Sensitive Skin: What Causes It and What You Can Do to Manage It

If you have sensitive skin you're probably familiar with irritation like dry, red, or itchy skin. You might even know that certain products or makeup trigger your flareups. Since sensitive skin is a condition, not a disease, it's important to figure out how to prevent skin irritation. To help you navigate triggers and manage your sensitive skin, check out our responses below.

Question 1 of 5:

What are the symptoms of sensitive skin?

You may notice burning, itching, and redness.^{[1]XExpert SourceSheilagh Maguiness, MD
Board Certified Pediatric DermatologistExpert Interview. 19 May 2020.} Some people also feel as though their skin is tight or they notice stinging sensations. Tingling and pain are also signs of sensitive skin.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Keep in mind that these symptoms are different from person to person. You might notice just 1 symptom or you may have several. This is totally normal.
- People commonly experience sensitive skin on their face and scalp, but you can have sensitive skin anywhere on your body.
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Question 2 of 5:

What contributes to sensitive skin?

1
A weakened skin barrier can lead to sensitive skin.^{[3]XExpert SourceSheilagh Maguiness, MD
Board Certified Pediatric DermatologistExpert Interview. 19 May 2020.} Your skin is made up of tough skin cells bound by lipids and it keeps moisture in. If you have damage to your skin barrier or thinner skin cells, unfortunately, your skin is naturally dryer and more susceptible to irritation.^{[4]XResearch source} Thin skin cells or skin barrier damage can be genetic, caused by inflammation, or caused by irritants like harsh cleansers or dyes.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- To strengthen your skin barrier, use cleansers and moisturizers that contain ceramides or humectants. These ingredients help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin so it doesn't feel as tight.
2
Inflammation from things like cosmetics may cause sensitive skin. A lot of people notice their face has sensitive skin and it could be because they apply products that cause irritation. Ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids, propylene glycol, alcohol, and fragrances can cause sensitive skin.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} This is because these chemicals can penetrate your weak skin barrier to set off inflammation.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Cosmetics and harsh skincare products can also damage the skin barrier so your skin feels becomes dry, itchy, or red.
3
Environmental factors can trigger sensitive skin.^{[8]XExpert SourceSheilagh Maguiness, MD
Board Certified Pediatric DermatologistExpert Interview. 19 May 2020.} Have you ever noticed that your skin gets extra dry or itchy when the weather is cold and dry? Maybe sunlight or pollution make your skin look red. Even too much or too little moisture can upset your skin's natural barrier.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} Studies show that low humidity and low temperatures can reduce your skin barrier's function so you're more susceptible to stress and inflammation.^{[10]XResearch source}
- You can control environmental factors to some extent. You might run a humidifier if dry winter weather irritates your skin, or you may apply sunscreen and avoid going out during the brightest part of the day during the summer.
- Pollution is an increasing cause of sensitive skin. If you live in an area with smog or poor air quality, you may need to wash your skin more often to get rid of some of these irritants.
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Question 3 of 5:

What other conditions are associated with sensitive skin?

There are a lot of common ones like eczema, dry skin, and rosacea.^{[11]XExpert SourceSheilagh Maguiness, MD
Board Certified Pediatric DermatologistExpert Interview. 19 May 2020.} Psoriasis, scabies, parasites, burns, scars, insect bites, and hives can also cause sensitive skin. You might even be allergic to something you touched like wool, poison oak or ivy, or chemicals.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Conditions like psoriasis and eczema can be tricky to distinguish so it's best to work with your dermatologist if you suspect your body is mounting an immune response.
- If you have insect bites or hives, usually a calming calamine lotion can reduce the itch so you're more comfortable while your skin heals.

Question 4 of 5:

Why is my skin suddenly sensitive to touch?

It may be reacting to cosmetics, the environment, stress, or hormones. If your skin suddenly feels hot, tingly, itchy, or like it stings, you might be reacting to something you've just put on your skin or to your environment. Ultraviolet light, stress, and hormonal changes can all trigger sensitive skin symptoms.^{[13]XResearch source}
- You may notice your skin react within 1 hour to these triggers and it might look sensitive for a few minutes or several hours.
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Question 5 of 5:

How can I manage my sensitive skin?

1
Stop using cosmetics or products that irritate your skin. Since you're probably not sure what's causing your flare up, take a two-week break from all of the products and makeup you use. Then, you can gradually reintroduce 1 product at a time or have your doctor test you for sensitivities.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- You might find that makeup with fragrance makes your skin red and splotchy so you know to avoid fragrance in anything you use on your skin.
2
Wash your skin with warm, not hot, water. If you're like most people, a long soak in a hot bath feels amazing.^{[15]XExpert SourceSheilagh Maguiness, MD
Board Certified Pediatric DermatologistExpert Interview. 19 May 2020.} Unfortunately, hot water and a long soak can strip natural oils from your skin so it feels drier than before. To protect your skin barrier, try a warm shower or bath instead and limit it to 5 to 10 minutes.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Remember not to use harsh cleansers or body washes that have irritating ingredients.
3
Moisturize your skin to maintain its barrier.^{[17]XExpert SourceSheilagh Maguiness, MD
Board Certified Pediatric DermatologistExpert Interview. 19 May 2020.} Use a moisturizer that's labeled hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or for sensitive skin. Then, check the label and avoid moisturizers that have acids, like hyaluronic acid, since these can irritate your skin. To strengthen your skin barrier so it's less reactive, use moisturizers with ceramides—waxy lipids that will restore your skin.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Your skin might benefit from soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe.
- Try to apply moisturizer to your skin within 3 minutes of bathing or showering so you lock in the moisture.
4
Work closely with a dermatologist to manage your sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is a huge topic of research since so many things can trigger it and people respond so differently. This is why it's really important to talk with your dermatologist about a plan to protect your skin barrier. Although there aren't topical treatments or medications to treat sensitive skin, your personal management plan might include:^{[19]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Stress-reducing practices like yoga or meditation
- Avoid specific skincare or makeup ingredients
- Adding moisturizers or running a humidifier
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Warnings

Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or dermatologist if your sensitive skin is making it hard to function. They may prescribe medications that can suppress your reaction to triggers.^{[20]XResearch source}
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