skin can be confused with skin allergies. So how to differentiate? Take note of how your skin behaves when it comes in contact with a particular allergenic substance. It may react each time while getting in touch with that trigger. Rosacea, eczema, or contact dermatitis are the most common skin allergy reactions.

a woman dealing with irritated and rough skin

Allergy shows symptoms in the form of redness or itching on the skin area where it has encountered the allergen. But sensitive skin may remain by your side for years without showing any visible signs until something triggers it.

A lot of people make a mistake in identifying both of these skin conditions, so if you face any of the above-mentioned symptoms or signs, it’s best to talk to a doctor. They can diagnose the issue along with its underlying cause and help you with the appropriate treatment procedure.

Sensitive Skin in Different Skin Types

You might be surprised to learn that sensitive skin is not a skin type but rather a condition. So, which skin type can it occur in? It can affect any skin type including normal to dry, oily or combination, under different circumstances depending upon the lifestyle choices or the environment in which the affected person lives.

Suppose your skin is naturally allergic to a particular ingredient, so it will show some substantial reaction each time exposed to that one ingredient no matter its type.

Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin

Dealing with sensitive skin might be challenging but with the right skincare tips, you can manage it appropriately;

  • Carry out a test: If you are new to any skincare product and fear that it may contribute to your skin's sensitivity, conduct a patch test on the inside of your arm. If you see or feel no reaction, you are safe to use that product.
  • Don't overdo: Exfoliation favours your skin but overdoing can ruin it. It can strip off the natural oils from the skin making it more susceptible to sensitivity.
  • Avoid hot showers: Warm water feels great on the skin but can be equally responsible for its damage. Your skin can leave its moisture and become dry.

Anti-Redness Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin

If you are struggling with a burning sensation and redness on the skin, DRSQ's Hydracalm can be a great option - specifically made for the skin that is sensitive to touch. It's an anti-redness and skin-soothing moisturiser formulated with peptides, ultra-low weight hyaluronic acid, and jojoba seed oil to relax your skin.

DRSQ’s Hydracalm redness-reducing moisturiser

This sensitive skin moisturiser soothes inflamed and heated skin, provides intense moisture, and alleviates itching and scaling in the skin.

FAQs

  • Can you use retinol if you have sensitive skin?
    Yes, you can use retinol while dealing with sensitive skin but it needs extra care. Start with the milder concentrations and gradually increase the frequency if your skin behaves well.

  • Why does my skin feel sensitive to touch?
    There might be several reasons ranging from allergic reactions to some skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis or rosacea. We suggest you see your dermatologist for a bit of expert advice and immediate help.

  • What type of make-up should I use for my sensitive skin?
    Go for mineral or powder foundations and don't use water-proof stuff as you will have to use micellar water to remove it which might trigger your skin's sensitivity. Silicone-based formulations are usually friendly for sensitive skin.

  • Which skin conditions are related to sensitive skin?
    Skin conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, acne, eczema, and psoriasis are associated with sensitive skin.
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