Written by: Zenani Sizane
With any skin type it is always best to not guess where you fall, because that can bring up a whole different set of problems, you certainly do not want to deal with, especially when you experience skin sensitivity chronically. Now there are a lot of different ways to self-decode where you fall on the skin type spectrum, although we advise you to see a professional if you have the means to, in order for you to receive the best advice based on blood tests and genetics. however, here at Healthy Together, we want you to live your best life, and, in this guide, we offer some light and insight on how to deal with sensitive skin.
What is sensitive skin?
Generally, sensitive skin refers to your skin’s likelihood to become inflamed, overly dry or irritated, mostly from external factors. Sensitive skin can happen anywhere on the body but it is generally more pronounced on delicate areas like the face, armpits, elbows and groin.
Sensitive skin occurs in some people due to genetic differences in the normal protective skin barrier or skin irritation so severe it becomes inflamed. With skin inflammation, the immune system is essentially overreacting to an irritant or allergen that the skin is exposed to. Some people are naturally born with sensitive skin but anyone can experience sensitive skin if their skin is exposed to irritants or allergens that trigger inflammation.
Sensitive skin is a common condition which means your skin is more prone to reactions such as redness, and itching. Most people who have sensitive skin notice occasional or frequent itching, burning and stinging of patches of skin. Sensitive skin may require a visit to the dermatologist.
Sensitive skin is caused when the sensory nerve endings in the upper layers of the skin, responding to sensations like touch, pain, warmth and cold, become irritated. The irritation occurs when the skin’s natural barrier is weakened or broken down by various triggers.
Sensitive skin isn’t a disease that a doctor can diagnose you with. It's usually a symptom of another condition. You may not even know you have sensitive skin until you have a bad reaction to cosmetic products, like soap, moisturizer or make up.
Skin sensitivity means different things to different people. This is why it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact causes or even consistently identify skin sensitivity as a symptom of a more significant issue.
Your skin can be both sensitive and prone to dryness. Dry skin occurs when the top layer of your skin dries out due to lack of moisture. This can be caused by genetic and environmental factors-very cold or very hot temperatures-as well as soaps that are so harsh that they strip your skin of moisture or even just frequent hand washing.
Conditions that cause sensitive skin are rarely serious. You can usually keep your symptoms under control with a few changes to your skin care routine.
While certainly uncomfortable sensitive skin is rarely ever a serious medical concern, however it can make your skin more sensitive.
What causes sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of an underlying problem. Sensitive skin means the skin is more prone to inflammation and the cause of inflammation may differ for each person and there are different symptoms that can cause the sensitivity of skin:
Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis
Hives
Dry skin
Eczema
Rosacea
How to Identify Sensitive skin
Redness
Peeling and scaling
Bumps
Hives
Reacts to skincare products
Feels itchy
Rashes and Swelling
It is important to see a doctor immediately when you are experiencing trouble breathing, fainting, dizziness, rashes all over the body and swelling in the face and difficulty swallowing, it can be a result of an allergic reaction instead of skin sensitivity.
What factors trigger sensitivity?
These are some of the common factors that trigger sensitivity of the skin and cause flare ups of the skin.
Hot water
Harsh Detergents and Chemical dyes
Certain plants
Jewelry made from certain metal such as nickel
Fragrances
Temperature changes
Environmental Factors such as pollution
Some fabrics can cause itchiness
Certain foods such as dairy, soy and wheat
Allergies
Some skincare ingredients
The Difference between allergies and sensitivity
Allergies can be more severe and can sometimes cause difficulty in breathing and nausea. If you are allergic to dust, it doesn't mean your skin is sensitive. You may be allergic to particular ingredients but then your skin may not be sensitive to it. It may be able to adapt to other products that do not contain that ingredient, however if you are sensitive your skin will most likely react to harsh chemicals and skin products.
Types of Sensitive skin
Scaly, rough patches on the skin
Very dry skin or an eczema flare up, this is when the skin’s barrier is not functioning correctly, it releases too much moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness, combined with an external irritant like a preservative or fragrance that can trigger an immune response in the skin cells, leaving patches of redness and dryness. It is best to use overnight treatments that are rich in penetrating plant oils to soothe the flare up. When applying moisturizer rich in humectants (like hyaluronic acid, glycerin) it is always recommended to apply on damp skin.
Tiny red bumps with redness and flushing
This may be an indicator of rosacea. The redness stems from blood vessels that swell and produce redness when irritated by the weather and fluctuations in temperature, stress or spicy foods. It is a complicated issue to treat. Always consult your doctor first before taking or applying any treatments.
