Sensitive skin happens as a result of damage to the skin’s protective barrier due to the nerve endings in the top layer of the skin becoming irritated.
Sensitised skin is a skin condition triggered by internal factors such as medication's reaction, poor diet, lifestyle choices, stress, hormonal imbalance or external factors like prolonged exposure to UV rays, harsh weather conditions, reaction to skincare ingredients or products.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin happens as a result of damage to the skin’s protective barrier due to the nerve endings in the top layer of the skin becoming irritated. This allows the allergens and irritants to pass through and cause inflammation and redness to the skin.
When your skin is first introduced to a new product or an irritant that over-stimulates it, this is classified as a short-term irritant. Your skin’s sensitivity may reduce when your skin gradually builds up the tolerance for the new product.
You have an allergy with an ingredient, with this your skin won’t build up a tolerance for it. The only way to reduce your skin’s reaction is to stop the contact with that specific ingredient.
Genetics comes into play, you are born with sensitive skin, prone to skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Your skin is delicate, lower pigmentation, a thin epidermis layer and prone to redness due to blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. Sensitive skin can pass down through generations and be more prone to allergies and asthma. Fortunately, it can be manageable.
Triggers: Stress, environment, hormonal fluctuation, diet, lifestyle, cosmetic products and/or procedures, smoking, alcohol, fragrances.
What is Sensitised Skin?
Sensitised skin is a skin condition triggered by internal factors such as medication's reaction, poor diet, lifestyle choices, stress, hormonal imbalance or external factors like prolonged exposure to UV rays, harsh weather conditions, reaction to skincare ingredients or products.
Since external triggers can’t be avoided, sensitized skin’s symptoms are treatable or managed with skincare, lifestyle changes.
Using too many skincare products with conflicting active ingredients or not suitable for your skin types or skin concerns is the leading cause of sensitised skin.
If your skin becomes sensitised, you might want to simplify your skincare routine to the basic steps only. Aim for recovery, restore, soothing ingredients to help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and return to its healthy nature.
Signs of sensitive and sensitised skin
Flushing, itchiness and burning sensation Prone to rashes and break out Thin skin texture and translucent appearance Feeling of tightness, dry patches, flaky, peeling or cracking Fragrances irritate the skin Beauty products sting or burn Sensitive to sunlight/UV rays
What skincare ingredients to look for to reduce skin’s sensitivity?
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Honey Aloe Vera Mugwort Chamomile Coenzyme Q10 Green tea Vitamin B family Jojoba Vitamin E
Sensitive or sensitised skin?
Now that you have a better understanding about sensitive and sensitised skin and what ingredients work for the skin types, it would help you in finding the right skincare products for you. Your skin changes over time and listen to how your skin feels to act accordingly. If your skin concerns start to affect your emotional well-being, consult a dermatologist to assist you in finding the right treatments for you.
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