Do you suffer from hypersensitive skin?
If so, you may be worried about trying a new skin care product or wondering how your skin will react to a stressful event. You may feel like your skin is constantly on alert and is therefore suffering from a form of chronic stress.
Let’s look at the cause of this type of skin condition and how you can deal with it.
What is overly sensitive skin?
Overly sensitive skin (or severely sensitive skin) overreacts to triggers that normally don’t bother other people. In a 2021 study, researchers described it this way:
“Sensitive skin or cutaneous sensory syndrome is defined as a skin condition that is hypersensitive to stimuli, with pruritus, irritation, erythema and dryness.”
Scientists believe that this condition may be a manifestation of a variety of other conditions, such as psoriasis and rosacea and other chronic inflammatory skin conditions, as well as other factors such as psychological stress and immune dysfunction.
Overly sensitive skin responds to several triggers, including the following.
Environmental factors
Changes in weather and humidity or exposure to extreme temperatures can aggravate sensitive skin. For example, cold weather draws moisture from your skin, potentially making it more reactive. Hot, humid weather can increase sweat and oil production, leading to redness, inflammation and irritation.
Skin care products
Ingredients in skin care products, especially those made with harsh chemicals, can irritate hypersensitive skin. Problematic ingredients include fragrances, alcohols, harsh exfoliants, retinoids, sulfates, preservatives and dyes. Even some essential oils such as lavender, tea tree and peppermint can cause reactions in some people with overly sensitive skin.
allergies
If you are allergic to pollen, foods, certain materials, fragrances, and other items, your skin may react with redness, swelling, hives, and rashes.
Tension
There is a direct link between the brain and the skin, creating a pathway that sends messages back and forth. Stress also releases hormones that worsen inflammation and disrupt the skin barrier, making you more vulnerable to flare-ups.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those you may experience during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, can affect skin sensitivity.
Diet
Certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods, can cause skin reactions in some people.
Symptoms of overly sensitive skin
The symptoms of overly sensitive skin vary from person to person, but usually include:
- Redness: Persistent redness or flushing, often caused by exposure to irritants or temperature changes.
- Itch: This can range from an occasional itching sensation to a more constant, severe itching.
- Burning sensation: A burning or stinging sensation, especially after applying certain products or exposure to environmental factors.
- Drought: Excessive dryness or flaking, which can worsen other related symptoms.
- Tightness: A feeling of tightness or discomfort, as if the skin has been stretched too much.
Why do I have overly sensitive skin?
There may be many explanations for why some people suffer from sensitive skin and others do not.
Genetics
Sensitivity can run in families. If your parents or siblings have overly sensitive skin, you are more likely to get it too.
Underlying conditions
Certain skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, acne or psoriasis are associated with increased sensitivity. These conditions often lead to inflammation and a more reactive skin barrier.
Studies showFor example, it appears that the risk of sensitive skin is 2.5 times greater in patients with acne, and 3.7 times greater in patients with psoriasis. Underlying immune problems can also lead to overly sensitive skin.
Medical conditions
If you are experiencing an extensive illness, such as cancer, it is normal for your skin to become more sensitive than it was. Medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes can lead to the same result.
Skin barrier function
Sensitive skin often indicates a compromised skin barrier. This is the outer layer that retains moisture and protects the skin against harmful external influences. If this barrier is weak, it becomes more vulnerable to irritants.
Age
As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture and repair itself just as effectively. This can lead to increased sensitivity.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and poor diet can all weaken the skin barrier and lead to overly sensitive skin.
Manage and treat hypersensitive skin
You may not be able to cure your hypersensitive skin, but you can take steps to manage it and make it less reactive. We have some tips that can help.
Simplify your skin care routine
Less is often more for sensitive skin. Stick to a basic routine that includes a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer and, if necessary, a mild sunscreen. Avoid using too many products and changing them too often.
We have formulated our CV Skinlabs products specifically for sensitive skin. They are all fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and clinically proven to help soothe inflammation, reduce redness, repair the outer barrier and promote healing. Try using our Rescue + Relief Spray as a soothing, redness-reducing and itch-relieving toner, then follow up with our Calming Moisture (for face) and Body Repair Lotion (for body) every day, twice a day.
Patch test new products
Before applying a new product to your entire face or body, always test it on a small area of skin first. This can help you identify possible reactions without risking a full-blown flare-up.
Choose products wisely
Look for clean beauty products that are hypoallergenic and made for sensitive skin. Helpful ingredients include aloe vera, chamomile, ceramides and glycerin. Avoid products with alcohol, synthetic fragrances and harsh exfoliants.
You can choose CV Skinlabs products with confidence. All our formulas have been thoroughly researched, formulated and tested by a team of ingredient and development experts, holistic chemists, leading dermatologists and a toxicologist to ensure they worked with the skin’s natural biology and helped soothe sensitive skin.
Stay hydrated
Moisture is extremely important for all skin types, but especially for sensitive skin. In addition to drinking regularly from the outside, drink enough water to support the health of your skin from within. It also helps to use a humidifier in dry climates.
Protect your skin
Use sunscreen every day to protect against UV damage, which can worsen sensitivity. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Also protect with clothing, umbrellas and sunglasses.
Manage stress
Stress can aggravate sensitive skin, so try to incorporate regular stress-relieving activities into your daily routine. Good options include yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, and spending time with pets and loved ones.
You can make overly sensitive skin more comfortable
Having sensitive skin can be challenging, but understanding your triggers and adopting a thoughtful skincare routine can make a difference. If you have difficulty with this, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist.
How do you deal with hypersensitive skin?
Featured image by Teona Swift via Pexels.
