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About 60 percent of women and 50 percent of men consider their skin to be sensitive, according to Dermatology Times. But what does the term “sensitive” really mean when it comes to skin, and what are the signs of sensitive skin? With the help of board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger and La Roche-Posay—an expert in developing products for sensitive skin—we’ll help you learn more about this popular topic. Follow along as we answer questions such as:
Sensitive skin is a term that’s often used to describe skin that’s more reactive than most. Sensitive skin is easily irritated in response to various stimuli, whether that be skin care products or environmental conditions such as heat, wind or sun. “There are many reasons that people may have what is referred to as ‘sensitive skin’. In general, I try to find a reason for this rather than just accept that they have skin that won’t tolerate any treatment. Oftentimes, it can be an allergy to an ingredient or improper washing technique, like too much rubbing or harsh washcloths,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “There are also a number of skin conditions—rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, for example—that can be mistaken for sensitive skin, which is why it’s a good idea to see a board-certified dermatologist to find out for sure what the root cause of your skin irritation might be if it is a recurring or troublesome issue.”
How can you tell if your skin might be sensitive? There are several sensitive skin symptoms you can keep an eye out for, including:
1) You’re easily irritated by fragrance.
If you’ve noticed that fragrance tends to irritate your skin, that could be a symptom of sensitive skin. Some examples might be redness on your face after using a perfumed face cream or itchy skin on your body from wearing clothes or using linens washed in scented fabric detergent.
2) You’re prone to redness or rashes.
Does your skin tend to turn red or rashy when you give a new skin care product a try? This could potentially be a sensitive skin symptom.
3) You notice dryness or dry patches.
Dry, patchy skin can be a symptom of sensitive skin. “Dry, flaky patches on your skin can also be a symptom of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, so your dermatologist can help figure out what’s what,” Dr. Schlessinger says.
4) Your skin burns or stings when you apply products.
If regular application of sunscreen, moisturizer, makeup or other skin products results in noticeable burning or stinging, this could be a symptom of sensitive skin. “A bit of a tingle is expected when you’re using exfoliating products with alpha hydroxy acids, such as chemical peels,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “But if you’re noticing burning or stinging when you use other products without acid actives, it could be a sign of sensitive skin.”
5) You’re sensitive to the sun.
“Sensitive skin is more vulnerable to sun exposure,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Taking certain medications or using skin care products with certain active ingredients like retinol and AHAs may also make skin more sensitive to the sun.”
6) Your skin breaks out easily.
Another sensitive skin symptom is acne-like breakouts. If your skin is sensitive and lacks moisture, it might react by producing more sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. “With reactive skin, you might also be noticing red bumps that you’re mistaking for acne but could actually indicate a different problem,” Dr. Schlessinger. “Again, this is where your dermatologist can help make a proper diagnosis.”
7) You often have broken capillaries.
Redness from broken capillaries—which are enlarged blood vessels underneath the surface of the skin—could be a sign of sensitive skin. “Broken capillaries are more common in people with sensitive skin,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “In some cases, it’s because the capillaries are closer to the surface of the skin.”
La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane line is formulated specifically for daily use on sensitive skin using minimal ingredients to reduce exposure to potential irritants. Each product in the Toleriane line is also fragrance-free and allergy-tested. If you might have any of the signs of sensitive skin, consider giving these products from the Toleriane line a try.
Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skin care routine, and with sensitive skin, it’s important to wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. This hydrating cream cleanser helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier and removes excess oil, dirt and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.
This facial moisturizer is one of the holy grail products in the Toleriane line. It contains several key ingredients that help soothe sensitive skin and reduce future reactivity. That includes ceramides to help fortify skin and reduce moisture loss, hydrating glycerin, soothing vitamin E and niacinamide to reduce redness and irritation.
This is a great product to keep on hand when your skin starts to feel itchy or irritated. It contains thermal spring water, a mineral-rich, naturally soothing signature ingredient sourced from volcanoes near the French town of La Roche-Posay. It also provides lightweight hydration for skin without a greasy or glossy look—instead, it dries to a soft, matte finish, making it an appropriate choice for daytime use.
If you’re struggling with dry patches from sensitive skin, add this face cream to your nightly skin care routine and prepare to wake up to smoother, calmer skin. It’s formulated to soothe and moisturize dry, irritated or sensitive skin with a blend of antioxidant-rich squalane and shea butter as well as irritation-reducing allantoin. It also contains La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water to help hydrate skin that’s lacking moisture.
Have you heard the latest La Roche-Posay news? Read about the sustainability initiatives and new eco-friendly packaging used in La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar line.
Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.
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