Sensitive or sensitised
Do you really have sensitive skin or have you sensitised your skin unknowingly?
When it comes to skin issues, one of the most confusing aspects is identifying whether your skin is sensitive or sensitised. While the symptoms of these two conditions may overlap, understanding the key differences is essential for choosing the right skincare and treatment options.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is a skin type. This means it is often something you're born with, and its symptoms are a part of your skin's natural makeup. People with sensitive skin have a lower tolerance for common skincare ingredients, environmental factors, or even physical touch. Their skin’s natural protective barrier is typically weaker, making it more prone to irritation from allergens, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals.
Common Signs of Sensitive Skin:
Redness or blotchiness
Dryness and rough patches
Frequent irritation or stinging
Reactivity to certain skincare ingredients
Tight, uncomfortable feeling after cleansing or applying products
Sensitive skin can be affected by environmental triggers like weather changes, heat, and even stress. Those with conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis are often categorised as having sensitive skin because these conditions exacerbate skin sensitivity.
What is Sensitised Skin?
Sensitised skin, on the other hand, is not a skin type but a temporary condition caused by external factors. Unlike sensitive skin, which is genetic, sensitised skin can happen to anyone. It results from damage to the skin barrier, often caused by environmental aggressors, overuse of skincare products, or lifestyle factors.
Common Causes of Sensitised Skin:
Over-exfoliation
Exposure to harsh climates (e.g., extreme heat or cold)
Pollution
Excessive sun exposure without protection
Stress and lack of sleep
Using products with strong acids or other potent ingredients
The skin becomes sensitised when its natural barrier is compromised, leading to inflammation, dehydration, and irritation. Unlike sensitive skin, this condition can be reversed by addressing the underlying cause and allowing the skin to heal.
How to Tell the Difference:
Identifying whether your skin is sensitive or sensitised is key to properly treating it. Here are some clues:
History: If you’ve always had issues with skincare products and experience chronic irritation, you likely have sensitive skin. If your skin was previously resilient and has recently become reactive, it may be sensitised.
Triggers: Sensitive skin reacts quickly to external factors like allergens or specific skincare ingredients, often showing immediate signs of redness, stinging, or dryness. Sensitised skin, on the other hand, can be a result of lifestyle habits or environmental damage, such as over-cleansing or exposure to pollution.
Healing Time: Sensitised skin will typically calm down once the barrier is repaired, whereas sensitive skin requires ongoing care and the use of gentle, non-irritating products.
How to Care for Sensitive and Sensitised Skin:
Whether you have sensitive or sensitised skin, the goal is to support your skin’s natural barrier and avoid further irritation. Here’s how to care for each condition:
Caring for Sensitive Skin:
Simplify Your Routine: Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products with minimal ingredients. Avoid using harsh exfoliants or products with potential allergens like alcohol and sulfates.
Barrier Support: Choose products that strengthen your skin barrier, such as those containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Sun Protection: Always wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, as UV rays can exacerbate sensitivity.
Hydration: Opt for rich moisturisers to prevent dryness and irritation.
Caring for Sensitised Skin:
Give Your Skin a Break: Temporarily stop using any active ingredients like retinoids, exfoliating acids, or other harsh products.
Rebuild the Barrier: Use products designed to repair and protect the skin barrier, such as balms, creams with ceramides, and hydrating serums.
Stay Hydrated: Sensitised skin is often dehydrated, so use gentle, hydrating products like aloe vera or glycerin-based moisturisers.
Protection from the Elements: Reduce exposure to environmental aggressors by using sunscreen daily and protecting your skin from harsh weather.
In a nutshell!
Understanding whether your skin is sensitive or sensitised is crucial for proper skincare. Sensitive skin requires lifelong management with gentle, non-irritating products, while sensitised skin can usually be restored with proper care. By learning the difference, you can tailor your routine to keep your skin healthy, balanced, and glowing.
If you’re unsure about your skin type or condition, book a free consultation and we can help you create a customised treatment plan. With the right approach, both sensitive and sensitised skin can be managed effectively.
