The term ‘sensitive skin’ can mean a variety of different things. On the one hand, it’s considered one of the five distinct skin types (along with normal, dry, oily, and combination skin). While the other skin types are largely defined by your skin’s level of oil production, sensitive skin is characterized by its reactivity.

Sensitive skin can also be a temporary condition. In some cases, it develops during flare-ups of underlying skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. It can also be a sign of a compromised skin barrier.

Also known as the stratum corneum, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis that helps shield against pathogens, environmental stressors, and moisture loss. If the skin barrier becomes thinned or damaged, your skin becomes more vulnerable to these things. In other words, it might become more sensitive or reactive to certain products or conditions.

Sensitive skin affects everyone differently, and your skin might not exhibit symptoms unless something triggers a reaction. Common symptoms of sensitive skin include dryness, redness, burning or stinging, itching, rash, blisters, or peeling skin. Learning what a reaction looks like in your skin is essential, as it can help you identify your personal triggers for sensitivity.

1. Fragrance-heavy products

Everyone loves a luxurious cream or serum that smells lovely. Unfortunately, fragrances are a common trigger for sensitive skin—and not just synthetic fragrance. Even natural fragrances like essential oils can trigger a reaction in sensitive skin types.

To reduce reactivity, opt for fragrance-free skincare, cosmetics, and laundry products. It’s also a good idea to patch test new products on a small scale before applying them to larger areas of skin.

2. Preservatives

Many cosmetics and skincare products contain preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, extending the product’s shelf life. In skincare, some of the most problematic preservatives for sensitive skin are:

• Parabens (like methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben)
• Formaldehyde releasers (like DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15)
• Isothiazolinones (like MIT and MCIT)
• Benzoyl alcohol

If your skin is sensitive to preservatives, consider opting for oil-based formulas which help minimize the need for preservatives. Some people with sensitive skin are able to tolerate gentler preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

3. Household chemicals

Like skincare products, household chemicals may contain irritating ingredients like fragrances, dyes, or preservatives as well as surfactants, bleach, or acids. To prevent reactions, it may help to switch to natural cleaning products. You can also try wearing gloves when using household chemicals to help minimize skin contact.

4. Airborne allergens

Airborne particles can trigger contact allergies as well as inhalant allergies. Common culprits include dust, pollen, and pet dander which can settle on your skin and trigger a reaction. Investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter might help if airborne allergens are an issue for you.

5. Overexfoliation

Your skin is constantly regenerating but sometimes the dead cells can accumulate on the surface of your skin or settle into your pores. Regular exfoliation helps clear away those dead cells, as well as excess oil, dirt, and other impurities. However, exfoliating sensitive skin too frequently, or using too harsh a product, can trigger a reaction and make sensitivity worse.

Here are some exfoliation tips to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin:

• Avoid harsh scrubs that can weaken or damage the skin barrier
• Opt for enzyme-based or gentle chemical exfoliants
• Limit exfoliation to once a week (twice a week if your skin can tolerate it)

6. Fabrics or metals

Anything your skin comes into regular contact with has the potential to trigger sensitivity. Nickel allergies are fairly common and could be an issue if you have facial piercings. Synthetic fabrics and the dyes used to color them can also trigger sensitivity, so take a closer look at your clothing or bedding if your skin is reacting.

7. Stress

Stress is a common trigger for skin problems, and not just for people with sensitive skin. The issue with stress is that it causes the body to produce high levels of a hormone called cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels in the blood can weaken the skin barrier, making your skin dryer and more prone to sensitivity.

Chronic stress can be particularly problematic for sensitive skin, as it slows down the skin’s natural healing process. It can also increase sebum production which may lead to clogged pores and acne.

8. Hormonal changes

Fluctuating hormones can cause changes in your skin, including increased sensitivity. In the same way elevated cortisol levels due to stress can compromise your skin barrier, so can changing levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Hormonal changes are common during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause but can also be related to certain medications or underlying conditions like thyroid imbalances. Some signs your skin sensitivity may be due to hormonal factors may include:

• Reduced barrier function
• Increased irritation
• Burning, stinging, or itching sensations
• Increased susceptibility to environmental stressors

Try to avoid harsh chemicals or strong exfoliants during periods of hormonal fluctuation and prioritize sun protection. You can also try incorporating products with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera into your skincare routine to soothe and rehydrate your skin.

9. Sun exposure

Sun protection is crucial for all skin types but especially for sensitive skin. The sun’s UV rays can damage the skin and its protective barrier, increasing your susceptibility to other environmental stressors.

Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is the best way to protect your skin. To help prevent skin barrier damage, consider a formula infused with hydrating ingredients or swap your daily moisturizer for one with SPF.

10. Dehydration

Your skin does its best to maintain moisture levels but when you become dehydrated, your skin can too. Dehydration weakens the skin’s moisture barrier which can reduce its ability to protect against harsh products and environmental irritants. If you’re experiencing sensitivity and skin is dull in tone or rough in texture, dehydration could be the issue.

11. Medication side effects

Many medications can increase skin sensitivity, particularly sensitivity to sunlight (known as photosensitivity). Some of these include:

• Antibiotics
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
• Diuretics
• Diabetes medication
• Antidepressants
• Heart medications
• Oral contraceptives

Topical medications that contain retinoids (as well as skincare products containing retinol) can also increase sensitivity. Always apply retinol products at night and prioritize sun protection during the day.

Identifying your individual triggers for sensitivity is the key to avoiding them—as much as possible, anyway. You can’t control everything, however, so it’s also important to have some tricks up your sleeve to minimize irritation and calm your sensitive skin following a reaction.

Here are some practical skincare tips for soothing and calming sensitive skin:

• Apply cold compresses. When you’re in the middle of a flare-up, applying a cold compress or taking a cool bath can help alleviate inflammation and soothe irritation.
• Simplify your skincare routine. Keep the number of products in your routine to a minimum and opt for simple formulas free from ingredients that cause skin inflammation.
• Cleanse carefully. Be gentle when cleansing your skin, opting for cream cleansers or oil-based formulas over foaming agents which can strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Prioritize sun protection. Make SPF part of your daily skincare routine, even in the winter, with a lightweight mineral sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF.
• Use a barrier-repair moisturizer. Keep your skin barrier strong and healthy with a barrier-repair moisturizer containing niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin.

It may also help to keep a few soothing skincare products in your cabinet to combat periods of irritation or increased sensitivity. Something like Revision Skincare’s Soothing Facial Rinse can help refresh and rebalance your skin while an intensive hydration treatment like PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask can help boost barrier repair and speed healing.

An effective skincare routine is personalized for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, your regimen should be crafted to avoid ingredients or products that trigger reactivity while calming, nourishing, and protecting your skin. As an Exclusive Beauty Club member, you’ll have access to the top dermatologist-recommended products at unbeatable prices.

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Start your skincare journey by exploring our curated collection of products for sensitive skin.