Sensitive Skin Type
Sensitive Skin Type – can refer to anything from occasional redness to skin issues such as eczema or rosacea. At its most basic level, sensitive skin is a general, non-medical term for skin that easily breaks out into rashes or experiences blotchy, itchy or stinging reactions from the weather or skincare products.
Having sensitive skin easily irritated and reddened is often caused by a build-up of chemicals in the body and on the skin. It may be associated with the skin being sun-damaged, it may be genetic or caused by using harsh, dehydrating products on the skin.
Some common signs of sensitive skin are skin reactions such as bumps, pustules and skin erosion, extremely dry skin that is cracked and doesn’t fully protect nerve endings and a tendency towards blushing and flushing.
Sensitive skin isn’t a disease that a doctor can diagnose you with. It’s usually a symptom of another condition. You may not even know you have sensitive skin until you have a bad reaction to a cosmetic product, like soap, moisturiser, or makeup.
Conditions that cause sensitive skin are rarely serious. You can usually keep your symptoms under control with a few simple changes to your skincare routine.
Sensitive Skin Type Treatments & Skincare
Your skin has a natural, protective barrier that ensures it stays healthy by locking moisture in and keeping out harmful irritants, such as harsh ingredients and allergens. If the moisture barrier is compromised, your skin is vulnerable and more likely to become sensitive and reactive to external irritants.
Sensitive skin can appear anywhere on the face and body and at any age. While some people are predisposed to sensitive and reactive skin because of their genes or an existing skin condition, others are naturally affected by a weakened barrier that is vulnerable to external irritants such as pollution from car exhausts, harsh ingredients and changes in temperature. Anyone with sensitive skin may find its reactions unpredictable and difficult to manage.
- YOU CAN SEE RED PATCHES – If your skin is sensitive, you may be prone to rashes or red patches appearing. The skin may also look scaly or rough. This is because the cells in the outer layer of your skin have been compromised, leaving your skin vulnerable to moisture loss and irritants.
- YOU FEEL A BURNING SENSATION – It’s likely that sensitive skin will feel itchy and tight. You may also feel it burning or stinging.
- YOUR SKIN IS VERY DRY – Although it’s not always the case, many people who have very dry skin find that their skin can be more sensitive than those whose skin is less dry. This is because very dry skin is more susceptible to sensitivity triggers and more prone to reactions.
- SOME FOODS MAKE YOU FLUSH – You may find that you react to certain foods you eat, which may lead to your face becoming flushed. This can be a sign of skin sensitivity. Try limiting your intake of alcohol, spicy foods and coffee.
The best way to work out if your skin is sensitive and reactive is to consult a skin specialist, who will assess your skin in person.
To Treat Your Skin Correctly
You Need to Know Your Skin Type
Book a Skin Consultation with our Skin Specialist to Discuss Your Beauty Plan
BASIC Skin Type Test
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and water. Use your hands to clean your face and avoid scrubbing too hard.
- Dry your face with a soft towel and leave your skin alone for one hour without applying any products or touching it.
- If your face feels tight and dry after about a half-hour to an hour after washing, you most likely have Dry skin.
- Alternatively, if you notice shiny patches popping up all over your face, that’s Oily skin.
- Combination skin will feel dry in some areas while oily in other parts of the face.
- Normal skin won’t feel either oily or dry after washing your face––it’ll just feel balanced, plump, and hydrated (hello, skincare goals).
- Sensitive skin is not actually a skin type. Sensitive skin is simply easily irritated skin, especially when you interact with new products or environments. A change of skincare will generally fix this.
If you are still uncertain as to your Skin Type we suggest you book a Skin Consultation and Analysis with our Skin Specialist.