In the United States, 44.6% of people claim to have sensitive skin1, which means sensitive skin is a fact of life for millions of people. There are many reasons why people experience sensitive skin, from genetics and aging to allergies, medical issues, and more2.
No matter the reason, there are some helpful actions you can take to alleviate skin irritation so you can feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Medical conditions
Some people experience medical issues that range from dry, cracked skin to scaling and extreme itchiness. Some of the more common conditions include:
- Eczema: dry, cracked skin, itchiness, rash and redness
- Rosacea: a common skin condition that can appear as a rash or small, itchy bumps that look like acne
- Atopic Dermatitis: an itchy red rash that shows up most often in childhood, often around joints and other areas that flex
- Contact Dermatitis: an itchy rash that appears after skin comes into contact with a substance
- Psoriasis: itchy, flakey, scaley and/or sore skin lesions
Age
Age is a large factor in skin sensitivity. Baby skin is delicate and 5x thinner than adult skin3. Plus, it must adapt to a dryer environment after birth, leaving it vulnerable. Aging skin becomes thinner and dryer, causing it to become more sensitive over time.
In addition, hormonal changes can affect your skin. We see this most often in teenagers who experience acne, dryness, oiliness, and other skin conditions. Pregnancy can also affect skin, leaving it more vulnerable and prone to sensitivity.
Allergies
Some people suffer from allergies. Our bodies react to allergens by producing histamines, which cause skin to become inflamed, irritated and itchy. Triggers can include certain foods or products, pet dander, chemicals like dyes and perfumes, reactions to bug bites or poison ivy, as well as seasonal allergies to things like pollen and mold spores4.
A fact of life
Sometimes, skin irritation is simply an unexplainable part of life. Perhaps it’s genetics or a hidden irritant in your routine. Factors like sunlight, temperature, and humidity can influence skin. Race, ethnicity, and geographical location are all factors in how skin reacts to stressors, too.
Sensitive skin can be a frustrating reality for many people.
all® free clear works with dermatologists to understand sensitive skin. Here are some top tips for dealing with sensitive skin:
1. Careful with showers: showers or baths that are too frequent, hot or long can cause skin to become dry and itchy. It can also cause flares for people who struggle with a medical condition.
2. Watch out for fragrances: fragrances can irritate delicate skin. Be careful with products labeled unscented—they can still contain fragrances. Look for fragrance-free, gentle, hypoallergenic products instead.
3. Look for the proof: choose products that are recommended by dermatologists, approved by the National Eczema Association and say “gentle on skin” or “gentle for sensitive skin.”
4. Choose a gentle laundry detergent: people with sensitive skin need to pay attention to laundry because detergent can irritate skin. You want to choose a sensitive skin laundry detergent that avoids harsh surfactants while also effectively removing soils, dirt and allergens. all® free clear is specially formulated to effectively remove stains and odors yet it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin of all kinds.
5. Less is more: don’t overcomplicate your skincare routine. Avoid multiple skin care steps and stick to the basics. Oftentimes a moisturizer to protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier is all you need.
6. Patch test new skincare products: apply a small amount to your arm to see how it affects your skin before using the product elsewhere.
Sources:
2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5595600/
3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4593874/
4https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/what-triggers-seasonal-allergies#:~:text=That's%20because%20of%20pollen%2C%20a,%2C%20and%20itchy%2C%20watery%20eyes
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cpve4OdgYxL/
