Sensitive vs. Sensitized Skin

From my professional experience, I have found many people perceive their skin as being sensitive and it’s becoming an increasing concern, especially among women. However, true sensitive skin is a skin type that is a genetic trait, and what many people are experiencing is actually sensitized or reactive skin which is a skin condition, and the causes are quite different.

About Sensitive Skin

As I mentioned, true sensitive skin is caused by a genetic predisposition and is a skin type. So chances are if your parents have sensitive skin then you may as well. Someone born with sensitive skin may be prone to allergies, asthma, and facial blushing. This skin type is considered to be more delicate in general and a thinner epidermis which means the blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin, hence the appearance of redness. The main reason why adverse skin reactions occur is a defect in the skin's protective outer layer called the epidermal lipid barrier. This barrier isn't as protective as it should be allowing irritants, bacteria, and allergens to penetrate the skin a lot easier. This barrier is also important when it comes to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

About Sensitized / Reactive Skin

Sensitized or reactive skin, is a result of environment, lifestyle, harsh skincare products, and what is going on inside the body. For example, many people in China consider themselves as sensitive, but it very well may be in fact the high levels of pollution in this region. Other factors include smoking, alcohol, poor diet, hormonal fluctuations, and some medications like antibiotics and blood thinners. From my observations, the biggest contributor to sensitized skin is topical skincare products, overly exfoliating, and particular ingredients.

Sensitized Skin

“Nurture”

• A SKIN CONDITION any skin type can experience.

• Developed over time

• Usually just the facial skin

• Caused by:

  • Incorrect products for skin type

  • Too many active treatments or over-exfoliation

  • Harsh skincare - aggressive exfoliants, fragrance/essential oils, cleanser that is too stripping for your skin

  • Switching/trying new skincare products too often (beauty subscription boxes are a culprit!)

  • Hormones

  • Pollution

  • Diet

  • Stress

  • Certain medications like blood thinners or antibiotics

  • Weather or travel can trigger sensitized skin

Sensitive Skin

“Nature”

• A SKIN TYPE

• Begins at a young age

• Runs in families

• Includes body skin

• Prone to allergies, asthma, and eczema

• Easily irritated by skincare, soaps, laundry detergents, fragrances, etc.

• Alcohol, coffee, or spicy foods can make you flush

• Maybe prone to broken blood vessels

• Skin is predisposed to irritation

• Skin is thinner so blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin, hence redness.

• The skin's lipid barrier isn't functioning at optimal performance & isn't as protective as it should be allowing irritants bacteria & allergens to penetrate the skin easier.

Symptoms of Both

• Tightness

• Blotchiness

• Redness

• Itchiness

• Burning

• Maybe flakey

• May feel chapped

• Rash-like appearance, small bumps that aren't quite acne

• Often dehydrated - lacking water in the skin

How to Treat Sensitive Skin

Luckily, there are tons of well-formulated sensitive skin products on the market that will help calm the skin. When trying a new product, performing a test patch before you slather it all over your face or body is a great idea. For facial products apply a small amount of your new product behind your ear since it's similar skin to the face and hidden if you do have a reaction. For the body, products apply to your wrist or forearm.

Here are some of my favorite sensitive skin products

How to Treat Sensitized Skin

Thankfully, sensitized skin is totally treatable and preventable. Obviously, the first step is to take a look at your skincare products and lifestyle and eliminate those triggers.

When I have a client that has sensitized skin I do some investigating and more often than not I find out they are using tons of different products or too many active ingredients all at once. It may be a good idea to take a skincare break and go. back to basics for a 2-4 weeks with just cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Then reintroduce 1-2 actives slowly.

Another culprit, surprisingly is beauty subscription boxes. I have such a love-hate relationship with them. It's so fun to discover new products and get that pretty package at your door every month, but if your skin is sensitized switching and trying new things all the time won't be doing your skin any favors.

Here are some of my favorite products for skin barrier repair / sensitized skin