Are you plagued with painful, itchy skin? Do you ever discover dry or swollen patches of skin, or find yourself breaking out in rashes? If yes, then you probably have sensitive skin. This is a condition that, according to surveys, affects around 50% of women and 40% of men. While there are some common symptoms, sensitive skin looks different for everyone and varies greatly in severity. Wherever you are on the spectrum, you will likely benefit from switching to sensitive skincare products. These products contain soothing ingredients and are free of the irritants that are often added to everyday skincare products. By learning more about your skin and choosing your products carefully, you can avoid flare-ups and enjoy having calm, pain-free skin.
What Is It Like To Have Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is a condition that is difficult to define. Rather than a medical diagnosis, it is a lay term used to describe skin that is intolerant to a lot of skincare products, cosmetics and environmental elements. Sensitive skin might feel irritated as a result of sun exposure, extreme temperatures, exercise, and even the simplest skincare products. Underlying conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis might be the cause of this sensitivity, as well as some kind of allergy. Basically, sensitive skin is usually the result of a genetic difference in the normal protective skin barrier.
What Are the Symptoms of Sensitive Skin?
The symptoms of sensitive skin vary from person to person, but there are some symptoms that are generally quite common:
- Red, swollen and itchy skin
- Skin redness
- Stinging or burning sensation on skin
- Rashes or hives
- Dry skin that may crack, blister or bleed
- Patches of dry, hard or leathery skin.
What Are Common Irritants?
There are many potential triggers for sensitive skin. The most common form of sensitive skin is known as irritant contact dermatitis, which occurs as a result of exposure to chemicals or any physical agent that damages the skin’s protective outer layer. There’s also allergic contact dermatitis, which describes an allergic or immune reaction to a chemical, allergen or other substance. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that flares up periodically and results from things like the weather. Their specific triggers are named below:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- Exposure to heat and hot water
- Soaps and hand sanitisers
- Beauty products
- Solvents and laundry detergents.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Exposure to heat and hot water
- Preservatives and fragrances, specifically in soaps, beauty products and laundry detergents
- Plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac
- Jewellery made from certain metals, such as nickel
- Rubber, latex and adhesives.
Eczema
- Certain foods, such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy and wheat
- Preservatives and fragrances, specifically in soaps, beauty products and laundry detergents
- Hot or cold weather, humidity and sweat.
How Effective Are Sensitive Skincare Products?
Every individual with sensitive skin will have something different to say about the experience. Depending on your specific condition, you will have different triggers to the next person, just as you will have different preferences in skincare products. However, there are some ingredients that are generally helpful for all manner of skin conditions. A lot of the time, sensitive skincare products with ingredients such as these are highly effective at soothing and even repairing the skin when necessary. Make sure to read the ingredients within your products carefully and talk to your doctor to get more insight into the particularities of your skin.
The Best Ingredients to Look for If You Have Sensitive Skin
When shopping for sensitive skincare products, avoid astringent or abrasive ingredients that will exasperate irritation. Instead, keep an eye out for ingredients that are gentle and kind on the skin. For example, aloe vera is a soothing ingredient that is effective for sunburn and other mild irritants. Green tea is another wonderful ingredient that has been found to improve moisture levels and calm inflammation. Found naturally in the hair and skin, hyaluronic acid is a gentle moisturising agent. Glycerin and dimethicone are likewise safe and unlikely to irritate the skin, with brilliant moisturising abilities. Finally, ceramides are lipids that make up part of the protective outer skin barrier. Products with this ingredient will help to repair the outer barrier, making it less likely for your skin to become irritated.
Talk to Your Doctor
When it comes to sensitive skincare recommendations, it’s important to take your own unique needs into account. The easiest way to know what you need in your products is to talk to your doctor. Together, you should be able to isolate the irritants. Once you know your specific triggers, you can search for products that cater to your needs. Explore sensitive skincare options today and foster a better relationship with your skin.
