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.
Types of Sensitive Skins
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Oily Sensitive Skin |
Dry Sensitive Skin |
Normal Sensitive Skin |
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Produces excess sebum, leading to a shiny appearance. It may also be prone to acne and clogged pores. |
Lacks moisture, leading to tightness, flakiness, and increased vulnerability to cracks or redness. |
Experiences occasional reactions but maintains a balanced oil-to-moisture ratio. |
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.