Sensitive Skin
Skin sensitivity is never fun and trusting a new product is always daunting, so sticking familiar products and brands is best.
But what happens when they stop working?
Let’s start by understanding what’s happening in the skin, it’s a physiological condition where the skin’s natural barrier becomes weakened or compromised. This makes it more reactive to both internal changes and external environmental factors.
Showing up on the face in the following ways and you may experience one of more of following:
- Stinging, burning, or tight sensations
- Itchiness or tingling
- Redness or flushing
- Dry, rough, or flaky patches
- Visible capillaries or vascularity
- Reactions to skincare products or weather changes
Degrees of Skin Sensitivity
Not all sensitivity is created equal and therefor different approaches to treat it are needed
- Mild Sensitivity – occasional flushing or stinging; typically reactive to specific triggers like alcohol or heat.
- Moderate Sensitivity – frequent discomfort, dryness, and visible redness or patchiness.
- Chronic Sensitivity – persistent symptoms that flare under stress, hormonal changes, or weather conditions.
- Sensitised Skin – not naturally sensitive, but becomes reactive due to overuse of active ingredients, aggressive treatments, or disrupted skin barrier.
Common contributors
External Factors:
- Harsh weather (sun, cold, wind)
- Pollution and fine particulate matter
- Over-exfoliation or inappropriate skincare
- Fragrance, alcohol, preservatives in products
- Thermal extremes (saunas, hot showers)
Internal Factors:
- Genetics (fair, thin, or dry skin types are more vulnerable)
- Hormonal fluctuations (e.g. menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause)
- Stress and poor sleep
- Diets high in alcohol, sugar, or spicy foods
- Chronic inflammation or autoimmune issues
Calming the storm:
Sensitive skin requires more than just gentleness—it requires personalised care to strengthen, rebalance, and repair the skin’s natural defences. Seeking advice from a trusted professional or DR to get the right care plan for your skin in combination with the simple steps suggested above will have you on your way soothed, clear, calm skin.