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The skin is our body’s largest organ. It can be very sensitive and react to things that might not bother others.

Having sensitive skin isn’t something that a doctor can diagnose, but it’s a condition that you can treat yourself with simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. Start by decluttering your beauty and skincare routine and avoiding products that might trigger your reaction.

Treatment

In the world of skin care, we frequently hear about the core skin types: oily, dry, combination, acne-prone and sensitive. What’s less commonly talked about is the fact that it is completely normal to have sensitivity issues from time to time. This is not a disease or anything to be alarmed about, but rather an indication that you should make a few adjustments to your skincare routine to help your skin feel better.

Fortunately, most people with sensitive skin can manage their symptoms without the need for a prescription. The first step is to identify the ingredient or substance that triggers your symptoms and avoid it. For example, if you experience irritation after cleaning, try using a cleanser that is gentle and low in fragrance and added colorants. For exfoliation, use a gentle product that is free of granules and use it only one or two times per week.

It is also important to stay hydrated and moisturize your skin every day. This will help to prevent inflammation and promote healing when your skin is irritated. You should also consider using natural makeup products that contain minimal preservatives.

If you are still experiencing a flare-up, work with your dermatologist to identify the root cause of the issue. It may be a specific skin condition, like rosacea or eczema, a food allergy, or something else that can be treated with some simple lifestyle changes and medication.

The key to treating sensitive skin is to understand that the symptoms are not permanent, and that it will likely improve with age as your skin barrier becomes stronger. It is also important to find a skincare routine that works for you and stick with it, as this will ensure consistency and help your skin to build up its resistance.

A great starting point is to visit a certified dermatologist, and the Healthline Find A Doctor tool can help you locate options in your area. For an extra boost, aesthetic physician and co-founder of London’s Health & Aesthetic Clinic Dr Bhavjit Kaur recommends pairing her signature calming in-clinic facials with an at-home skincare regimen that includes the skin barrier-nourishing niacinamide, yucca root extract, ceramides and restorative vitamin E.

Prevention

There are a lot of skin-type terms that get thrown around — oily, dry, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive. The latter is one of those that people tend to hear about, but often don’t really understand or know what it means to have. This guide delves into the topic to help those with sensitive skin take control of their complexions. You’ll find tips for identifying triggers and what to do if they occur, plus a look at the science behind how the skin becomes sensitive.

Usually, when someone says they have sensitive skin, it’s referring to the way their complexion reacts to various external factors or products. This can range from temperature changes, to harsh soaps, or even certain types of fabric. The reaction is typically felt as a pulling, prickling, or burning sensation in the absence of any visible rash or redness. People with sensitive skin may also notice that their symptoms are worse in the presence of specific allergens, such as dyes or perfumes. They are also more likely to have a reaction to contact dermatitis, or photodermatoses (a subtype of eczema).

If you feel that your skin is sensitive, there are a few steps you can take at home. You can keep a diary to identify possible triggers and start to eliminate them from your life. It’s also recommended to avoid harsh cleansing products and excessive exfoliation, which can damage the skin barrier, leaving it exposed and vulnerable.

For those who still experience a sensitivity to certain substances, the best thing to do is to see a dermatologist for advice. They can test your skin to determine any allergies or underlying conditions, and recommend an appropriate treatment.

In addition to these steps, it’s important to stay calm when you have a bad reaction to a product or environment. It’s often just a sign that your skin needs a break, so it’s better to be patient and give it time to recover before trying something new again. If you need to reintroduce a product, do so gradually and be sure to use a gentler formulation.

Symptoms

Sensitive skin can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching and redness. This condition typically results from a weakening of the outer layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum. This barrier protects the skin and helps to hydrate it. It also stores nutrients. People with sensitive skin may have trouble absorbing the essential vitamins and minerals needed to keep the skin healthy.

The condition can be caused by a number of factors, including environmental and internal causes. It can be triggered by changes in diet, hormonal fluctuations, or specific ingredients that come into contact with the skin. For example, many people develop sensitivity after exposure to certain medications or cosmetics.

A dermatologist can help you identify the triggers that affect your sensitive skin. This allows you to avoid them and improve your overall health. Some common triggers include perfumes, dyes, and harsh chemicals in skin products. It is also common for this condition to flare up after exposure to irritants, such as smoke, pollen, and other allergens.

In some cases, the underlying cause of the condition is treatable, and treating it can ease the symptoms. For example, if the condition is due to an allergy, a dermatologist can recommend an antihistamine or other medication that will ease your symptoms. If the condition is related to a chronic skin disorder, such as psoriasis or eczema, treating the underlying condition can also reduce sensitivity.

In most cases, simple lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms of sensitive skin. For example, you can use mild cleansers that are designed for this skin type, and avoid using harsh chemicals in your home. You can also limit how long you take hot showers or baths, as this can irritate your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water, and be sure to moisturize afterward. You can also limit the amount of makeup you use, and choose those with few ingredients. Try to stick with powder foundations, which tend to be less irritating than liquid or cream products. It is also best to avoid eye makeup, as it can be more difficult to remove and could irritate the skin.

Diagnosis

People with sensitive skin can have a variety of triggers. These can be related to ingredients in skincare products, dyes, and fragrances, as well as environmental substances, such as smoke. Other factors can include sleep patterns, stress levels, and nutrition. Working with a dermatologist to identify your triggers can help you find ways to reduce their impact on your skin.

Unlike some other conditions, such as contact dermatitis (a form of eczema) and psoriasis, there is no specific diagnostic test for sensitive skin. This is because it’s defined based on how your skin feels rather than by what a doctor sees on the surface.

Your physician will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They may also perform a simple physical examination to check for redness or a rash. If the doctor cannot pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, they may recommend an allergy test to see if it’s an allergic reaction that is making your skin feel tight or itchy.

An allergy test involves exposing your skin to various chemicals or ingredients and measuring your response. It’s usually quick and painless. Your doctor will likely recommend that you stop using your normal skincare products for two weeks before reintroducing them one by one. This will give you a clearer idea of what is causing your symptoms.

While an allergy test is not the only way to determine if your sensitivity is caused by allergies, it’s a very useful one. Your dermatologist will also be able to suggest the best skincare products for you, including those that are free of fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients that can make your skin feel uncomfortable.

Sensitive skin is a common issue that can affect anyone. It’s not a medical diagnosis in itself, but it can be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed. Finding out the source of your sensitivity can help you get relief and prevent future flare-ups. The skin is our largest organ, and it deserves to be taken care of. So if you’re dealing with itchy, dry, or flaky skin, talk to your dermatologist today.