How To Tell If You Have Sensitive Skin

Many people consider their skin to be sensitive, but unless you have eczema or food allergies, your skin is likely not as sensitive as you believe. Continue reading to find out why.

One of the most common things I hear from customers is, "but I have sensitive skin." Many people, however, misdiagnose themselves. It's possible that you can't handle certain products or ingredients, or that your skin feels uncomfortable and itchy at times, but that doesn't mean your skin is "sensitive." 

Here, I'll explain what sensitive skin is, how to detect if you have it, and how to treat it effectively. 

There is a distinction to be made between sensitive and sensitised skin. It's easier to think of sensitive skin as reactive skin, and sensitised skin as a temporary skin condition, because this may get confused easily. 

Reactive skin types are more sensitive to skin care, weather changes, sleep changes, hormonal changes, fragrance, and other harsh ingredients than others. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you're probably reluctant to try a lot of new skin care products for fear of getting pimples, rashes, stinging, or burning.

People with specific allergies, on the other hand, do not have this problem. Let's assume you're prone to breakouts when using products containing Niacinamide or Salicylic acid, but your skin is fine with most other products. This means you have a specific sensitivity to these ingredients, but it doesn't mean your skin is sensitive.

How to treat sensitive skin

Centella asiatica is a fantastic ingredient for sensitive skin because it is anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing. If you have sensitive skin, you should stick to using gentle products throughout your routine. Because it contains no artificial fragrance or other common irritants, the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA Real Cica 92% Cool Calming Soothing Gel is ideal for reactive skin types. 

Whether your skin is sensitive or momentarily sensitised, you'll end up treating it the same way: with mild treatments that primarily calming and hydrating.

Green tea extract, which can be found in the Beauty Of Joseon Calming Serum, is another fantastic ingredient for sensitive skin. Green tea is a potent antioxidant that is excellent for relaxing strained skin and reducing redness.

Ceramides are also beneficial because they aid in the restoration of the skin's barrier, allowing the epidermis to stay hydrated and therefore better able to defend itself. If ceramides seem appealing, try the Cerave Moisturizing Cream. Aloe, allantoin, cacao extracts, and bamboo extract are all excellent skin soothers to search for in skincare products. 

Only introduce one new product at a time until you know how your skin reacts. It’s always easier to scale back from one new product than it is to play the guessing game of “which product gave me this rash?”

Conclusion

After reading this, I hope your skin is a little less irritated! If all of this seems like a lot to remember, think of your delicate skin as a favourite cashmere sweater: don't rub too hard, don't use hot water, and don't use harsh detergents. If you take care of your skin, it will love you back.