Sensitive Skin 101: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Sensitive skin affects millions of Americans. It often shows up as an exaggerated reaction to stimuli that wouldn’t typically bother other people’s skin, causing discomfort and a constant search for the right skincare solutions. In this article, we look into the causes, symptoms, and triggers of sensitive skin types and how you can keep your skin feeling calm and nourished with some help from Flexitol.

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin happens when the skin’s natural barrier function is compromised, leaving it vulnerable to environmental factors, pollutants, and irritants. This could be down to genetic factors, aging or environmental influences. People with sensitive skin usually have less protective lipids in the skin, which allows irritants to penetrate the barrier more easily and cause adverse flare-ups and reactions.

Symptoms of Sensitive Skin

The most common symptoms of sensitive skin include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness
• Occasional breakouts

These symptoms often pop up in response to triggers that are harmless to others.

Common Triggers for Sensitive Skin

Figuring out what your potential trigger might be is key to managing sensitive skin effectively. Common triggers include:

• Harsh skincare products
• Extreme temperatures
• Environmental pollutants
• Certain fabrics, particularly synthetic ones
• Stress, which can make skin sensitivity worse

Working out what your personal triggers can be is a process of trial and error but it is recommended for long-term management. If you’re unsure, consult a dermatologist who can help run controlled tests to determine exactly what’s irritating your sensitive skin.

Treatment and Management of Sensitive Skin

Managing sensitive skin is all about gentle skincare routines and picking the right products that don’t aggravate your skin. Here are some effective ways to look after sensitive skin:

• Choose Gentle Skin Care Products: Go for products specifically designed for sensitive skin, like Flexitol’s Sensitive Skin Wash. This mild yet effective body wash cleanses and hydrates without irritation, using naturally derived ingredients free from soap and SLS, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
• Moisturise Regularly: Keeping your skin hydrated is vital in strengthening the skin’s protective barrier. Flexitol’s Sensitive Skin Lotion boosts hydration by 50% and provides intensive nourishment without irritating. It’s free from parabens and fragrances and has been dermatologist-recommended and clinically tested.
• Avoid Known Irritants: Once you know what triggers your skin reactions, try to avoid them. This might mean switching your laundry detergent, avoiding certain fabrics, or staying away from extreme weather conditions without protection.
• Routine Skin Care: Set up a daily skincare routine that includes washing with a gentle cleanser, applying a suitable moisturizer, and using protective clothing or sunscreen as needed.

Skincare Routines for Sensitive Skin

Creating a skincare routine tailored to sensitive skin can help minimize irritation and strengthen your skin’s natural defences. Here’s a simple, effective routine to get you started:

Morning:

1. Gentle Cleansing: Cleanse your skin without stripping it of natural oils, choose a soap-free formula designed to clean gently and reduce irritation.
2. Moisturizing: Apply a sensitive skin lotion to increase hydration and protect the skin barrier which is the first shield against irritants that trigger sensitive skin.
3. Sun Protection: Use a sunscreen designed for sensitive skin every day.

Evening:

1. Remove Makeup Gently: If you wear makeup, ensure you remove it with a hypoallergenic makeup remover that’s gentle on sensitive skin.
2. Repeat Cleansing and Moisturizing: Follow the same morning routine for cleansing and apply the Flexitol Sensitive Skin Lotion to help repair the skin overnight.

Weekly:

1. Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliator once a week to remove dead skin cells without irritating sensitive skin. Choose a product with chemical exfoliants rather than physical exfoliants which can be too harsh on sensitive skin types.

We Understand Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive skin needs careful attention and products that respect and restore the skin’s natural barrier. Flexitol provides a range of skin and face care products designed to nurture sensitive skin, backed by clinical testing and dermatologist recommendations. If you have sensitive skin, consider Flexitol to help soothe, protect, and hydrate your skin effectively. 

References

• The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin
• Understanding the Epidermal Barrier in Healthy and Compromised Skin: Clinically Relevant Information for the Dermatology Practitioner
• Itchy skin