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Home Skin & Face Skin Texture & Tone Sensitive Skin

Condition: Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin symptoms
& causes

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Medically reviewed by Dr Aamer Khan

16th January 2025

The condition

Delicate Skin

Skin sensitivity awareness

What is sensitive skin?

It is said to have sensitive skin when the skin easily reacts to certain foods, products, or environmental elements like changes in weather or pollution. Redness, itchiness, dryness, or irritation are frequently experienced by people with sensitive skin types when exposed to triggers.

Sensitive skin can show itself in various ways, depending on how the skin reacts and what causes the reactions.

Types of sensitive skin:

Naturally Sensitive Skin (Genetic Sensitivity): This type of skin is more reactive by nature and often linked to long-term skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, or eczema.
Environmentally Sensitive skin: This type of sensitive skin reacts to environmental elements, such as extreme heat, cold, wind, or pollution. People with this kind of sensitivity experience dry, inflamed, or irritated skin when exposed to these outside influences.
Reactive Skin (Product Sensitivity): This kind of sensitivity reacts particularly in certain products or components. Common triggers are alcohol, scents, or chemicals.
Allergic Sensitive Skin: This is caused by contact with allergens, like skincare products, makeup, certain metals, or fabric. Individuals with allergic reactions to this product may experience redness, swelling, itching, or hives when exposed to triggers.
Thin or Damage Skin: Harsh treatments, ageing, or over-exfoliation can cause the skin’s natural barrier to weaken, which makes the skin more thinner or sensitive. These may increase the risk of infections, moisture loss, and vulnerability to irritants.

Symptoms
When to See a Doctor
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention

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Condition: Sensitive Skin

Contents

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The symptoms

Redness

Redness is caused by environmental factors like wind or sun exposure, or skin care products with scents or harsh chemicals.

Itching or Burning Sensation

An uncomfortable feeling like itchiness or tingling sensation after applying skincare products or other components.

Dryness and Flakiness

The skin becomes dry and rough and may begin to peel or flake, particularly in dry or cold atmospheres. The skin barrier becomes sensitive due to lack of moisture. Harsh cleaning products can also dry up the skin as it loses its natural oils.

Rashes or Small Bumps

Rashes, red patches, or little raised bumps may develop after allergen or irritant exposure. It can spread all over the face and body, and the severity or sizes may vary.

Stinging and Tightness

A discomfort or tightness may be experienced after washing or using certain products on the skin. Sensitive skin has a weaker skin barrier, making it easily lose its moisture. Skincare products containing alcohol can worsen the tightness.

Swelling and Inflammation

A swollen or puffy skin with redness and discomfort is a sensitive skin allergic reaction to certain materials like metal or latex.

When to see a doctor?

Proper Treatment And Care

Why Does Seeing a Doctor Matter?

While many sensitive skin issues can be managed with over-the-counter products, a doctor can help if your skin doesn’t respond well to home treatments.

They can prescribe stronger medications, diagnose any underlying conditions, and guide you toward a skincare routine that’s safe for your skin type. Early intervention can also prevent symptoms from worsening, helping you manage sensitivity more effectively.

Advised treatments

Hydrafacial

Skin Treatment

Photodynamic-therapy

Skin Treatment

The causes

What causes sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin responds more easily to triggers, such as food, skincare products, or environmental factors. Sensitive skin may be hereditary or the cause of underlying skin problems or damaged dermal barriers. Getting aware of the cause and risk factors can help control and avoid irritation. Common causes or triggers of sensitive skin are underlying dermal disease, weakening skin barrier, contact dermatitis, harsh skincare products, excessive washing or exfoliation, hormone fluctuation, stress, or anxiety.

