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When buying skin care products, opt for formulations that contain only a few ingredients and little to no fragrance. If you have sensitive skin, avoid antibacterial or deodorant ingredients, alcohol, and retinoids.
Sensitive skin can be inherited. Some skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and rosacea, are believed to run in families.
Sources: (WebMD) (Healthline) (Verywell Health)
See also: Can spearmint tea clear acne?
A child with sensitive skin due to eczema has a good chance of outgrowing it before age 5 and a 40% to 50% chance of outgrowing it by the time they are a teenager.
Fragrances in soap or laundry detergent can be an irritant leading to redness, itchy skin, and sometimes hives. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free alternatives.
Hot showers can damage the skin and remove protective oils, leaving it itchy and dry. It's best to have a short five to 10-minute shower with warm water.
Test new cosmetics or skin care products on a small, preferably discreet, area of skin at least one day before trying a full application to see how your skin reacts.
For your healthcare provider to determine treatment options, they may ask questions such as: "Where on your body do you experience skin sensitivity?" and "How long have you noticed skin sensitivity."
When managing sensitive skin, there are three primary goals: relieving and controlling itching or burning, addressing the underlying cause, and preventing future skin reactions.
While less common, aging, hormonal changes, cancer treatment, and certain medications can all cause skin sensitivity.
Those with a gluten intolerance may experience skin conditions such as chronic dry skin and an itchy, blistering rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis.
If at-home treatments do not provide relief, it's best to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They will be able to assess your skin and determine if there is an underlying cause.
Studies have found that around 50% to 60% of women and 30% to 44% of men have experienced sensitive skin. Women may be more at risk for dehydration and dry skin due to hormonal changes, though these theories require further research.
Polymorphic light eruption is a type of photodermatosis (a skin reaction that occurs in response to UV light). In people with this condition, the immune system responds abnormally to sunlight, causing rashes and blisters on sun-exposed skin.
Dry air, especially in the winter, may cause dry skin and skin sensitivity. Plus, the irritation and itching or dry skin can also put you at risk of developing another skin condition.
Ointments or creams containing urea, ceramides, and glycerol may be useful in treating dry skin. A humidifier may also help by adding moisture to dry air inside your home.
Acne is triggered when your pores become clogged. Pimples can be reduced by washing your face daily with a gentle, non-drying soap.
Your dermatologist may prescribe creams or gels to help with your acne or minor procedures such as a chemical peel or photodynamic therapy.
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects approximately 16 million Americans. Symptoms include redness and swelling in the face and neck. It can start as a flushing in the cheeks and sometimes spread to the ears.
Ways to manage rosacea include topical treatments such as azelaic acid and laser or light therapy, which can help reduce redness.
Sunlight can trigger rosacea, so people with the condition should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 daily.
Taking an antihistamine is the most common way to manage allergies. You can buy these over-the-counter in pill or liquid form.
Avoid substances that trigger contact dermatitis. If you don't know what's causing your contact dermatitis, healthcare providers may prescribe a topical steroid.
If allergic dermatitis appears after using makeup, your dermatologist may recommend stopping wearing all cosmetics for two weeks and then adding one product back at a time.
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by contact with a substance, such as laundry detergent with a strong fragrance.
Dermatitis can also be caused by an allergic response. This can happen when your skin touches an allergen, such as pollen.
Subjective symptoms of sensitive skin refer to sensations like itching, burning, and pain.
Sensitive skin can cause both objective and subjective signs. Objective signs are physical changes, such as redness, swelling, or sores.
Symptoms of sensitive skin include rough, flaky patches, a wrinkled or rough texture, and peeling skin.
You'll notice signs of sensitive skin when the skin's protective barrier begins to break down. This can be caused by the environment, allergic reactions, dehydration, or underlying conditions.
If you or someone you know has sensitive skin, click through this informative gallery to discover how to care for it and when to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Sensitive skin: causes, care, and when to seek help
How to care for this common condition
HEALTH Body care
Sensitive skin is a common condition that makes your skin more susceptible to reactions like redness and itching. Depending on what triggers the sensitivity, you may be able to treat it with simple at-home care, or you might need to take a trip to a dermatologist or doctor for prescription medication.
If you or someone you know has sensitive skin, click through this informative gallery to discover how to care for it and when to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.