Sensitive skin: definition, symptoms, causes and advice
Approximately 1/3 of the adult population is affected by sensitive skin in Canada. Discover our complete guide to understanding the causes, symptoms and solutions for pampered skin.
Does your skin feel tight, red or itchy? These symptoms are typical of sensitive skin. Approximately 1/3 of the Canadian population is affected by sensitive skin. Find out how to recognize the symptoms of sensitive skin, and what you can do to restore soothed skin.
Sensitive skin, also known as intolerant skin, is a type of skin that reacts to different situations with unpleasant symptoms.
The various factors triggering the symptoms of sensitive skin can be of physical, chemical, psychological or genetic origin.
The main factors are :
Prolonged exposure to the sun Extreme temperature variations Friction Stress A diet that is too rich or too spicy The use of chemical products such as cosmetics or irritating cleansers
Sensitive skin comes in a variety of forms, of which there are four main ones:
Sensitized skin: this is the result of external aggressions such as overexposure to the sun, pollution, the use of irritating cosmetic products or stress.
Naturally sensitive skin: of genetic origin, this type of sensitive skin is generally thin and fair. It overreacts to many stimuli and tends to redden very easily. Reactive skin: over-reactive to many internal and external stimuli. Symptoms are tingling, tightness and redness.
Intolerant skin: reacts to specific substances called allergens, found in certain foods, insect bites, pollen, dust mites, certain medications and chemicals. Symptoms take the form of redness, tingling, swelling or rashes.
Unlike sensitive skin, hypersensitive skin requires special care. Indeed, hypersensitive skin is highly reactive, with a very low tolerance threshold to the many aggressions it faces. Symptoms are frequent, even daily, and have a real impact on quality of life.
Unlike the symptoms of sensitive skin, which can occur at any time, the symptoms of allergic skin are caused by an inflammatory reaction in response to a specific allergen. Common allergens include pollen, certain foods and medications, dust mites and certain chemicals. Definitive cessation of exposure to the allergen responsible for symptoms is necessary to limit skin rashes.
What causes skin sensitivity?
Skin sensitivity is caused by an imbalance that alters the microbiome. The microbiome acts as the skin's protective barrier, warding off pathogens and irritants. When this function is impaired, the skin becomes dehydrated and prone to numerous reactions.
Another cause of skin sensitivity is the overproduction of free radicals. Free radicals are metabolic products naturally present in the body. When present in excessive quantities, they can cause skin irritation and inflammation. This is known as oxidative damage.
Some people have a weaker skin barrier, while others develop sensitivity following regular exposure to external or internal factors. Some skin types are genetically and familially more sensitive than others.
Women are more often affected than men, and the frequency of this skin disorder tends to decrease with age.
People suffering from dermatological diseases such as couperose (link to article), eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis are also affected by skin sensitivity.
What are the symptoms of sensitive skin?
The symptoms of sensitive skin are easy to recognize and mainly include :
- Tingling
- Burning
- Pain Itching
- Tightness
- Dryness
- Redness of the face
Other symptoms may include acne breakouts, swelling and the appearance of red patches
Il existe plusieurs soins pour apaiser votre peau sensible et limiter l’apparition des symptômes. De plus, en limitant les risques d’irritation vous pourrez éviter les réactions d’inconfort.
Consult your dermatologist to help you identify the triggers or aggravating factors of your sensitive skin. A diagnosis by a dermatologist will also help you rule out the possibility of skin diseases such as rosacea, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
On a daily basis, it's important to limit sources of aggression to the skin.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged exposure to cold or UV light
- Avoid the use of irritating cosmetic products and care products
- Moisturize your skin daily to reinforce the cutaneous barrier, using hypoallergenic products specially designed for sensitive skin
- For men, when shaving, it's important to use suitable products and take the time to put the hairs in contact with lukewarm water for at least 3 minutes.
- Limit the number of cosmetics used, and use only soothing cosmetics.
- Wash your face with a high-tolerance, soothing hygiene product, preferably without rinsing, fragrance-free, preservative-free and surfactant-free.
- Use lukewarm water to wash your face and body.
- Dry your face very
- carefully, without rubbing, but dabbing it dry.
Our advice for caring for your skin is as follows :
- Gently apply a high-tolerance skin care product (fragrance-free, preservative-free, surfactant-free) once or twice a day, to target skin reactions.
- Gently apply a mask-type intense moisturizer once or twice a week.
- Limit your use of make-up.
- Test each new product on a small area of your skin before using it directly on a large surface.
Discover even more tips for caring for your skin in our Sensitive Skin Routine guide.
Which ingredients are best for sensitive skin?
The best ingredients for sensitive skin are hypoallergenic products with a soothing effect that protects the skin barrier. Check the composition of your everyday products, such as creams and shower gels, and make sure they are specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Sun care for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin needs special protection against the sun, with a sufficiently high level of UV protection (SPF 30-50+). It must offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Suncare products should be applied all year round, at least 30 minutes before going out, and every 2 hours thereafter.
Choose sun creams containing ingredients specially formulated for sensitive skin, without additives.
Which eye contour for sensitive skin?
The eye contour area is extremely sensitive and requires special attention. The skin around the eyes is much thinner than the rest of the body, making it more vulnerable to damage.
Use an eye contour care product that is more moisturizing than a face cream. Care products specially adapted for the eye contour restore the hydrolipidic film in this area.
Discover our best eye contour cream (link to article). This soothing Bioderma eye cream from the Atoderm Intesive eye 3-in-1 eye contour range for dry, sensitive eyelids soothes, moisturizes and durably restores your skin.
https://www.bioderma.ca/tous-nos-produits/atoderm/intensive-eye
Quelles indications rechercher sur les produits pour une peau sensible ?
Opt for products labelled “unscented” or “fragrance-free”; “alcohol-free”; “mild”; “non-comedogenic”; “hypoallergenic”; “formulated for sensitive skin”.