If your skin seems to get irritated at the slightest provocation—whether it's a new lotion, an itchy fabric, or cold weather—you're not alone. Sensitive skin is common. In fact, up to 60 to 70 percent of people report having it to some extent.
Whether you've always had sensitive skin or it's something new for you, you may have some questions, like why is my skin so sensitive? And is there anything I can do about it? Here's all you need to know about sensitive skin, including some easy fixes you can incorporate into your daily life.
What Does Sensitive Skin Look Like?
If you have sensitive skin, you're more likely to react to products and environmental stimuli compared to other people.
Reactions may look like red or ashy dry patches, bumps, and peeling. You may experience tightness, burning, or stinging. In some cases, you may develop inflamed skin that can swell, crack, and even become painful.
Sensitive skin may also be more prone to breakouts, especially with certain products. But why does this happen? Well, a few factors could be at play.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
OK—so why is my skin so sensitive? For some people, sensitive skin is genetic. If you have family members with sensitive skin, you're more likely to have it, too. Some inherited genetic factors may affect skin barrier function, putting the skin at higher risk of effects like dryness and irritation.
But sensitive skin isn't always inherited. Here are some other common factors that could be contributing to your reactive skin.
Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, can lead to skin sensitivity. Treating and managing these conditions is an important part of minimizing sensitive skin.
Environmental Triggers
Harsh weather conditions, like cold, dry, or hot temperatures, can trigger skin sensitivity. Quickly switching from different temperatures—like stepping into a hot room after being out in the snow—can also contribute to sensitive skin.
Other common environmental triggers include smoke, other pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the skin's protective barrier over time.
Skin Care Product Ingredients
Different skin care and cosmetic products contain ingredients that can trigger sensitive skin. Fragrances are at the top of the list. Other potential triggers include drying ingredients, like alcohol, parabens, soaps, and detergents. Even otherwise beneficial ingredients, like Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide, can aggravate sensitive skin.
Keep in mind that products labeled "natural" or "organic" can still trigger sensitive skin. For example, some popular essential oils, like tea tree oil, can be irritating.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol aren't just bad for your health: They can also contribute to sensitive skin.
Your skin care routine may also be to blame. In addition to using the wrong products, how you treat your skin could be part of the problem. Harsh scrubbing, overwashing, rinsing your face with hot water, and using too many products can damage your skin's protective barrier, leading to skin sensitivity.
How Can You Reduce Skin Sensitivity?
Fortunately, managing sensitive skin doesn't have to be complicated. Incorporate these steps into your routine to help minimize sensitivity and promote a calm, resilient complexion.
Find and Avoid Your Triggers
Sensitive skin affects people differently, so one person's trigger may not bother your skin. To minimize skin sensitivity, identify and avoid your specific triggers. Keeping a trigger diary that records what products and exposures irritate your skin is a great way to narrow down the culprits.
Develop a Good Skin Care Routine
Developing a good skin care routine is key to managing sensitive skin. The healthier your skin, the less likely it will react to different triggers. In addition to avoiding common irritating ingredients, like fragrances, harsh soaps, and alcohol, look for anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, Glycerin, amino acids, and Bisabolol.
Keep your routine simple. The more products you use, the higher the risk of irritating sensitive skin. For example, a good minimalist morning routine includes a gentle cleanser followed by a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen. A formula like EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser fits the bill, packed with soothing ingredients and clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier in as little as seven days.
One final tip: Don't exfoliate. If you have sensitive skin, any type of exfoliation (chemical or physical) can be irritating.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
In addition to increasing skin cancer risk, chronic and unprotected exposure to UV rays can compromise the skin barrier. Daily sunscreen use can help prevent and minimize the effects of free radical damage, including dryness, irritation, and signs of premature skin aging.
A lightweight, fragrance- and paraben-free sunscreen is a great option for sensitive skin. Look for hypoallergenic, 100-percent mineral formulas to minimize your risk of sensitivity.
See Your Dermatologist
Your Dermatologist is your skin's biggest advocate. They're there to help you find the best products for your skin so you can build an effective skin care routine. They can also examine your skin to see if you have eczema or another condition that could be contributing to your sensitive skin.
Healthy Skin Is Beautiful Skin
Healthy, beautiful skin is within reach, no matter who you are or where you are in your skin care journey. Finding a routine that works for your skin may take a bit of trial and error, but once you have it, you're on the road to your best, most vibrant complexion.
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