Burning and stinging feeling on the skin
This is usually a reaction to a topical product that is highly concentrated in actives. Checking your skin care labels is always recommended in this case to make sure you are not using an excessive amount of an ingredient. Check what you are using and pare back your regime to see if it helps. Stick to one anti-aging product and one exfoliating product. Look for ingredients that build up the skin’s barrier like ceramides and oils to help reduce irritation.
Itchy and stinging feeling on the skin
This can be a symptom of many skin condition-atopic dermatitis (eczema) or ichthyosis - but it could also be a reaction to fragrance in laundry detergent or fabric softeners or to fabrics themselves. It also could be a cry for help- your skin telling you, it needs more moisturizer on the top layer. Wear natural fiber against your skin and as bed linen. Check laundry detergent for fragrances and switch to an eco-version that uses essential oils or one that is fragrance free.
Eye-area redness and puffiness
Your eye area is especially thin and delicate, making it more sensitive. But more often we blame an eye cream, which has been formulated for this more sensitive skin, when it could actually be from shampoo, make-up. People don’t realize how often they rub their eyes. Choose free from formaldehyde nail polish, fragrance free hand creams.
Treatment for Sensitive skin
Find and eliminate triggers first
Keep Hydrated
Oatmeal baths
Hypoallergenic Moisturizers
Protective Sunscreen
Consult a Medical Doctors before using antihistamines, analgesic creams and steroid creams
Lifestyle Tips for Sensitive Skin
General tips for sensitive skin
Use a gentle, fragrance free soap
Try using essential oil perfumes made with plant oils
Try organic cleaning supplies
Read skin care or cleaning product labels
Avoid harsh astringents and exfoliants
Do not blindly believe “hypoallergenic” claims
Lifestyle changes to make
Try making healthier meals.
Use hydrating face maskes with ingredients like (aloe,cucumber, raw honey and coconut milk).
Moisturize with emollients like shea butter and occlusives like beeswax and plant oils.
Wash clothes and sheets with gentle detergents
Take warm baths and showers (not hot!)
What to eat to combat sensitive skin
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Avocado
Leafy greens
Whole grains
Bell peppers c
Carrots
Legumes
Foods rich in antioxidants
Berries
Melon
Nuts like cashews
Seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds
Foods to avoid: processed foods, overly saturated fats and refined sugars
Beverages for sensitive skin
Warm water
Green tea
Ginger tea
Infused water (with lemon,cucumber or mint)
Rooibos tea
Coconut water
Avoid too much caffeinated drinks, sodas, highly sugary drinks, alcohol and chocolate-based drinks.
The best skincare ingredients for sensitive skin
Herbs and plants
Aloe vera
Nepal leaf
Calendula
Oatmeal
Mallow flower
Plant oils
Palmorosa
Jojoba oil
Babassu seed oil
Carrot seed oil
Prickly pear
Camellia oil
Tamanu oil
Sea Buckthorn
Essential Oils
Sandalwood
Lavender
Comfrey
Chamomile
Neroli
It is important to note that essential oils are not considered a great option for sensitive skin due to their potency, however these are considered to be the much safer oils for people with sensitive skin. Always remember to patch test new products and never use essential oils neat/undiluted on your skin.
AHA, BHA & PHA’s
Salicylic acid-BHA
Mandelic acid-AHA
PHA’s are considered like milk, lactobionic acid, galactose and gluconic acid are said to be a better choice for sensitive skin when it comes to chemical exfoliants, especially when you do not want to risk irritation as they are gentle, hydrating and act as antioxidants.
Recommended skin care routine for sensitive skin
Try a gentle, sulfate-free, fragrance free cleanser
Skip toners
Hydrating facial masks
Balancing facial oils
Rich in antioxidants moisturizers
Serums
Sunscreen
Bonus: adding monthly facial treatments will be highly beneficial for you
Sensitive skin Myths
If you have sensitive skin, you will always have it
Sensitive skin is only a result of an allergic reaction
Sensitive skin is always dry
Sensitivity only occurs on the face
You either have sensitive skin or you don’t
You cannot wear make-up if you have sensitive skin
All sensitive skins are the same
Sensitive skin is uncommon
Disclaimer
Sensitive skin is a lay term rather than a medical diagnosis. It is generally used to describe skin with reduced tolerance to the application of cosmetics and personal care products. It is estimated that approximately 50% of women and 40% of men may have reported to have sensitive skin.
It is always recommended to seek medical advice before proceeding with any kinds of treatments, healthy together is just a guide to help you navigate and identify any issues.
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