What is Skin Sensitivity?
Everyone’s skin is unique. There are several skin types, but one of the most common is sensitive. You might be wondering, “why is my skin so sensitive?”
Signs of sensitivity can range from redness or burning after applying a product, to flaring up from the sun, ocean, or fragrances. Basically, if you feel any discomfort from anything touching the outer layer of your skin, we would classify your skin as sensitive.
Like many other skin concerns, sensitivity can stem from biological or environmental factors. While there is no way to fix sensitive skin, we can help you find products to help treat it.
What Does Sensitive Skin Really Mean?
Skin sensitivity can occur on all parts of the body; chest, armpits, hands, feet, and our faces. When sensitive skin is exposed to certain stimuli such as exfoliants, heat, or fragrance, you may likely experience a flare up. Flare ups can include blotchiness, redness, itchiness, and even burning sensations.
Compared to what is classified as “normal” skin, sensitive skin will almost always react to these factors. Normal skin does not.
Types of Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be broken down into 4 groups:
- Environmentally Sensitive
- Naturally Sensitive
- Reactive Skin
- Thin Skin
Environmentally sensitive skin can be triggered by outside factors such as the sun, ocean water, cigarette smoke, pollution, or any other irritating stimulant from the environment.
Naturally sensitive skin is due to genetics and is commonly linked with rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Reactive skin is typically irritated from topical products such as high strength acids, exfoliants, and fragranced products, and will result in scratchy, warm, red skin.
Thin skin is seen with aging. As we get older, our skin will thin out, so you may need to switch up your products as your tried and trues may become new irritants.
What Causes Skin Sensitivity?
Arid, humid, windy, and cold climates can trigger a dry complexion for those with sensitive skin. Depending on the weather you deal with, it is important to search for products that counteract these factors. We recommend using a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a great SPF for these types of climates.
These 3 products will clean, prevent cracking, and protect your skin from most environmental factors.
Overly dry and cracked skin can lead to loss of nerve protection, which commonly stimulates negative skin reactions. When your skin is broken, it is important to avoid exfoliation as this will continue to tear the skin and prevent healing. Using a heavy oil overnight is our favorite way to heal cracked skin, and will allow it to regain its strength and encourage a beautiful, hydrated glow. Try any of our 100% Pure Pressed Oils or Liquid Gold to restore skin balance.
What are 5 Signs of Skin Sensitivity?
1. Dryness
Dry skin is caused by a lack of hydration and leads to skin sensitivity. Those with dry skin are 3 times more likely to have sensitive skin as well. Moisturizing twice daily is important to allow our skin to not only look dewy, but protect itself from environmental stimuli.
2. Irritation
Itching, stinging, and other discomfort can be experienced when you have sensitive skin. Scents, scrubs, and high strength products typically trigger these types of reactions.
3. Roughness
Normal skin will shed its outer layer regularly, but this process is halted for those with sensitive skin leading to bumpy, flaky, textured skin.
4. Tightness
Those with sensitive skin may feel tightness, especially around their mouth, nose, and cheeks. This is due to a lack of hydration retention and affects around 98% of people with sensitive skin.
5. Weakened Skin Barrier
The outer layer of skin is typically what holds in moisture and protects the inner layers from outside factors, but those with sensitive skin may have less protection leading to more pollutants breaching the skin barrier, allowing hydration to escape.
What You Can Do For Sensitive Skin
When shopping for new skincare products, you may find yourself landing in the aisles that are labeled “Sensitive Skin.” Be sure to take a look at the ingredients to verify they do not contain:
- Fragrances/scents. These can cause blotchiness and irritation.
- Harsh exfoliants. Too irritating, and can further damage skin if already cracked.
- Alcohol. Dries the skin too much.
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. This allows products to form a lather. Go for a gel or cream cleanser instead.
At SIMPURE, all of our products are naturally fragranced and have no artificial ingredients whatsoever. We also have a few products that are unscented and perfect for sensitive skin.
Check out our Products by Skin Type page and find the perfect options for sensitive skin.