Traditionally, sensitive skin is a term used to describe a dermal state of being, which is skin that’s easily irritated. Albeit not typically severe enough to warrant being a standalone dermal condition like acne, sensitive skin can still prove to be an issue for many. The use of everyday ingredients such as fragrance, alcohol, some essential oils and even retinol can be aggravating, prompting many to ditch the use of their favorite go-to skincare products in favor of gentler, more natural alternatives. Though sensitive skin is usually a result of genes, it can also be a sign that your skin is trying to tell you that something’s not quite right.
In some cases, sensitive skin can either be a symptom of a skin condition like psoriasis, eczema or rosacea, or simply that it is unhappy with a number of external factors, ranging from the skincare products you apply to your environment (i.e. a result of too much sun exposure, harsh winds, chemicals or even temperature changes, all of which pose potential irritation and, therefore, disruption to our skin’s healthy default state).
Though it’s not uncommon for those with this skin type to be prone to oiliness, the largest percentage of people with dermal sensitivity tend to suffer more from dryness. Dryness can make the skin extra sensitive since it doesn’t contain enough natural oils or water to keep it sufficiently hydrated. This can result in itching, a burning feeling, flaking, cracking and dullness, which makes any underlying sensitivity even worse. So, that being said, what can be done about it?
The first thing you can do when trying to soothe sensitive skin is to look at your skincare routine. Sensitivity can be a temporary side effect if you’re unknowingly being affected by a certain product or ingredient. However, whether this is the case or you’re just naturally predisposed to sensitivity, it’s time to pay attention to your skin. Regardless of whether your complexion is on the oilier or drier side of the scale, a good, non-comedogenic oil might be just the ticket to dermal salvation. This is because, as well as helping to nourish you from the outside in, a good facial oil can go towards establishing some form of balance by moisturizing the skin, which also goes hand-in-hand with regulating sebum production (apricot kernel and rosehip are both great choices). If you would like additional help on what oils are suitable for your skin type, visit our Carrier Oil Glossary as well as our Facial Oil Glossary for more information.
Though everyone’s dermal sensitivity is variable, the one aspect that we all share is a lipid barrier. The lipid barrier, also commonly known as our moisture barrier, is an indispensable cog in our skin’s protective mechanism. Located in our epidermis’ outermost layer (the stratum corneum), it’s designed to protect our skin against any external irritants, from pollution to chemicals, as mentioned above. However, when its defenses are weakened, sensitive skin results and it isn’t in much of a position to fend off such threats. Because the stratum corneum is such a visible layer of skin, giving it the attention it deserves helps to improve both its level of sensitivity and its appearance. Although it’s not possible to alter the chemical makeup of our skin, it is well within our reach to help strengthen said barrier. Start by bringing niacinamide into your life. Able to increase the production of ceramides, this seemingly unassuming ingredient is the lipid barrier’s best friend. This is because an increase in ceramide production aids in rejuvenating and strengthening the skin’s surface while safeguarding it against dehydration.
Though there is an extensive list of natural alternatives to turn to for sensitive skin, there are a select few that stand out head and shoulders above the rest, and these are: marshmallow root, apricot kernel oil and chamomile. Though not what you would traditionally think of when you hear the word ‘marshmallow’, marshmallow root is derived from the Althaea officinalis herb, which is a perennial plant often found in Europe, parts of western Asia and North Africa. Highly versatile, it’s been used for centuries to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to dermal concerns. Able to help protect against UV damage and acknowledged as an effective anti-inflammatory, marshmallow root is certainly a great asset to add to your routine. Like marshmallow root, chamomile is also a tried and true fighter when it comes to inflammation. Not only this, but it’s also reported to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties which double up to encourage dermal healing and therefore soothe any existing irritation. Apricot kernel oil, on the other hand, is a very conditioning treatment for all skin types. Namely a carrier oil, it’s a great ally that’ll help to dissolve any residual dirt and sebum on the surface of your skin, making it an excellent (and mildly astringent) treatment that will cleanse without causing aggravation.
Aside from ingredients, the next step in your routine should be selecting the right kinds of skincare products to use. Choosing a gentle cleanser, eye cream and a night cream can be incredibly beneficial to any skin type, not just sensitive. A mild cleanser can help to clean the skin without stripping it of its natural oils and triggering inflammation. Whether or not you wear cosmetics, an eye cream can be an equally beneficial part of your regimen. Because there are no sebum glands at the outer edges of your eyes, the eye region can be one of the areas that suffers the most, especially if your skin’s already struggling. This leads us onto your nighttime routine – you’ve probably heard many dermatologists recommend applying a night cream prior to bed. Night creams tend to be richer and more nourishing, which is why choosing one can be a great last step. Because we all tend to sleep for an extended period of time, this also provides the perfect opportunity to give your skin some extra TLC.
As a side note, it’s worth mentioning that many anti-aging creams contain retinol, which does come with an increased risk of irritation. Bakuchiol oil is a great, plant-based alternative to retinol that’s just as potent without aggravating sensitive skin. You can read all about it in our post Why Bakuchiol Is The New Retinol.
Although it’s important to know what products and ingredients to apply to this skin type, it’s also just as valuable to be aware of what to avoid so that you can minimize your risk of sensitivity. The main offenders that should be on your radar are: products like foaming cleansers, as well as those that contain ingredients like witch hazel, alcohol and certain acids such as salicylic and citric, which are all known to be very drying. While the aforementioned ingredients speak for themselves, the reason why foaming cleansers aren’t ideal for sensitive skin is because of the foaming agents they contain. Such agents are designed for tackling products that are hard to wash off like sunscreen, cosmetics or waterproof products, as well as targeting oilier skin types struggling with sebum production. As such, foaming cleansers are typically quite drying, which is why they’re prone to causing irritation. Of course, when it comes to sensitive skin, it’s not just about avoiding certain types of products. Daily habits such as washing or showering with very hot water, sitting too close to the indoor heater, over exfoliating or applying a face mask too frequently can prove counterproductive for those with dermal sensitivity. All these aspects can affect you negatively because they’re bombarding already sensitive skin with more than it can handle, and therefore should be avoided whenever possible.
If you’re looking for a bit of extra help in order to tame your sensitivity, supplements can be a good route to take. Vitamins E and B5 as well as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics can really lend a hand in revitalizing dull-looking skin while helping it to maintain its moisture levels, which goes towards a better-looking, more balanced complexion. If you’d like to know which other vitamins are the best for skin maintenance, visit our Dermal Vitamins page to get started.
For more information about sensitive skin, visit our Sensitive Skin page. If you’re interested in reading about the effects of over-masking, read our previous post where we give you answers to the question: Can You Over-Mask Your Face?