The risk factors

Who is prone to sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are more likely to experience it based on a variety of factors such as genetics, age, and environmental conditions. Here’s an overview of who is most prone to sensitivity:

People with Fair or Light Skin: Fair or light skinned people have thin skin and less melanin that protects them from sun UV rays, making them more sensitive.
Individuals with Pre-Existing Skin Disorder: Individuals suffering from long-term skin conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis increase sensitivity because they already have weak dermal barriers.
With a family history: Genetics can be a big impact to sensitivity. If the skin problems runs in the family, you are more likely to experience the same conditions.
People Living in Harsh Climates: Places with extreme weather and high humidity can contribute to individuals skin sensitivity. These environmental factors can deplete the skin’s moisture and weaken the protective barrier due to extreme hot, cold, and humid weather conditions.
Women: Women may experience skin sensitivity during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopausal period. These factors can affect dermal barrier and moisture levels.
Older Adults: Our skin produces fewer oils and becomes thinner as we age, which can weaken the dermal barrier and cause dry skin. Because of these, older people are more prone to irritation and sensitivity.
People Under Stress: Stress can cause breakouts, inflamations, flare-ups of pre-existing problems, and increase sensitivity. When you are stress, your body produces a hormone called cortisol, which can weaken the dermal barrier.

The complications

Overall Impact

Physical and psychological difficulty

Chronic Inflammation and Irritation:
Chronic inflammation is the result of frequent exposure to allergens or irritants, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort. The skin can be more vulnerable to severe damage and weakening of the dermal barrier if the irritation continues.
Increased Risk of Infection:
Because sensitive skin has a weak barrier, bacteria, fungus, and other germs can more easily penetrate the skin. Skin becomes more prone to infection when it is damaged due to dryness, irritation, or scratching.
Scarring or Hyperpigmentation:
Scarring and dark spots can occur if the skin repeatedly irritates or becomes inflamed. This is common to individuals with eczema or rosacea who were not treated for a long time.

Difficulty Finding Suitable Skincare Products:
People with sensitive skin frequently have a hard time finding suitable products for them that will not irritate their skin. Rying different products to find the suited one could lead to more sensitivity.
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
Long-term sensitive skin disorders accompanied by redness, rashes, or imperfection may contribute to social anxiety or low self-esteem. Skin sensitivity may worsen due to stress from psychological toll, which may trigger more flare-ups and exacerbate skin sensitivity.

The prevention

How to prevent sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin may not be possible to avoid, especially when the condition is due to underlying skin issues or hereditary. What you can do to avoid sensitivity is to protect your skin barrier and reduce your exposure to possible allergens or irritants.

Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products

Products containing alcohol, sulphates, parabens, and synthetic colours are common irritants that can trigger skin sensitivity. These should be avoided, as individuals can get irritant contact dermatitis from these products. Choose mild cleansers and moisturisers to avoid irritation. Also, look for products labelled with “fragrance-fee” or “for sensitive or delicate skin”, as they are created for sensitive skin individuals.

Moisturise Regularly

The sensitive skin’s natural barrier is weak and more prone to irritation; regular moisturization can help strengthen the barrier. It prevents flakiness, relieving dry skin, and discomfort by sealing in moisture and keeping the skin smooth and hydrated.

What are the foods that can trigger sensitivity?

There are certain foods that can worsen skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, acne, or overall skin irritation. Foods like processed and fried foods, sugary and high-glycaemic foods, seafood, nuts, artificial chemicals and preservatives, as well as caffeine, are commonly known to be potential triggers for sensitive skin. Consult your doctor to know the foods that can trigger your sensitivity or allergy.

Healthy Diet

Consume foods that contain antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and oils, and fish like sardines and salmon, can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and reduce inflammation. Foods with antioxidants such as berries, leafy greens, and green tea enhance the skin’s health condition and help repair damaged skin.

Avoid Over-Exfoliation

Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, strip natural oils, and irritate sensitive skin. Limit your exfoliation once a week and choose mild exfoliants such as enzymes or lactic acids.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Sensitive skin is more prone to damage caused by UV rays from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or even higher every day and wear protective gear like long sleeves, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Avoid Hot Water and Long Showers

To avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils and prevent drying, limit long showers and use lukewarm water when taking a bath or washing your face.

What are the simple steps to take care of my skin?

Maintaining your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. To achieve glowing and healthy skin, a consistent skincare routine and protecting your skin from everyday stressors can greatly help. To take care of your skin effectively, gently cleanse your face twice a day, apply moisturiser regularly, wear sunscreen, avoid touching your face, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Visit your dermatologist

It is best to consult your dermatologist before using any products if you have sensitive skin. Your dermatologist can also advise what products are not suitable for you or what foods can trigger your allergy. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation when treating sensitive skin.