People with sensitive skin tend to experience irritation and redness easily. One of the simplest ways to determine if you have sensitive skin is to observe how it reacts to common external factors such as soaps, fragrances, and skincare products. If your skin frequently becomes red, itchy, or irritated, you may have a sensitive skin type.

It’s important to be mindful of the products you use and the ingredients they contain. If your skin requires extra care, consider taking additional steps in your skincare routine to support optimal skin health and help prevent flare-ups.

Pinpointing the exact cause of sensitive skin can be challenging. For many, it’s simply a skin type – meaning their skin is naturally more reactive to certain ingredients or environmental factors. This sensitivity may be genetic, or it may develop over time due to external triggers such as pollution, harsh weather, or the use of fragranced or alcohol-based skincare products.

But, while this is not uncommon nor of general concern, sometimes sensitivity may be mistaken for dermatitis, which is a natural reaction of the skin to one or more allergens. Other times, in more extreme cases, sensitive skin may be a sign of an underlying skin condition like eczema, rosacea or even psoriasis.

Whichever the case, it’s always advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist for a professional diagnosis and tailored treatment plan – especially if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

Skin sensitivity is closely linked to the outermost layer of the epidermis – a lipid barrier commonly referred to as the skin barrier. This barrier plays a vital role in maintaining skin health by locking in moisture and keeping out pollutants, irritants, and bacteria.

When the skin becomes overly sensitive, it’s often a sign that the skin barrier is damaged or weakened, leaving the skin more exposed and vulnerable. A compromised barrier struggles to retain hydration, which can lead to dryness, dehydration, and increased reactivity – all of which contribute to excessive sensitivity.

To protect and strengthen the skin barrier:

• Avoid using harsh or stripping products, such as alcohol-based toners or aggressive exfoliants.
• Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield the skin from UV damage – one of the main contributors to barrier breakdown.
• Choose gentle, barrier-supporting skincare with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

The first step in treating sensitive skin is identifying and avoiding your personal triggers – whether that’s fragrance, acids, or certain soaps and skincare products. It’s essential to use only gentle products made with high-quality ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals and opting for natural formulas that respect your skin’s pH and help maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Additional tips for caring for sensitive skin include:

• Washing your face with lukewarm water – never hot – to avoid irritation.
• Patting the skin dry with a clean, soft washcloth rather than rubbing.
• Protecting your skin daily from pollutants and UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

These steps help reduce flare-ups and support long-term skin health.