How do you know if you really have sensitive skin?
Many people describe their skin as sensitive, but unless you have conditions like eczema or food allergies, your skin is probably not as sensitive as you think. One of the things we often hear from clients is, "I have sensitive skin." However, many people are misdiagnosed. You may not tolerate certain foods or ingredients, or your skin may feel uncomfortable and itchy from time to time, but this does not mean that your skin is sensitive.
What is sensitive skin?
People with reactive skin tend to react much more easily to certain foods, weather changes, sleep changes, hormonal changes, artificial flavors, and other harsh ingredients. If you have really sensitive skin, you are usually hesitant to try many new luxury skincare products for fear that they will cause swelling, rashes, burning and redness.
This is different from people with specific allergies. Let's say you get acne from products that contain rose extract or salicylic acid, but otherwise your skin is not affected by most products. This will mean that you have some sensitivity to these ingredients, but it will not make your skin sensitive on its own.
Another useful thing to keep in mind when trying to determine if you have sensitive skin is your overall health. Most people with reactive skin have some form of atopy. If you have food allergies, seasonal allergies, asthma, or eczema, these conditions often co-exist with sensitive skin (but not always!). Skin is designed to regulate temperature and provide a barrier between your body and the outside world. If your immune system is slightly compromised, as in atopic people, your skin, which is a major component of the body's defense systems, will be affected.
Skin can also be sensitive (or people with already sensitive skin may experience hypersensitivity) when dry, so moisturizing and rebuilding barriers are two of the main strategies when dealing with this skin type. If you have skin inflammation, pay attention to the following: Has the weather changed a lot? Have you started using a new product? Has your diet changed a lot? Are you experiencing a lot of stress? These are all reasons why sensitivity can increase, so learn to recognize which of these factors are causing you to become sensitive. When you can easily identify what is causing these problems, dealing with sensitive skin becomes much easier.
An excellent ingredient for sensitive skin is Centella Asiatica as it is anti-inflammatory and stimulates wound healing. If you have a reactive skin type, it is best to use lightweight products for the entire treatment.