10 Feb 5 Key Causes of Skin Sensitivity and How to Treat Them
Approx. 60% of all women and 50% of all men suffer from sensitive skin. Although many people have this condition, they often don’t know the exact cause. Because of this, they cannot manage it well.
Sensitivity can present itself in many different ways. Sometimes it’s an immediate skin reaction, and other times it’s a prolonged intolerance. It can interfere with your daily life and limit your skincare and cosmetic choices.
In this blog, we’ll help you identify the root cause (or causes) of your hypersensitive skin. We’ll also suggest some in-clinic skin treatments and at-home tips you can follow to prevent and alleviate your discomfort.
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What is Sensitive Skin?
Reactive skin occurs when the sensory nerve endings in the epidermis respond to touch, pain, warmth or cold. These sensations damage the skin’s barrier and cause irritation.
Inflammatory skin conditions associated with sensitive skin include allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as more familiar disorders like dry skin, acne, and hives.
Common symptoms of skin sensitivity are:
- Redness
- Itching
- Tightness
- Dryness
- Tingling
- Stinging
- Burning
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
1. Allergies and Medical Conditions
One of the biggest causes of sensitive skin is an allergic reaction. When the skin comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system overreacts, triggering inflammation.
Allergens can be anything from pollen and pet dander to air pollution or perfume.
For some people, allergies are seasonal, while others experience chronic sensitivity due to ongoing exposure to stimuli.
Medical conditions can also lead to sensitivity. Inflammatory skin disorders like dermatitis are mainly caused by surface irritations. Eczema can be triggered by a combination of factors, including immune system overactivity and genetics.
2. Age
Our skin looks and behaves differently at different stages of our lives. Each phase brings unique challenges, which can make skin more reactive and vulnerable.
A baby’s skin is delicate and still developing, meaning it is susceptible to rashes. Mature skin can take longer to heal from damage, making it more important to protect from irritants.
During adolescence, pimples and clogged pores are commonplace. However, they can make the skin sensitive to products designed to treat acne, and overuse can exacerbate redness and dryness. Hypersensitivity in skin is often increased during pregnancy and menopause too due to hormonal fluctuations.
3. Environmental Factors
Weather can also have an impact on your skin. Sun exposure, extreme temperatures, wind, and pollution can all act as sensitive skin triggers.
Summer heat can cause rashes, while increased blood flow to the skin may lead to redness. At night, rising histamine levels and lower cortisol can intensify skin irritation, making sleep difficult.
In winter, cold, dry air strips moisture from the skin, causing flaking, peeling, and worsening conditions like psoriasis. And in springtime, high pollen counts and strong winds can aggravate allergies.
4. Food
Diet plays a key role in skin sensitivity.
Food intolerances (dairy, gluten, sugar, nuts, and seafood), spicy foods and alcohol can easily trigger flare-ups. Even pesticides on unwashed produce and some oral medications can disrupt our skin health.
Gut imbalances can also weaken the skin barrier, making it more reactive.
5. Products and Ingredients
Certain skincare, makeup, and household products can make skin hypersensitive. Especially those containing harsh chemicals like sulphates, alcohol, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Irritants can be found in everyday items, from soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and laundry detergents, to makeup brushes, and even dyes in clothing and bedding.
How to Treat Sensitive Skin
Sensitive Skin Products
Choosing the right skincare for sensitive skin is essential for maintaining a healthy, irritation-free complexion.
Some of the best products for sensitive skin contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, and ceramides. Choose gentle moisturisers and serums that replenish stressed skin and are dermatologically tested. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is also a must!
Always try to avoid harsh fragrances, chemicals and colourants. If you introduce a new product into your routine, do a patch test first.
In-Clinic Sessions
Sometimes over-the-counter products aren’t enough to manage a persistent sensitivity. A professional skin treatment for sensitive skin can provide deeper relief and long-term benefits.
Booking an in-clinic procedure allows you to access specialised treatments designed to calm irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and promote overall skin health.
Consider options like LED light therapy, microdermabrasion and custom facials.
Lifestyle Changes
Forming sensitivity-friendly habits can also go a long way towards better managing your skin condition.
Eat a balanced diet, wear natural, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, and have cool, tepid showers (no hot water on your face). Keep away from abrasive exfoliators and highly concentrated perfumes or products with strong aromas. Only use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products.
It’s also ideal to stay indoors on peak pollen days and run a humidifier and/or air purifier.
If Your Skin’s Reactive, Get Proactive!
You don’t have to suffer from sensitivity in silence. You can start to take control of your symptoms with the right care.
Developing a personalised routine will enable you to manage your skin day-to-day as well as during difficult phases like a flare-up. Seeking expert advice from a skincare professional will also help you create a long-term plan for stress-free skin.
Sensitive, reactive skin can be frustrating, but understanding your triggers and avoiding them can make a significant difference. Book an appointment at Zecca today!