Ouch, My Skin Is Sensitive? How Can I Overcome This Problem?

Have you experienced skin problems after using certain skincare or soap where your skin turns red and becomes itchy? If yes, you might have sensitive skin. It happens due to the reaction of the skin with the ingredients contained in the products used on the skin whether it is skincare, perfume, makeup and any other products. Some people do not only have sensitive skin due to applied product per se, it may be also caused by environmental factors.

Those who have sensitive skin may have inflammation, itchiness and other symptoms such as swelling after being exposed to certain chemicals or ingredients. Generally, about 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men experience sensitive skin problems. On top of that, few other factors need to be taken into account such as geographical background and also race. 

Causes Of Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin sometimes suffer physically and mentally. This skin condition may interfere with their daily activities and torment them psychologically as it involves self -appearance. Various causes can be associated with sensitive skin problems, such as:

• Too much sunlight exposure

• Exposure to certain fine particles in the air

• Liquids or chemicals

• Hormones

• Stress or emotion

• Weather and temperature

• Skin diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea

• Medications

Sensitive skin problems can occur on any part of the body and it can also involve the whole body.

Differences Between Allergic Reactions And Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction. There are several things that can differentiate between sensitive skin and an allergic reaction. Below are the factors that distinguish between sensitive skin and allergic reactions.

Sensitive Skin

• Has no family history of allergies

• Most are limited to skin only

• Symptoms are caused by substances that cause irritation to the skin, such as:

• Itchy or sore skin

• Redness

• Easy to bleed when touched

Allergic reactions

• The majority have a family history of allergies

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction cover the whole body

• Skin symptoms include:

• Itching

• Redness

• Systemic symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing

• Diarrhoea

• Fast and weak pulse

• The heart is pounding

• Kidney failure

Sensitive Skin Characteristics

Every individual who suffers from sensitive skin problems shows different features or symptoms and it depends on the cause of the sensitive skin. Among the symptoms of sensitive skin that are often heard are:

• Dry skin

• Scaly or flaky skin

• The skin looks red and swollen

• The skin is prone to inflammation

• Using some products causes itchy, red, swollen or dry and flaky skin

Overcoming Sensitive Skin Problems

There are several ways that can be used to relieve sensitive skin problems, but it is necessary to get the views and advice of a doctor first because different skin problems require different and specific treatments. Here are some ways to treat and manage sensitive skin:

Using Suitable Skin Care Products

Skincare products are one of the main reasons why most people suffer from sensitive skin problems. Using products that are suitable for your skin type can usually overcome the skin problems experienced. You are recommended to use skincare that is recognized for its safety and in accordance with established standards. Good skincare products usually contain fewer chemicals and are gentle on the skin. Look for products that have hypoallergenic properties as these products are gentle and less likely to cause problems on sensitive skin.

Using Skin Moisturizer

Dry skin is one of many causes of sensitive skin. Among the problems experienced by those who have dry skin are peeling and also cracking of the skin. Due to this, the skin becomes sensitive and may cause discomfort or pain. Moisturizing your skin helps with the dryness. The best time to use a moisturizer is after bath time or after washing your face. Use petroleum-based moisturizing products, rich in minerals or glycerin as these ingredients do not only moisturize but also gentle on your skin.

Avoid Changing Products Too Frequent

Frequent change of skin care products is also one of the causes of skin becoming sensitive. This is because your skin is exposed to many different types of chemicals and this causes a reaction to the skin. Signs that you are experiencing irritation symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching and rashes can also appear on the surface of the skin. Therefore, you are not encouraged to change skin care products regularly.

Seeing A Doctor

Not every sensitive skin problem can be solved by using skin care products alone. Some of these problems can only be controlled and treated with medical help. If sensitive skin problems or any other skin problems you are experiencing persist, this matter should be referred to a dermatologist. Once a health history, physical and clinical examination is done, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication to you. Make sure you use the medication given according to the doctor’s prescription for good results.

Practicing A Healthy Lifestyle

What is a healthy lifestyle? In simple language it is to remain active, physically and mentally stable and also to take care of one's diet. This is because an unhealthy lifestyle can also cause skin problems. Not only skin problems but also your overall health other health. Therefore, you are encouraged to exercise and adopt a healthy diet. In addition, controlling stress is also important as various skin problems can arise due to emotional stress. Hormones are also among the causes of sensitive skin as they play an important role in skin health

Reduce Exposure to Sunlight

Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause a reaction on your skin such as sunburn. This of course makes you less comfortable with the skin condition you are experiencing because sun exposure makes it more sensitive in addition to other skin symptoms such as rashes and boils. Being exposed to sunlight for too long also exposes you to the risk of getting skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Therefore, if you work or do activities in the sun for a long period of time, you should use a sunblock to reduce the risk of harmful ultraviolet (ultraviolet or UV) rays from the sun. In addition, the use of sunblock can also reduce the risk of sunburn and also skin aging (premature aging).

Tips For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can cause you to feel uncomfortable and less confident about yourself. You can use some of these tips to help:

• Take a shower with cold or warm water. Avoid using water that is too hot as it dries your skin faster

• Use special formulation soaps for sensitive skin and fragrance-free soaps.

• Use essential oils to replace perfumes.

• Use a mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent.

• Dry your skin by simply dabbing the towel to the skin to reduce friction.

• Apply a moisturizer after drying the skin.

Skin care is very important especially if you have sensitive skin problems. You don’t have to worry because sensitive skin problem can be controlled and treated. You are advised to monitor the condition of your skin, always keep your hands and skin clean, and only using the skin care products recognized by the dermatological body. If your condition is getting worse or more serious, please seek medical help so that appropriate treatment can be given to you.