What Causes Sensitive Skin: Best Moisturizer, Body Wash, & Cleanser | TropicSport

Causes and Solutions for Your Sensitive Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, which makes it kind of a big deal. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s also the one we are the most self-conscious about. Sensitive skin can give us all kinds of things to worry about, from redness and itching to acne and sunburns. It’s important to know how to tell if you have sensitive skin, what causes it, and how to treat symptoms. 

Why Is My Skin So Sensitive?

If you burn after only a few minutes in the sun or you’re prone to frequent dryness and irritation, you’ve probably lamented in front of the mirror on numerous occasions. “Why is my skin so sensitive?!” Since this is a broad term used to describe a number of problems, there may not be just one cause or one solution. However, there are plenty of ways to nourish your skin and keep it looking and feeling its best. 

Sensitive skin symptoms may be a sign that your outer layer of skin, which acts as a protective barrier against irritants, is damaged or otherwise vulnerable. This skin barrier (or lipid barrier) keeps moisture in and bad things out. UV rays, chemical cosmetic ingredients, and wind, heat, or cold, can all break through if this layer gets too thin or too weak. 

How to Tell if You Have Sensitive Skin

If you occasionally have a reaction to a product or environment, but aren’t sure if you have sensitive skin, check out these common symptoms. Typically, people with sensitive skin will experience one or more of these on a regular basis.

• Redness or flushing
• Stinging or burning when using certain products
• Dry patches
• Itchiness
• Rashes or bumps
• Easily sunburned
• Visible blood vessels (broken capillaries) on the nose or cheeks
• Irritation when using products with added fragrance
• Frequent breakouts
• Strong reaction to weather or temperature changes

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin often correlates with a weak lipid barrier, but what causes this to happen? If your sensitive skin symptoms do not come from a specific health condition like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, then you may be able to address the causes yourself. 

It is possible to develop skin allergy to a product you have used for a prolonged period of time if it is getting through your skin barrier and to your immune system. It is also common for your skin to become more sensitive as you get older. The most common environmental cause of sensitive skin is products containing an added fragrance. 

How to Treat Sensitive Skin

If you suspect you have a serious condition, consult a dermatologist for testing and treatment. If you can link your reactions to specific factors in your environment, there are ways toavoid irritated skin. All of the following can help in the treatment of sensitive skin:

• Use gentle cleansers
• Don’t wash too often
• Lower the temperature of the water when you shower
• Look for “fragrance-free” products, not “unscented”
• Test new products on a small area of skin before applying all over
• Avoid scrubs and exfoliants with abrasive components like microbeads
• Add moisture with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid
• Retain moisture and strengthen the lipid barrier with ceramides and fatty acids like linoleic acids
• Drink more water
• Moisturize right after getting out of the shower, before your skin is completely dry
• Always wear sunscreen

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