Sensitive Skin Symptoms: 5 Tips to Manage Sensitive Skin

Dermatologists apply a lactic acid patch test to the skin to determine skin sensitivity. At home, look for these signs of sensitive skin:

1. 1. Breakouts or blisters: People with sensitive skin experience breakouts or flare-ups with pustules or blisters after using certain products.
2. 2. Dryness: Consistent use of a moisturizer relieves minor dry skin symptoms common during the winter months or dry seasons when there is less moisture in the air. However, excessively dry, irritated skin with cracks or flakiness is a sign of sensitive skin.
3. 3. Irritation and redness: Irritated, itchy skin prone to redness can be a sign of sensitive skin.
4. 4. Reactions after using certain products: Sensitive skin experiences irritation and redness after using certain cosmetic products or skincare products (like lotions, moisturizers, hair dyes, or makeup), personal care products (including soaps, detergents, and perfumes), and household products like cleaning sprays.
5. 5. You easily sunburn: Sensitive skin is more prone to sunburn and damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Sensitive skin symptoms include dryness, itchiness, or other skin irritation; here are some causes of sensitive skin:

1. 1. Overactive immune system: Your immune system health is the result of many factors, including genetics. For some people, the immune system treats everyday products and chemicals as threats, causing a reaction on the skin, such as a rash or breakout.
2. 2. Skin conditions: There are many reasons why some skin types are more sensitive than others, including skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) or rosacea.
3. 3. Weak skin barrier: Your skin has an outer barrier of oils and lipids that helps keep your skin healthy. If you are deficient in these oils, your skin struggles to defend itself against products or chemicals you encounter. A weak skin barrier leads to dryness or irritation.

If your skin feels sensitive, here are some wellness tips for treating and protecting your skin:

1. 1. Exfoliate gently and only when necessary. Gentle exfoliation is key for sensitive skin. If you scrub your skin too harshly, it can cause irritation, dryness, and flaking. Use a mild exfoliant once a week if you have sensitive skin.
2. 2. Establish a skincare routine. A skincare routine helps keep your skin moisturized and nourished. Look for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free moisturizers, creams, and cleansers for extra hydration, and avoid washing your face with overly hot water to prevent redness and irritation.
3. 3. Keep a journal of the products you use. To determine if chemicals, preservatives, perfumes, or other ingredients in your beauty products cause your skin sensitivity, keep track of the new products you use in a journal. If you experience skin reactions, you can easily look back to see which products caused the irritation.
4. 4. Note allergic reactions. Allergic contact dermatitis results from contact with environmental factors that cause an allergic reaction or rash. Examples of allergic contact dermatitis include rashes from exposure to allergens like poison oak or latex. Irritant contact dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis that develops from an adverse reaction after frequent exposure to a chemical product like dish soap or laundry detergent. If you experience sensitivity after exposure to environmental factors or contact with chemicals, cease using the product or explore over-the-counter medication options and antihistamines to help control allergic reactions.
5. 5. Use sun protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin. Monitor your symptoms after using sunscreen and note sensitivity to ingredients in the sunscreen you use.

Individuals experience different levels of sensitivity to ingredients found in various skincare products. To prevent adverse reactions, consult a dermatologist before applying a new product to your skin. This article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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