Table of Contents
- Our Top Tips For Treating Sensitive Skin
- Tip #1: Be aware of your sensitivity triggers
- Tip #2: Learn go-to ingredients to soothe and calm skin
- Tip #3: Exfoliate only in moderation and use active ingredients sparingly
- Tip #4: Try cooling tools or cold therapy
- Tip #5: Keep skincare simple or minimal
- SBS Product Picks for sensitive and sensitized skin
Caring for red, reactive, or sensitive skin can feel a bit challenging.
While tons of products on the market today claim to be formulated for "Sensitive Skin," you may have noticed that not all of these products are as gentle as they claim to be. You may wonder if you even need specially formulated products or why your skin seems to get irritated and angry, no matter what goes on or the treatments you try.
If this is you, read on. Today we're breaking down everything you need to know about sensitive skin.
What classifies skin as sensitive?
When talking about sensitive skin, it's essential to understand sensitivity can be categorized into different types.
Truly sensitive skin is a hereditary condition that all skin types can experience. Having sensitive skin means that your skin is more easily irritable than other types and can be a bit unpredictable in its reaction to particular products or triggers. However, it's also worth noting that extreme reactions are rare.
On the other hand, reactive skin is most commonly addressed as sensitized skin; and this is skin that responds or reacts to products and ingredients that would not ordinarily be problematic. When this happens, the skin is likely damaged, so the natural barrier has been compromised to the point that it can no longer tolerate topical treatments properly.
Although the root causes are slightly different, sensitive skin and sensitized skin look very similar - characterized by redness, inflammation, irritation, and reactivity. Additionally, it's worth noting that when sensitive skin goes untreated, it can progress to becoming reactive, so it is best to address any sensitivity sooner rather than later.
So what causes sensitive skin?
To even better support sensitive skin, it can also be helpful to look at some of the things that contribute to sensitivity in the first place. Although it is greatly influenced by heredity, hormones, having fair skin, and other factors you can't do much to change, there are also some external factors that you have a bit more control over.
Your diet, for example, can impact internal health and inflammation levels in the body. Your choice of cosmetics and other skincare products will directly affect your skin's condition, as will the climate you live in. Environmental elements including sun, wind, air temperature, and dryness can cause stress such as free radicals, damage your skin internally, and increase sensitivity.
What about rosacea and other conditions that cause redness?
In some cases, sensitive skin can indicate rosacea, a skin disorder characterized by extreme redness around the cheeks, nose, and chin, and sometimes inflamed acne. Rosacea is a chronic disorder primarily influenced by genetics, but it can also be worsened by specific triggers, including spicy foods, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, heat, sun exposure, and stress.
Other inflammatory conditions related to sensitive skin include eczema, a chronic disease that shows up as dry, irritated, or flaking skin that can sometimes be painful. Psoriasis is another similar itchy skin condition that can present as red, scaly patches all over the body.
Our Top Tips For Treating Sensitive Skin
Tip #1: Be aware of your sensitivity triggers
Although everyone's skin is slightly different, understanding the factors that contribute to redness and irritation in your skin can be the first step in addressing sensitive or reactive skin. Knowing that environmental elements such as heat and sun exposure can be a common trigger, you may want to avoid time in the sun or keep exposure times minimal. If certain foods or beverages (like coffee or alcohol) cause a flare-up, make a mental note of it and consider limiting your intake as an experiment to improve your skin.
If your skin is primarily reactive to products, we love the troubleshooting tip of patch testing your products to determine which ones might be causing problems. By applying just a tiny amount of a product to a clean patch of skin such as your wrist or behind the ear, you can monitor the skin for reaction and, by process of elimination, determine which products are not safe for your skin. You can also do this with new products before applying them all over.
Tip #2: Learn go-to ingredients to soothe and calm skin
Some good news is that skin-soothing and supporting ingredients are easy to find in many daily care products. When shopping for sensitive skin, a few of our favorite ingredients to look for include:
Vitamin C - Known to improve the skin's immunity, vitamin C can bolster sensitive skin by helping to boost healing and repair.
Bisabolol - Derived from chamomile, bisabolol is another fantastic ingredient for soothing and is especially good for calming redness.
Beta Carotene - Beta carotene is another ingredient we love for sensitive skin. It is very antioxidant and can be used to precursor more aggressive Vitamin A derivatives like retinol.
Hyaluronic Acid - For increasing moisture retention and supporting the skin's natural protective barrier, it doesn't get much better than hydrating hyaluronic acid, which holds 1,000x its own molecular weight in water.
Other honorable mentions: aloe vera, calendula, cucumber, ceramides, green tea, lavender, and squalane. (Check out an ingredient cheat sheet here)
Tip #3: Exfoliate only in moderation and use active ingredients sparingly
When dealing with a compromised barrier, redness, rosacea, or sensitized skin, it is best to opt for gentle products with gentle ingredients, like the ones mentioned above, and avoid other more aggressive actives. When your skin is feeling reactive, potent formulas may be too much and cause adverse reactions.
While some light exfoliation can still be beneficial, sensitive skin types should proceed with caution. Enzymes like papain (from papaya fruit) are an excellent substitute for more aggressive alpha-hydroxy acid ingredients while effectively exfoliating sensitive skin. You should also limit the number of times you exfoliate to about once per week and only increase the frequency if your skin does not experience irritation or inflammation as a result.
Tip #4: Try cooling tools or cold therapy
Another easy trick we love for pampering stressed, and sensitive skin is with cold therapy. Inflamed or irritated skin responds very well to cold tools or even a massage with ice to help ease and calm redness.
At-Home Hack: use a piece of ice, a spoon cooled in your freezer or a tool such as a jade roller that has been dipped in cold water. For best results, spend a few minutes gently massaging the face with your cold implement.
Tip #5: Keep skincare simple or minimal
We recommend a home care routine that's comprehensive yet pared down for dealing with sensitive skin daily. Because sensitive skin needs extra support, it's best to not overwhelm your epidermis with too many layers or products. Instead, consider investing in just a few good professional products and committing to a regular routine that is hydrating, healing, and nourishing for your skin.
SBS Product Picks for sensitive and sensitized skin
ORMEDIC balancing facial cleanser 6floz
$38.00
A mild, refreshing gel cleanser that gently foams away impurities, leaving skin soft, hydrated and clean. A nourishing complex with organic aloe vera and botanical extracts soothes delicate skin. The satiny texture restores softness and balance to the skin. BENEFITS –Fresh, clean… Read More
Soothe Herbal Cleansing Cream 6oz
$32.00
Perfectly cleanse and balance the skin with this Herbal Cleansing Cream. Antioxidant packed Green Tea + Chamomile combine to protect the skin from harsh environmental toxins and free radical damage. This high performance cleanser removes stubborn make up and naturally… Read More
ORMEDIC balancing gel polisher 3.2oz
$45.00
This gentle daily polisher refines and balances the skin. Pomegranate enzymes, olive pit powder and bamboo spheres smooth away dullness to reveal a newfound radiance. Caviar lime extract, a natural source of alpha hydroxy acids, help to leave the skin… Read More