Things You Need to Know About Sensitive Skin

by | Mar 4, 2020 | Dermatologist

The term “sensitive” has been overly used in different products from shampoos, body washes, skin treatments, and the list goes on. This is to market the products to people who have sensitive skin. But what is sensitive skin? Do you have it? If you are seeking professional help for oversensitive skin, you might ask yourself, “do I need to go to Dermatologist Specialist near me?” “Is this a medical condition?” “Am I allowed to use different products?” 

What is a Sensitive Skin? 

Sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis despite the popular association of it to different symptoms and skin conditions like bumpy, red, and irritated skin as well as burning and stinging pain.  

There are many causes of sensitive skin. It can be something you are born with. Some people are genetically predisposed to some sensitivities including the skin. This is because their skin creates less oil than the average individuals or their skin gets irritated and inflamed easily than the usual.  

If some are predisposed to skin sensitivity, others are also caused by external factors or irritating elements like cold, heat, wind, or by-products. Other triggers can be hormones, different pollutions, and a lack of sleep. When you are exposed to these and your skin becomes red and it feels itchy, then you probably have sensitive skin.  

Four types of Sensitive Skin 

According to Amy Lewis, a dermatologist, a sensitive skin can be divided into four types namely: 

  • Thin skin – some people have thinner skin and this causes their skin to get easily irritated. This is common as we age.  
  • Natural sensitive skin – this skin is naturally and genetically sensitive and is commonly linked to some skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. 
  • Environmentally induced sensitive skin – This type of sensitivity is triggered by external factors like cigarette smoke, air pollution, sun exposure, and others that can make the skin feel irritated and itchy. 
  • Reactive skin – this type of skin is hypersensitive to different products. Their skin reacts to the chemicals mixed in these products by reddening, feeling itchy, and shaving rashes.  

What are the signs of sensitive skin? 

You are prone to having bumps and rashes – when you frequently experience having red bumps and rashes whenever you try new products or exposed to any environmental elements, you probably have a sensitive skin 

  • You have some dry patches – irritation and dryness are two common signs of eczema. This is dermatitis that makes one have a leaky skin barrier that prevents that skin to lock up moisture, leaving it dry.  
  • Your skin is too sensitive to UV rays – when you go under the heat of the sun without sun protection and your skin immediately becomes flushed and red, you might have sensitive skin. When you have photosensitive skin, you will experience rashes on your face and body 
  • Beauty products make your skin feel itchy – people with sensitive skin react immediately to products like foundation, cleanser, sunscreen and even moisturizer because of a thinner skin barrier.  

Other signs include itchiness, skin redness and when you’re easily breaking out with pimples and acne and reacts to bad weather.