What is sensitive skin | symptoms | skincare

Understanding Sensitive skin

Dry skin is most commonly associated with sensitive skin. Moisture is lost from the skin because the already flaked, dry skin has been damaged. Sensitive skin is defined by a sensory reaction to weather, allergies, certain products, or environmental factors. Symptoms may include redness, dryness, stinging, itching, or tightness, or in some cases, they may present as bumps, scabs, or hives. The causatives of sensitive skin can be genetic, environmental factors such as pollution and weather, allergies to certain ingredients, and reactions to skin care products.

Symptoms of sensitive skin:

Detection is a complex aspect of sensitive skin since symptoms differ from individual to individual. Common signs of sensitive skin include redness, itching upon application of certain products, stinging, burning, and drying due to environmental triggers like the wind, sun, or cold weather. Sensitive skin shows exaggerated or extreme reactions to stimuli or products that would not otherwise be troublesome to other types of skin. Other aspects, such as age, hormonal changes, and stress, may also contribute. Thus, keeping track of the sensitivity of one's skin to various stimuli is crucial in determining whether someone has sensitive skin or not.

Even if, at times, very few people actually possess sensitive skin, the skin can develop temporary reactions as a result of exposed stimuli from the environment. It's neither genetically-based nor skin type-based; it is only a temporary condition. The symptoms between sensitive skin and sensitized skin run parallel to each other. However, the approach becomes decidedly easier in sensitized skin for the reason that it is termed a state and it occurs after exposed to environmental conditions only for short intervals.

Causes Of Sensitive Skin:

Sensitive skin results not only from genetic factors but can indeed be induced by both internal and external conditions: 

• Genetics and Hormones: Hormonal changes during menstruation or menopause may exacerbate skin sensitivity. 

• Stress: Cortisol produced by stress may trigger acne and oil production, causing further aggravation of sensitive skin.

• Allergies: The patients suffering from allergies often manifest localized reactions towards fragrances, chemicals, and dyes, all of which can be present in a product for the skin.

• Environmental Factors: Extreme hot and cold exposure has also been implicated in loss of moisture content, inciting irritation.

• UV Radiation: Can lead to sunburn, early aging, and development of lines and wrinkles, worsening sensitivity.

• Cosmetic Ingredients: Retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs present in most cosmetic products tend to make the skin parched, thus increasing sensitivity. Sodium lauryl sulfate is another ingredient that increases pH levels in a product and against the skin. The high pH products, the beaded scrubs, and the foaming cleansers strip the natural moisture content from the skin.

A pre-existing skin condition such as eczema can make your sensitive skin more prone to rash and inflammation.

People with sensitive skin need to steer clear of irritating products and look for gentler hydrating alternatives. 

Skincare Of Sensitive Skin:

A proper sensitive skincare routine is very important for sensitive skin. Some options worth considering during the application are:

• Cleansers: Go for mild, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and alcohol-free facial cleansers and toners. Soy protein, glycerin, aloe vera, and cucumber soothe and caress sensitive skin cells gently.

• Moisturizers: Creamy, barrier-repair cream meant for sensitive skin, which locks the moisture in.

• Body Care Lotion: A body lotion containing almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, coconut milk, and aloe vera will greatly soothe and repair sensitive skin and add that all- important moisture.

Besides all these commercial products, the following home remedies will help you manage sensitivity:

• Shower Time: Limit long, hot showers because they can strip the skin of moisture.

• Exfoliate: Exfoliate less often, around 2-3 times a month, to avoid over-drying. Always moisturize after exfoliating.

• Sunscreen: Use sunscreen and SPF protection during the day to protect sensitive skin from damaging UV rays.

• Fragrances: Replace perfumes with essential oils, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

• Hydration: Drink hydrating foods like watermelon, oranges, strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and coconut water.

• Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, non-abrasive clothing made of comfortable materials that do not cause irritation to the skin.

• Laundry: Wash your clothes using fragrance-free, gentle laundry detergent.

• Deodorant: Choose a deodorant that is free of aluminum salts.

Sensitive Skin Texture

A delicate skin surface may exhibit a multitude of textures, two common presentations of which are rough and dry. It thereupon becomes either flaky or dry, may present features typical for irritant response, such as redness, rash, or breakout). Typical presentations also include redness and blotchiness particularly with respect to external agents or some skin care products. Sensitive skin may be characterized by itchiness or burning; agents of irritation may lead to inflammation of the epidermis and may then take on a bumpy esthetic, develop rashes or hives.