Sensitive skin: How to recognize it and take care of it?
Lucas PINOS
7 min
Summary
The skin is an organ that performs several essential functions. It protects the body from aggression, filters and eliminates toxins, but it can be fragile and uncomfortable. So here are some tips for recognizing sensitive skin and pampering it all year round.
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin reacts more easily to external aggressions and other factors that can cause discomfort. There are many causes that can affect the skin and make it more sensitive. Not everyone reacts the same way, and this is precisely what makes the issue complex.
It's sometimes difficult to differentiate between sensitive skin, an allergy, or an intolerance, which can all irritate the skin. The signs are similar, requiring the intervention of a healthcare professional to examine the cause and establish a diagnosis of your skin. Based on the results established by the doctor or dermatologist, you can take care of your sensitive skin and adopt a skincare routine adapted to your concerns. Sensitive skin generally manifests itself through the following signs:
burning sensations;
redness;
tingling;
itching;
discomfort;
plates.
Sensitive skin can be temporary, reactive or chronic.
There is a difference between the skin on your body and your face. It's important to know that facial skin renews itself and changes with the seasons. It adapts to the rhythm of the four seasons, a bit like Vivaldi. 🎶🎻
It can therefore react differently depending on the period:
❄️ in winter the skin produces less sebum and dries out more easily,
🌷 in spring, it evacuates toxins and is more prone to the appearance of pimples,
☀️ in summer, the skin becomes oily more quickly, because it becomes dehydrated,
🍂 and in autumn, it is healthier thanks to the changes it has gone through over the previous seasons. It is a time of respite.
Causes of sensitive skin
There are several causes that can make skin sensitive. The reasons can be external, internal, and also depend on lifestyle.
External factors
- The environment can be harsh on the skin through sudden temperature changes, wind, pollution and UV rays.
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Cosmetics are also common triggers, as some products contain irritating ingredients such as perfumes, preservatives, or dyes that can disrupt the skin barrier.
Unsuitable products, whether exfoliating or cleansing, can also increase the skin's reactivity and make it more vulnerable to external aggressions.
Water quality can also be an external factor, as limescale levels can trigger skin reactions.
Exposure to blue lights such as UV cabins or digital screens can affect the skin barrier and make the skin more fragile.
Internal factors
- Oxidative stress should not be confused with emotional stress. It results in the damage to cells, which are called free radicals. This is a natural process that is mainly linked to lifestyle habits: tobacco, alcohol, unbalanced diet, stress, etc. The accumulation of these cells can lead to premature aging and increased skin sensitivity.
Aging : From the age of 25, the skin produces less collagen, which affects its density, elasticity and natural hydration. These changes make the skin more fragile and more sensitive to external aggressions.
Genetic factors may also expose some people to predispositions such as more sensitive or reactive skin.
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Hormonal fluctuations in both men and women during puberty. Additionally, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause can increase skin sensitivity.
The skin barrier weakened by lack of care and hydration or an imbalance of the microbiota, can make the skin more vulnerable to irritants and allergens, increasing its reactivity.
The way of life
Sensitive skin can be a reflection of an unbalanced lifestyle caused by:
Lack of sleep, which prevents the skin from regenerating effectively.
Too high a stress level, which stimulates the production of cortisol, making sensitive skin more vulnerable to external aggressions.
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A diet poor in nutrients (omega, vitamins and antioxidants) and rich in fat which weakens the skin's natural defenses.
Excesses such as salt, alcohol, tobacco, carbohydrates which are internal disruptors can cause skin reactions and affect the integrity of the skin.
Caring for sensitive skin requires a holistic approach, adopting a healthy and balanced lifestyle to preserve its appearance. The microbiota also plays a key role. It helps maintain skin balance and protect it from skin problems.
Tips for caring for sensitive skin
To care for sensitive skin , it is essential to use gentle and soothing products that respect the skin barrier. Choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free skincare products to minimize the risk of irritation and skin reaction. Good protection against external aggressions is also important for all skin types. Daily application of a moisturizer and sunscreen formula is highly recommended to limit damage caused by UV rays, even in winter!
📜 Here are eight recommendations for taking care of sensitive skin every day:
Remove your makeup every night without exception!
Non-comedogenic plant oils can be applied to your sensitive skin every night after moisturizer: argan, hemp, avocado or jojoba.
Moisturize your body after showering: cream, oil or aloe vera.
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Use mild soaps with moisturizing and soothing ingredients such as honey, sweet almond, aloe vera, rose water, oatmeal, and chamomile.
Drink at least 1.5 L of water per day to hydrate the skin from the inside.
A water softener can be installed to control the pH and remove limescale.
Wash your face morning and evening with gentle solutions, without dyes, perfumes or irritating products, to avoid aggravating the signs of sensitive skin.
Preferably use the same brand of cosmetic product for your facial routine .
So your skin will thank you 🙏
Mistakes to avoid with sensitive skin
With more sensitive skin, it's important to avoid certain mistakes and adapt your skincare to your specific concerns. But in the vast majority of cases, there are certain things to avoid, such as changing products frequently to avoid disrupting your skin's balance. A winter-spring and summer-fall routine can be considered.
Grain scrubs are too harsh for people with sensitive skin, and scrubs should generally be applied no more than once a week. It is recommended not to neglect your morning and evening routine. You will also need to be consistent in maintaining and protecting your sensitive skin on a daily basis . Finally, avoid products that are too irritating, those containing alcohol, powerful essential oils, and perfumes, which can further irritate the skin.
Everyone should take care of their skin, whether it's more or less sensitive. However, anyone with heightened sensitivity should be more vigilant and take extra care of their skin. It's strongly recommended to develop a special sensitive skin care routine with products tailored to these issues. To understand how your sensitive skin reacts, it's recommended to consult a dermatologist or allergist to choose the right products for your skin.
🪸🐟 A marine collagen cure can be beneficial in supporting the integrity of sensitive skin.
