Sensitive skin is a common condition. There are different factors which can lead to skin sensitivity including genetics, environment and even skincare products. Learning about the common causes is a key part of being able to understand, care and manage if your skin is prone to sensitivity, so that you can identify what causes sensitivity in your skin.
What is sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can be characterised by redness, itching or burning when the skin is exposed to certain products or environmental factors.
What causes sensitive skin
Skin sensitivity is often due to a weakened skin barrier which is unable to retain moisture, the skin can also be thinner and more delicate. This causes the skin to be more prone to sensitivity, irritation and reactivity.
What is the skin barrier
The skin barrier plays an important role in protecting the skin from external aggressors and keeping the skin hydrated. With sensitivity, the skin barrier is often compromised which leads to increased susceptibility to irritation and inflammation of the skin.
What are some of the common causes or can exacerbate skin sensitivity
Genetics
Some people are more prone to sensitive skin due to their genetics.
Environmental factors
These include such factors as weather conditions, central heating or air conditioning, house cleaning products, UV rays and pollution which can all impact skin sensitivity.
Skincare products
Sensitivity can be exacerbated by certain skincare products, and these can vary between individuals. A common irritant is fragrances.
Excessive sun exposure
This can impact skin barrier health and cause irritation and sensitivity.
Certain skin conditions
These can make you more prone to sensitivity, and below will cover what these are.
Skin conditions and sensitivity
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes red, inflamed and itchy skin. Commonly the skin barrier is comprised which means that the skin is more susceptible to irritants and allergies making skin more sensitive.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which causes the growth cycle of the skin cells to speed up, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin. This inflammation can cause increased sensitivity in the areas affected by psoriasis, making the skin more prone to irritation.
Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition which causes redness, flushing and visible blood vessels. People with rosacea tend to have increased sensitivity and triggers can include sun exposure, spicy foods, and certain skincare products amongst others.
How to look after sensitive skin
- When it comes to sensitive skin it’s important to choose formulations which are gentle.
- Opt for fragrance free products that have been formulated for sensitive skin.
- Avoid harsh ingredients that can cause reactivity, irritation and that can damage the skin barrier.
- Avoid over-exfoliating your skin as this can irritate and cause further sensitivity and damage.
- Protect your skin using a broad-spectrum SPF every day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Avoid hot showers as these can strip your skin of its natural oils and increase sensitivity.
It’s important to maintain a consistent and good skincare routine with cleansing, moisturising and protecting your skin from UV rays with an SPF, as UV rays can impact skin barrier health.
Get to know your skin
By understanding what causes triggers to your sensitive skin, and understanding the relationship between these, it enables you to manage your skin health. By creating a skincare routine tailored to your skin it can help reduce risk of sensitivity and improve your skin barrier health. Speak to a healthcare practitioner or a dermatologist to get a personalised skincare routine and help with your skin if needed.
Lucy Bee Dermatologically Approved for Sensitive Skin
Did you know that most of our range is suitable for sensitive skin, to give full confidence for our customers with sensitive skin we have also been approved as suitable for sensitive skin by a dermatologist.
This is why you’ll see our statement dermatologically approved for sensitive skin on lots of our products.
All of these products have been created with the focus to be kind to sensitive skin and with ingredients that are effective and results-driven in what they do:
- Soothe and calm
- Repair damaged skin barrier
- Protect
- Even skin tone
- Enhance your natural glow
- Help with reducing redness and irritation
By choosing non-irritating ingredients, and instead focusing on effective ones that work, we have been able to bring a range of products which give results without the irritation that usually comes when using potent ingredients. Skincare that is created for sensitive skin with its unique formulation with visible results.
Shop our Dermatologically Approved for Sensitive Skin Products here
Read more blogs on sensitive skin here
