Skincare for Sensitive Skin: Essential Tips

Are you happy with the way you look? Does the appearance of your skin boost your confidence? These are just a couple of the many questions that people have to tackle in their quest for healthy skin. Achieving the ultimate goal of having healthy skin is a feat that no one should be flustered about. With all the available information and the right attitude, the road to healthy skin should be short and easy.

All journeys start with a single step, and yours should start by knowing your skin type. Some people have oily skin and some have dry. Others have a combination while others have very sensitive skin.

People with sensitive skin experience burning sensations and a degree of dryness on their skin. Some would even have red patches on their faces due to the sensitivity. Studies show that up to 70% of people have some degree of skin sensitivity. It can be unpleasant and concerning, but there are effective options on how to address this. One is choosing the right skincare for sensitive skin. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what sensitive skin is, how to tell if you have it, and what you can do to manage it.

What is Sensitive Skin?

There are a couple of things that you might have already noticed if you have sensitive skin. This skin type generally reacts to what we call “stimuli.” These stimuli can be different things. For example, you might want to take note of a few things when trying a new facial wash as some of its ingredients might cause your skin to react. These are the stimuli that can cause sensations like stinging, itching, or even pain. If this is the case, then there’s a good chance you have sensitive skin.

How to know if you have Sensitive Skin?

When creating a skincare routine for sensitive skin, it is best to know your skin type and understand its characteristics.

Burning and itchiness are two of the most common reactions you’ll have when your skin reacts to stimuli. At times, you may also get a tingling sensation and tightening in the affected area. These and more are the signs you need to consider before you decide on skincare for sensitive skin.

What are the Signs of Sensitive Skin?

Apart from recognizing your external stimuli and the various sensations you experience when using skincare products, there are other signs that can also help you identify sensitive skin. A quick sensitivity test, for example, can be a great way to understand your skin type.

You can apply a small amount of a product to the inner side of your arms. If you notice redness, swelling, the appearance of hives or blisters, sharp tingling, or burning sensation, and if it is giving you a dry leathery feel, then you may have sensitive skin.

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

Knowing the causes of sensitive skin is another important factor that we should discuss. It’s worth noting that the causes are not common to everyone and there are many reasons behind your sensitive skin. Hence, you must take note of your skin condition. Below are the potential causes for having sensitive skin.

• Dry skin: Having dry skin increases your risk of sensitivity reactions to products. This risk is even greater if you don’t implement the necessary routine to address your skin dryness. In this case, you might want to consider skincare for sensitive skin which could also help you target skin dryness.

• Eczema: This is a skin condition that can lead to skin sensitivity. The condition causes areas of your skin to become very dry. These patches will be more sensitive than other areas.

• Irritant contact dermatitis: This is the most common among the different types of contact dermatitis. It happens when irritants in skincare products cause damage to the outer layer of your skin which, over time, may result in sensitivity.

• Allergic contact dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin is exposed to harsh substances and particles.

• Rosacea: This is another skin condition that is known to cause red rashes that may make your skin appear flushed. This redness may appear on the neck but it is more noticeable on the face.

• Hives: Experiencing hives can also trigger skin sensitivity. These sensitive reactions may only be temporary, but they can still be bothersome.

• Physical urticaria: This is a relatively rare condition that can also contribute to sensitive skin. With physical urticaria, your skin develops lesions that tend to be itchy when exposed to heat, certain plants, or chemicals.

• Photodermatoses: If you have photodermatoses, your skin reacts when you are exposed to sunlight.

• Cutaneous mastocytosis: This is another rare condition where the skin develops excessive mast cells with high histamine and heparin.

• Aquagenic pruritus: This condition can be a struggle as mere contact with water could cause itching. The itching can be quite intense but does not necessarily cause lesions or rashes.

Basic Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin

It is crucial to understand the important factors mentioned above especially when considering skincare for sensitive skin. The tips shared in this section can help you reduce sensitivity reactions and should offer you some relief.

1. Use a gentle cleanser

One very basic step is knowing the kind of cleanser you’re using. Some cleansers contain ingredients that are harsh on sensitive skin - that’s something you want to avoid. Instead, consider a cleanser that is defining and gentle like the Rejuvoderm Clarifying Cleanser. You can use it daily without having to worry about sensitivity.

