Does your skin react strongly to common irritants? Statistically, you might belong to the 50% of women or 40% of men who experience sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is one of the four primary skin types and occurs due to a weakened skin barrier, leading to water loss and increased penetration of irritants.
This condition is characterized by sensitivity that can cause discomfort, such as stinging, itching, or burning sensations. These symptoms are often accompanied by visible signs like redness, dryness, and flaking, which can further aggravate the skin’s condition.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin can develop for various reasons, ranging from genetic predisposition to environmental factors such as pollution and harmful UV rays. It can also be worsened by chemical irritants commonly found in skincare products, as well as physical and psychological stress. Stressful situations trigger hormones that exacerbate the symptoms of sensitive skin.
Common Conditions Associated with Sensitive Skin:
- Dry skin: Lack of moisture or natural oils weakens the skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to damage and irritation. Dryness can be exacerbated by weather conditions, heated or air-conditioned environments, and improper skincare.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: Occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants, causing inflammation. Common irritants include rough fabrics and chemicals found in household cleaners.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: The immune response of the skin to allergens like nickel, latex, or certain cosmetic ingredients results in redness, itching, and sometimes blisters.
- Hives: Triggered by allergies, stress, or physical irritants, hives manifest as temporary, intensely itchy rashes.
- Rosacea: A chronic condition characterized by redness, flushing, and sometimes pimples on the face.
- Eczema: A chronic inflammatory condition causing dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It is often linked to genetic factors and can be worsened by stress, allergies, or environmental irritants.
Scientific research has also linked sensitive skin to disruptions in skin barrier function and neurological changes, such as heightened activity of nerve endings in the skin. This heightened sensitivity makes the skin more reactive to irritants.
How to Soothe Sensitive Skin?
To calm sensitive skin, it’s essential to choose products that avoid irritating ingredients. Specifically, steer clear of products with high alcohol content and fragrances, which are common culprits for irritation. Opt for gentle cleansers and moisturizers that maintain the skin’s natural hydration and avoid harsh chemicals. Consistently protecting your skin from the sun is also vital, as UV exposure can worsen sensitive skin symptoms.
Alongside the right products, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, adequate hydration, and sufficient sleep provide a solid foundation for healthy skin.
Long-Term Care
If you have sensitive skin, avoid over-cleansing, as it can strip the skin of natural oils and moisture, weakening its protective barrier. Over-cleansing can leave the skin drier and more prone to irritation. Instead, use gentle cleansing products that are free of harsh detergents and specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Likewise, avoid overloading your skincare routine with too many products. Using an excessive number of serums, creams, and treatments can overwhelm the skin, causing incompatibilities between ingredients, leading to adverse reactions, or diminishing the effectiveness of individual products.
Instead, opt for a few high-quality products tailored to the needs of sensitive skin. Products formulated with gentle ingredients can effectively soothe and protect the skin without triggering additional reactions. Focus on products containing nourishing ingredients like natural oils, antioxidants, and hypoallergenic compounds that support skin barrier repair and reduce inflammation.
Hemptouch offers a wide range of products designed to soothe, restore, and protect skin prone to irritation and inflammation. The Hemptouch Soothing CBD Skin Balm is enriched with cannabidiol (CBD), renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to calm the skin, making it particularly beneficial for conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
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This balm features natural hemp extracts that help rebuild the skin barrier and protect against external irritants. Additionally, mango and shea butter deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, providing long-lasting protection against dryness, which is especially important during the colder months when the skin is more exposed to dry air and low temperatures.
Understanding the causes of sensitive skin and caring for it appropriately can help minimize the risk of irritation and inflammation. Proper care that supports the needs of sensitive skin strengthens its natural protective barrier, which is key to preventing further issues and maintaining healthy skin.
Sources:
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sensitive-skin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8990967
https://healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/sensitive-skin
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensitive-skin
Posted by Barbara Novak on date , updated on .
