Why is my skin suddenly so sensitive ?
Posted by tracy tse on
If you're experiencing sudden skin sensitivity, it's important to take steps to identify and address the potential causes. Here's why your skin may have suddenly become sensitive, and the first step you should take:
Why Your Skin Might Suddenly Be Sensitive:
- New product introduction: Trying a new skincare product, makeup, or even laundry detergent can sometimes trigger skin sensitivity or irritation, especially if it contains harsh ingredients or allergens.
- Environmental factors: Changes in weather, long exposure to sun, exposure to pollutants, or increased stress levels can all disrupt your skin's barrier function and lead to sensitivity.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal shifts during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause can make the skin more reactive and sensitive.
- Medical conditions: Certain underlying medical conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, or allergies, can cause the skin to become suddenly sensitive.
- Over-exfoliation: Excessive use of scrubs, peels, or harsh exfoliating products can strip the skin's protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable and sensitive.
The First Step You Should Take:
When your skin suddenly becomes sensitive, the first and most important step is to strip your routine back to the bare essentials. This means temporarily discontinuing the use of all non-essential skincare products, including serums, treatments, and harsh cleansers or toners.
Stick to a very simple, gentle routine consisting of:
- A fragrance-free, creamy, non-foaming cleanser: Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or oatmeal to help calm and hydrate the skin.
- Incorporate a Rapid Calming Gel in your routine by applying a generous layer of a fragrance-free Rapid Calming Gel to clean, dry skin. Look for a gel containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, or chamomile, as well as barrier-repairing components like ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol.
- A fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer: Choose a moisturizer specifically formulated for sensitive skin, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or plant-based oils to nourish and soothe.
- A mineral-based sunscreen: Opt for a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are less likely to cause irritation than chemical sunscreens.
By stripping your routine back to these gentle, fragrance-free essentials, you're giving your skin a chance to calm down and begin repairing its protective barrier. Avoid any potentially irritating ingredients, harsh scrubs, or new products during this time.
If the sensitivity persists or worsens, it's best to consult a dermatologist, as they can help identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Sensitive skin is our business: Anti inflammatory, soothes and repair.