2. Use fragrance-free products

Checking the ingredients of products like a sensitive skin moisturizer is also a crucial step. Skip the products with heavy perfumes and fragrances. These ingredients may do more harm than good and they could trigger those sensitivity reactions.

3. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizing your skin regularly is a must. However, make sure that you are using a face moisturizer for sensitive skin to avoid exacerbating your skin condition. Choose products that are formulated with natural ingredients such as Infusoderm Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer.

With the availability of different products on the market, many people with sensitive skin still prefer using the Dermaxsol Hydrating SPF Daily Moisturizer. This product gently hydrates your skin while protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun. This is a great choice and an excellent addition to your skincare regimen.

4. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen

A good sunscreen for sensitive skin is another essential. The sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection to block different types of UV rays.

5. Use toner

Many people overlook the importance of toners in their skincare routine. The toner aids in improving the health of your skin because it removes the remaining dirt and other impurities after washing your face. The Maxatone Clarifying Toner is an excellent product that can help you eliminate impurities on your skin. It is formulated with high-grade botanicals that are gentle to the skin. It also has a soothing effect on redness and irritation.

5. Avoid harsh exfoliation

Exfoliation is part of the skincare routine regardless of the skin type. Checking these products carefully is essential before planning a skincare for sensitive skin. For a better exfoliating result, choose the right formula for your skin so as not to trigger sensitivity reactions. Choose products with ingredients that are gentle to the skin.

6. Hydrate and diet

How much water you drink also matters. Make sure to drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated every day. Your eating habits and your diet in general are also crucial. Fatty and sugary foods are bad for your skin, and they can potentially make your sensitivity worse. You can opt for healthier foods like fatty fish, lean protein, vegetables, legumes, fresh fruits, and whole grains.

Know the Difference - Dry Skin Vs Sensitive Skin

Many people are commonly mixed up when talking about dry and sensitive skin. While it’s true that some signs and symptoms of these skin types are similar, there are also key differences that make one different from the other.

Rough and flaky patches are noticeable on dry skin. Itchiness is also a common occurrence.

Sensitive skin, on the other hand, may also be characterized by noticeable dry patches. However, stinging and burning sensations on the skin may occur especially when used with skincare products that have strong and harsh ingredients. It is more likely that you have sensitive skin if you are having these reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sensitive skin become normal?

Definitely. However, you might want to take note of a few things. Your sensitive skin might be caused by an underlying health condition. Skin sensitivity related to chronic conditions might hinder your goal to achieve normal skin. Fortunately, there are treatments available on the market to help address this concern.

Does sensitive skin age faster?

It’s possible. If you have sensitive skin, it means you have micro-inflammation. This inflammation can lead to other skin diseases associated with aging. Some researchers are doing studies that link skin sensitivity with skin aging.

Is sensitive skin rare?

No, it’s not a rare skin problem. A lot of people struggle with this skin type. It is a skin condition that is prevalent both in women and men and understanding its characteristics is key to addressing it. Knowing your options should help you find the right regimen to manage your skin condition properly.

Is sensitive skin treatable?

Yes. You should not make it a concern if you’re struggling with sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are ways, easy and available, to effectively treat your skin sensitivity. However, a full understanding of your case should be part of your treatment process.

Can sensitive skin be inherited?

It’s possible to inherit it as certain genetic skin conditions can lead to skin sensitivity. Technically, it’s possible to inherit sensitive skin from your parents.

Are dry and sensitive skin the same?

No - these are two different types of skin. While dryness may be common to both sensitive and dry skin, the ways to treat these two skin problems differ.

Conclusion

Sensitive skin can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable. It can cause rashes, burning sensations, and more. Knowing how to deal with this type of skin is the first step to finding effective relief. To establish skincare for sensitive skin, you have to choose products with safe and gentle ingredients. Also, avoid over-exfoliating and protect your skin against the harsh effects of the sun. Follow these tips and you are on your way to having healthy and beautiful skin.

References

1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6533878
2] https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/skin-allergy/eczema/
3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6544100
4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063367
5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8247875/