Sensitive skin can greatly affect your daily life. The redness, itching and irritation associated with it make your skin vulnerable and uncomfortable. But what exactly does it mean to have sensitive skin, and what are the causes of this common problem? We give you an explanation!
What is the difference with skin that has become sensitive?
Causes of skin issues
General tips for sensitive skin
When should you see a doctor?
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin refers to skin that reacts more quickly and severely to external stimuli, such as weather conditions, skincare products, or allergens. Symptoms can vary from itching and redness to a burning or painful sensation.
You may experience discomfort on various parts of your body, but common areas include the face, back, and hands. This hypersensitive skin can cause discomfort, making even daily activities like showering or applying lotion challenging.
What is the difference with skin that has become sensitive?
Naturally sensitive skin is often genetically determined and is a constant feature of your skin type. On the other hand, sensitized skin develops over time due to prolonged exposure to harmful factors such as harsh skincare products or long-term exposure to sun or cold. These factors can damage your skin, causing it to break down and become hypersensitive to stimuli.
Restoring sensitized skin often involves adjusting your skincare routine and avoiding irritants.
Causes of skin issues
Sensitive skin can be triggered by various factors. Below, we discuss the most common causes of sensitive skin, the symptoms, where on the body they typically occur, and what you can do to alleviate them.
Dry skin
Dry skin occurs when the skin doesn’t retain enough moisture, often due to external factors such as cold air or hot showers. Dry skin may feel tight, itchy, and flaky. This is commonly seen on the face.
What can you do? You can treat dry skin by using cleansing milk, such as The Cleanser. The cleansing milk provides gentle but deep cleansing, and the vitamin C in the product stimulates collagen production and evens out the skin.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy, red, and scaly skin. Scratching can cause the skin to break. It often occurs in areas such as the elbows, knees, and face.
What can you do? If you have eczema, it's important to choose gentle products that won't irritate your skin. Consider using a moisturizer containing ceramides, which can help form a protective barrier over the skin. We also recommend using fragrance-free products.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact with an irritating substance like cleaning agents or soap. It can cause itching, redness, and a burning sensation at the site of contact, often on the hands or face.
What can you do? Avoiding the irritating substance and using protective products can help alleviate the symptoms.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs after contact with an allergen, such as nickel, latex, or certain perfumes. The skin becomes red, swollen, and itchy, often in areas where you wear jewelry or apply skincare products.
What can you do? Avoiding allergens and using anti-allergy products can help manage this condition.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face. It manifests as redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps resembling acne. Rosacea can be painful and is often worsened by sun exposure or alcohol consumption.
What can you do? Use a powerful collagen serum, such as The Night Formula. This advanced serum deeply hydrates and firms the skin, fills in fine lines and enhances the skin with collagen and hyaluronic acid. The peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production for firmer and smoother skin.
The Protector, with its carnosine, can help against harmful rays and can block free radicals. As a result, your skin not only stays protected, but also remains soft, smooth and radiant all day.
Contact urticaria
Contact urticaria, or hives, is triggered after contact with an allergen or irritant. It causes itchy bumps and swelling on the skin, often on the hands or arms. This reaction may occur quickly and usually disappears within a few hours, but it can be painful.
What can you do? Avoiding the triggering substance is the best way to prevent hives.
Physical urticaria
Physical urticaria is a form of hives caused by physical stimuli such as pressure, cold, or heat. Itchy bumps and redness usually develop at the site of the stimulus, such as the back or legs after exposure to cold or pressure.
What can you do? Avoiding triggering stimuli and using antihistamines can offer relief.
Photodermatoses (Sun allergy)
Photodermatoses are skin reactions caused by sun exposure. The skin may become red, itchy, and inflamed, often on areas like the face, arms, and neck.
What can you do? Wearing sunscreen, or The Protector, with a high SPF and avoiding direct sunlight can help prevent these symptoms.
Cutane mastocytose (Rare skin condition)
Cutaneous mastocytosis is a rare skin condition involving an excessive buildup of mast cells in the skin. This causes itching, redness, and sometimes painful patches, especially on the torso and back.
What can you do? This condition often requires medical treatment, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Aquagenic pruritus (Water-induced itching)
Aquagenic pruritus is a rare form of itching that occurs after contact with water, without visible rash. This itching is often experienced on the arms, legs, and torso, and can be extremely uncomfortable after showering or swimming.
What can you do? Using soothing creams and minimizing water exposure can help alleviate symptoms.
General tips for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, here are some general tips to help keep your skin healthy and calm:
- Opt for mild, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
- Avoid using hot water when showering or bathing to prevent further dryness.
- Protect your skin from extreme weather conditions, such as cold or sunlight.
- Regularly moisturize your skin with creams that strengthen the skin barrier, such as the products from Labareau.
Tip: Also read our blog “What to do about dry skin?”
When should you see a doctor?
While many people experience sensitive skin, it’s sometimes wise to consult a doctor or dermatologist. This is especially important if your skin is constantly damaged, if you suffer from persistent painful patches, or if your itching and irritation persist despite adjusting your skincare routine.
A doctor can help provide a proper diagnosis and may prescribe medication to manage the symptoms.
