How To Treat
Sensitive Skin
What Is Sensitive Skin?
In essence, sensitive skin is skin that’s easily irritated. Albeit not a medical condition in its own right, sensitivity is an issue that many people face on a daily basis. Whether this is something that’s inherited or caused by a disruption to our dermal barrier, dealing with sensitivity can make seemingly simple tasks like choosing skincare products or even just touching your face take on a whole new level of problematic.
Those with sensitive skin often find that they are predisposed to dermal issues, which usually center around dryness, irritation and inflammation, but they can also extend to excess sebum production and breakouts. Whichever side of the scale you find yourself on, any of these symptoms can be taken as an indicator that something is out of balance.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
Anything can cause sensitive skin. It could be a result of genetics or a reaction to one or more external factors, ranging from the skincare products we apply to even the weather. Hot temperatures (including indoor heating) can be very drying to the skin, which can result in sensitivity. Likewise with skincare – applying the wrong products for our skin type can also negatively impact our dermal health. Often, an increase in sensitivity means that our skin’s lipid barrier is impaired in some way. Our lipid barrier serves as our skin’s self defense mechanism against external stressors and, if damaged, it cannot perform its duty and irritation results easily.
Treating This Skin Type
To effectively treat sensitive skin, you should start by taking note of any factors that you think may be prompting it to overreact. If you’re unsure about the root cause of your sensitivity, it might be worth visiting a doctor or dermatologist to help you narrow down the list of potential triggers.
When choosing skincare products for this skin type, choose the most pared-back formulas that you can to circumvent aggravation. With an increasing demand for a more natural approach to skincare, there’s an ever-growing selection of like-minded brands to choose from, so take advantage of this. Seek out brands that rely on plant-based formulas over chemical-laden ones that you’d often find at the drugstore. This alone will help you to minimize the risk of any adverse reactions. If you’re looking to be inspired, visit our Men’s Skincare Brands and Women’s Skincare Brands to get started.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is a hailed hero when it comes to skin prone to sensitivity. It calms inflammation, capable of soothing multiple skin conditions, and is also reported to help safeguard the face against UV damage and irritation.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is ideal for more sensitive skin types, especially for those prone to dryness. It’s a multi-tasker that not only targets and subdues the onset of blemishes, but softens the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Chamomile
Chamomile is famed for being gentle on the skin. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in addition to being antiseptic, which aids in calming irritation and promoting healing, most notably for skin that’s sensitive or tender.
Products To Use:
Cleanser
A cleanser should be a staple in everyone’s skincare routine because it helps to remove not just any skincare products or cosmetics that you use, but the build-up of any impurities you’re exposed to throughout the day, including pollution and even an excess of residual sebum. These can all have an impact on your complexion, from dulling the skin to causing breakouts and clogging pores. Avoid foaming cleansers, however, as these can be too harsh on skin that’s already sensitive. The same goes for formulas that contain alcohol.
Moisturizer
A moisturizer that relies on non-comedogenic oils is a great advantage for sensitive skin. Avocado, rosehip seed, apricot kernel, jojoba and borage oil are especially suited to this skin type. Although many warn against the use of essential oils, those like lavender, rose and chamomile can be quite beneficial due to their gentility (when diluted). Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula and oats are also helpful for this reason.
Night Cream
A night cream can be a good idea for sensitive skin, especially if your skin’s prone to dryness. Using a lightweight cream at night can give you an extra hydrating boost, while also helping to soothe and nourish tired or lackluster skin while you sleep.
Tips For Sensitive Skin
Try Niacinamide
Because sensitive skin is directly linked to the health of our dermal barrier, incorporating niacinamide into your routine can be a recipe for success when it comes to sensitivity. It’s capable of boosting ceramide production, which has a strengthening and revitalizing effect on the skin, not to mention being an essential step towards preventing dehydration.
Take Supplements
Considering supplements* that help to strengthen sensitive and/or dry skin is definitely a worthwhile step to take besides skincare. Vitamins E and B5, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics can help rejuvenate a dull and dry complexion, helping your skin to retain moisture and reduce inflammation.
*Always check with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
Avoid Hot Water
This doesn’t mean that we’re advocating cold showers, but it is worth highlighting that washing with hot water is known to cause irritation to skin prone to sensitivity, as well as having a drying effect on it. Bearing this in mind, try to reduce the water temperature the next time you wash – your skin will thank you for it in the long-run.
Additional Information
We update our blog regularly, so always make sure to check in to read our latest content. For posts directly related to sensitive skin, visit the following: