Sensitive Skin: Symptoms, Common Triggers & How It’s Treated

Skin sensitivity is common worldwide, and multiple people suffer from this problem. According to research, approximately 60-70% of females and 50-60% of males all around the globe have sensitive skin. This causes skin itching, burning, and redness when exposed to allergens, sometimes with regular skincare products. 

A common concern of people with sensitive skin is that they face difficulties choosing products for their skin. Actually, skin sensitivity is not a disease; it is just a condition of the skin in which skin reacts more often and can be treated by using sensitive skin care products and medications. 

If you have sensitive skin and face any of these problems, this blog can significantly help you. In this piece of content, we will discuss what exactly skin sensitivity is, its symptoms, common triggers to avoid, and how to treat it. 

What Is Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin reacts strongly to external or internal factors, such as harsh products, temperature changes, or certain foods. Unlike other skin types, it often experiences redness, itching, and irritation. It may feel tender or sting when exposed to irritants. 

These reactions occur because the skin’s barrier is weaker, making it less effective at protecting against external aggressors. Sometimes, this sensitivity is inherited in genetics, while other reasons may be external factors or internal changes like stress or hormonal changes.

Signs You Have Sensitive Skin

• You have reactive skin. It means your skin responds quickly to changes in the environment or skincare products.
• You have frequent redness, itching, or irritation.
• You often experience a burning or stinging sensation.
• You have skin that feels tight and dry.
• You get breakouts or bumps, even if you don’t usually have acne.
• You often notice peeling, flaking, or cracking.
• You have skin that feels tender or sore to the touch.

Types of Sensitive Skin

Dry Skin vs. Sensitive Skin

Dry skin does not have sufficient moisture. Sensitive skin, on the other hand, reacts quickly. You can have both, but sensitive skin often feels irritated even when it’s not dry. You can moisturize your skin to get relief in both cases but it is not the permanent solution.

Oily Skin vs. Sensitive Skin

If your face feels greasy, it means you have oily skin. But if your oily skin reacts to harsh cleansers and strong ingredients, it means your skin is sensitive too.

Normal Skin vs. Sensitive Skin

Normal skin stays balanced whereas sensitive skin overreacts. If your skin usually feels fine but suddenly reacts to a new product, you can call it temporarily sensitive skin.

Types of Sensitive Skins

What Are the Symptoms of Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin reacts differently when facing conditions that irritate it. Here are some symptoms explaining that your skin is sensitive and needs proper attention.

• Redness, itching, and irritation 
• Burning or stinging sensation, even if there is no redness.
• Tight and dry skin. 
• Redness or flushing after using certain products or being in harsh weather.
• Breakouts or bumps, even if you do not have acne. 
• Peeling, flakiness, or cracking, especially if your skin is very dry. 
• Tender or sensitive to touch

Can Sensitive Skin Ever Become Serious?

Sensitive skin can be serious in some cases. For example, if you experience continuous discomfort, severe redness, swelling, or cracked skin, your sensitive skin can be a sign of a more serious condition. It is better to consult a dermatologist. 

Sometimes, conditions like eczema, rosacea, or allergic contact dermatitis also look like sensitivity. However, whatever the case may be, you must get medical treatment.

What Are the Common Triggers for Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin can react to various external and internal factors. Identifying these triggers is crucial to prevent irritation and maintain healthy skin. 

• Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are the basic reason behind skin sensitivity. Firstly, extreme weather conditions can make your skin irritating. Like in winter, cold airs remove the moisture out of your skin. 

On the other hand, in extreme summer, the skin increases sebum production, which mixes with sweat and dust and causes skin allergies and irritation. 

Similarly, in extreme summer, intense UV rays from the sun affect your skin barrier, making it prone to environmental heat and pollutants. 

Lastly, dust, impurities, and chemicals in the air are also irritants for sensitive skin. 

• Personal Care Products

Skincare products with strong fragrances or artificial colors can also irritate sensitive skin. Many soaps, laundry detergents, and cosmetics also have fragrances that can cause problems. These products often contain ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, or preservatives, which can remove the skin's natural oils. This can make your skin dry and irritated.

Using too much retinol, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid can also harm your skin. These ingredients may damage the protective barrier, leading to redness, stinging, or peeling.

• Lifestyle and Diet

Diet and lifestyle are major reasons for skin sensitivity triggers. Having fried food, processed snacks, and spicy foods can cause skin problems like acne and sensitivities. Plus, using less water in the diet also leads to skin dryness. 

Furthermore, stress and anxiety disturb the hormones, which can also be a cause of skin problems. It does not only trigger sensitivity but also promotes acne.

• Skin Conditions

Various skin conditions make skin sensitive and reactive. Eczema and rosacea are some of the most prominent skin conditions that weaken the skin barrier and make it allergic to minor weather and environmental conditions. 

Another skin condition named contact dermatitis also makes it allergic to irritants like latex and other plants. This may cause redness, swelling, and itching. 

Photodermatoses are a skin condition that increases the sensitivity to sunlight and can result in rashes, blisters, or scaly patches on exposed skin.

• Skin Sensitive to Touch

If your skin is sensitive to touch, it could be due to nerve issues, allergies, or dryness. Switching to a gentle bar soap for sensitive skin can help soothe and protect your skin, which is sensitive to the touch, effectively.

Using products made for sensitive skin, i.e., gentle bar soap for sensitive skin, can help soothe and protect your skin sensitive to touch effectively. 

How to Treat Sensitive Skin

To treat sensitive skin, first of all, you need to understand the basic reason behind it. You must notice every irritant to which your kin was exposed and then cut off that thing from your daily routine. 

After an allergic reaction to any factor, you can soothe your skin by rubbing ice on it, reducing the itching, redness, or burning sensation. 

For more severe cases, you can use over-the-counter products specified for sensitive skin allergies, i.e., Anti-itch creams with hydrocortisone. Natural skin balms and moisturizers with urea, glycerin, or ceramides repair your skin barrier and help to treat it.

If your skin sensitivity becomes severe, you must consult a dermatologist for a prescription and best-suited medicine. 

Best Tips for Skin Sensitive to Touch

• Always choose products made up of sensitive skin.
• Avoid harsh products that are sensitive for sensitive skin.
• Take proper care of your skin in extreme weather. 
• Test a new product on a small area of the body first. 
• Use natural products like honey scrubs and skin care balms instead of synthetic products. 
• Avoid stinging clothes or other irritating products. 

Faqs

How do I know I have sensitive skin?

If your skin often reacts to skincare products, weather, or fabrics with itching, burning, or redness, you're likely dealing with sensitive skin symptoms.

What are skin sensitivity 5 signs?

Common symptoms of sensitive skin include redness, dryness, breakouts, rashes, and an easily irritated or burning sensation.

Why is my skin all of a sudden so sensitive?

Changes in environment, hormone levels, diet, or even new products can trigger sudden sensitivity. Stress and seasonal shifts can also play a big role.

What are the 4 types of sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin may be:

• Naturally sensitive (genetic)
• Environmentally sensitive (weather or pollution-related)
• Reactive (due to products or ingredients)
• Thin or weakened barrier (prone to damage and dryness)

Final Words 

Skin sensitivity may be due to genetics or external factors that weaken your skin barrier and make it allergic to environmental or other factors. 

To treat and prevent your skin from being sensitive, it is most important to know the reason behind skin sensitivity, and then you will be able to avoid its irritation. 

Furthermore, adopt a routine that strengthens the skin barrier while preventing irritants. Always consult a dermatologist for persistent issues or severe conditions.