The term generally refers to skin that is more prone to inflammation. The cause of the inflammation may differ for each person. People with generally sensitive skin have local reactions to chemicals, dyes, and fragrances present in products that come into contact with their skin. They may also get rashes or irritation from clothing or friction.
Some people are allergic to certain substances and may react on their skin. Sensitive skin may also be a symptom of an underlying condition. Finding ways to avoid potential triggers and soothe irritated skin may help people with sensitive skin find relief and improve their quality of life.
Treating sensitive skin typically involves finding and eliminating triggers, as well as using home remedies or prescription medications to treat the symptoms:. Depending on the cause of sensitive skin and the accompanying symptoms, doctors may prescribe a few different medications. They include:. Hypoallergenic moisturizers and lotions may reduce dryness without irritating sensitive skin. Some ingredients may work better than others, depending on the type of sensitivity.
For instance, people with very dry skin may respond well to ingredients such as urea or lactic acid. Some simple oils, such as shea butter or coconut oil , may work better for others. It is always important to test a product on a small area of skin before applying it to the rest of the affected skin. Oats may be especially helpful for people with sensitive skin. Research shows that applying colloidal oatmeal to the skin may help with symptoms such as rashes, dry skin, and eczema.
Applying a colloidal oatmeal paste to sensitive skin may help manage symptoms. People with sensitive skin may also be able to minimize symptoms by:. A person can keep a journal of the products that they use each day to help them identify any possible triggers of symptoms on their skin. If the person finds a product they believe is causing a reaction, they should stop using it and take it to their dermatologist to undergo testing for allergies. In many cases, having sensitive skin is generally not a cause for serious concern, as it likely stems from a minor allergy or underlying skin condition.
If a person has sensitive skin with no underlying health condition, their skin may become irritated more easily. Many people experience irritation after exposure to:. Additionally, a person with sensitive skin may be more prone to reactions to skincare products, makeup, or certain types of clothing. The symptoms of sensitive or reactive skin may appear in numerous ways, including:. Contact dermatitis refers to an inflammatory skin reaction from contact with something on the skin.
There are different types of contact dermatitis. A person can get irritant contact dermatitis from products like soaps, laundry detergents, or even from exposure to water. This is why dermatologists often include at least one or two fragrance mixes when they do testing for skin allergies, Dr.
Newsom says. That can determine whether you have a reaction to a litany of naturally and synthetically derived chemicals commonly found in fragrance formulations. Other times, Dr. People with sensitive skin need to be careful and patient with products that contain strong active ingredients. Generally, you should start using a new product gradually so your skin can build up a tolerance, says Dr. Select a lower concentration, use a small amount, and only use it every two or three days at most.
Apply a very simple, very gentle moisturizer underneath or mix it in to create a buffer. This will reduce the irritating effects of strong active ingredients. Then, as your tolerance grows over time, you can start to gradually increase the frequency and apply the product directly, before your moisturizer. Piliang recommends.
Stop using it, wait for your skin to calm down, and then try something else, Dr. Fassett says. On a similar note, if you have an actual, diagnosable skin condition like eczema , psoriasis, or rosacea, definitely check in with your dermatologist before adding anything you suspect might be too strong to your routine in the first place. Your skin—and wallet—may thank you. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
But your immune system can also sometimes play a role in skin sensitivity. As for products? Glad you asked According to Lewis, sensitive skin can generally be divided up into four main types: naturally sensitive, environmentally sensitive, reactive, and thin. Since there are varying degrees and causes of sensitive skin, everyone is different.
A dermatologist is your best bet for figuring out your own individual trigger. However, generally speaking, those with sensitive skin would be wise to avoid using personal-care products that contain fragrances and dyes.
The same rules apply for the skin on your body — even using laundry detergent that is heavily scented or contains dye can cause a reaction, so Rabach recommends choosing detergents that are formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
Regarding skin-care specifically, Lewis advises her sensitive-skinned patients to steer clear of sulfates , exfoliants like glycolic, salicylic acid, and retinoids, and creams with multiple ingredients. Isopropyl alcohol and chemical sunscreens are also common irritants.
Another potential trigger is the way you go about your skin-care routine — specifically, the cleansing step. Wearing makeup isn't necessarily a total no-go, as long as you choose cosmetics that won't provoke irritation. Lewis recommends seeking out mineral makeup and silicone-based foundation, and generally choosing cosmetics with fewer preservatives and shorter ingredient lists.
One last cosmetics tip: Toss out any and all products that have been sitting around for too long. The longer they sit in your medicine cabinet, the more likely they can become spoiled or contaminated. Remember, if your skin becomes red, uncomfortable, dry, tight, or generally uncomfortable when exposed to any of the aforementioned triggers, don't just brush it off — go see a board-certified dermatologist.
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