Sensitive skin is a condition that manifests itself through overreactions to factors that would not normally cause irritation. Symptoms such as itching, redness, burning, and dryness are common and can be triggered by skincare products, weather conditions, foods, and stress. Caring for sensitive skin requires a gentle and thoughtful approach, choosing products with soothing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, while avoiding fragrances, alcohol, and sulfates. With the right routine and products, it is possible to keep sensitive skin healthy and comfortable.
All skin types (oily, combination, normal and dry) can be sensitive, but sensitive skin is also a skin type. And why? Because your skin may not be sensitized, it can be treated and improve, but it will always be sensitive. Think of it as if it were oily skin. You can control the oiliness and the appearance of your skin may be improved, but your skin will always be more oily.
What are the characteristics?
It is a skin susceptible to redness, inflammation and dryness. It tends to be thinner than skin considered "normal".
Reactivity : Sensitive skin reacts quickly to stimuli that other skin types tolerate well, such as fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and certain cosmetic ingredients.
Compromised Skin Barrier : The skin's protective barrier tends to be weaker, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate more easily.
It is important to remember that the skin barrier, when balanced, will protect the skin from inflammation, irritation and even infections, as well as keeping it hydrated. This protective barrier is a natural barrier in our body that protects our skin from any negative reactions, while also helping it to deal with external aggressors, such as pollution.
Inflammation : Inflammation is a common response, resulting in redness and discomfort.
Dryness : Sensitive skin often feels dry and tight as it can have difficulty retaining moisture.
Triggering Factors:
Cosmetic Products : Excessive use of cosmetics or use of ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, dyes, and certain preservatives can irritate sensitive skin.
Weather Conditions : Changes in temperature, wind, and sun exposure can exacerbate symptoms.
Stress : Emotional stress can worsen skin sensitivity, possibly due to hormonal changes.
Diet : Certain foods and drinks can trigger reactions, especially spicy or acidic foods.
Diagnostics for Sensitive Skin:
- Atopic skin: skin that develops sensitivity due to factors directly linked to allergic conditions.
- Naturally sensitive skin: due to genetic factors. Eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can easily fit into this group.
- Sensitive skin due to reaction to the environment: this type of sensitivity occurs as a reaction to the environment you frequent. For example: sun exposure, pollution and even cigarette smoke. Just come into contact with some of these factors and irritation soon appears.
- Reactive skin: this is where sensitive skin due to a reaction to cosmetics fits in. Adding a new active ingredient to your routine without any care can result in inflammation and even an acne breakout.
- Thin skin: as we age, our skin becomes thinner, which makes it more fragile and susceptible to inflammation and irritation.
- Sensitive skin during pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also trigger sensitive skin, or worsen existing conditions, such as dermatitis.
Each of these conditions requires specific care. So, take good care of your skin. And, of course, see a dermatologist!
Daily Care for Sensitive Skin:
Cleaning:
Use: Gentle, sulfate-free cleansers such as micellar water, creamy or gel cleansers specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Avoid: Traditional soaps, cleansers with sulfates (such as sodium lauryl sulfate), fragrances, and alcohol.
Hydration:
Use: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and aloe vera.
Avoid: Heavy, oily creams, fragrances, dyes and comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients.
Sun Protection:
Use: Physical (mineral) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less irritating.
Avoid: Chemical sunscreens with avobenzone, oxybenzone, and other ingredients that can cause irritation.
Special Treatments:
Use: Products with calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile, calendula, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), and allantoin.
Avoid: Strong acids (such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid), retinoids, and harsh physical or chemical exfoliants.
Ingredients to Use
- Glycerin: Humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates without causing irritation.
- Ceramides: Restore and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and improves skin barrier function.
- Aloe Vera: Has soothing and moisturizing properties.
- Chamomile and Calendula: Natural ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
- Panthenol: Helps moisturize and soften skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Fragrances: Common in many skin care products, but often irritating.
- Denatured Alcohol: Can be very drying and irritating.
- Sulfates: Such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which are harsh cleaning agents.
- Strong Acids: Such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid, especially in high concentrations.
- Retinoids: Can be too harsh on sensitive skin.
- Strong Preservatives: Such as parabens and formaldehydes, which can cause adverse reactions.
- Essential Oils: Although natural, many essential oils can be irritating to sensitive skin.