According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sensitive skin affects millions of people. But what exactly is sensitive skin, and how can you make it better?
Read on for more clarity when it comes to sensitive skin, along with eight ways to cope.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., and director of the University of Miami’s Cosmetic Medicine & Research Institute, states there are four types of sensitive skin:
• Acne
• Rosacea
• Burning and stinging
• Contact dermatitis (allergies and irritants, also including eczema)
That means if you suffer from any of these conditions on a regular basis, you can qualify yourself and having sensitive skin. Though each of these creates different symptoms, they all have one thing in common—inflammation.
a widespread problem
In 2011, a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology reported on the prevalence of sensitive skin in America. Researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 subjects who answered questions about their skin. Results showed:
• Nearly 45 percent stated they had sensitive or very sensitive skin.
• Subjects with sensitive skin had mainly dry or mixed skin, dermatological disorders, or were prone to skin reactions to cosmetics and various environmental factors.
• The researchers concluded that there was a high prevalence of sensitive skin in the U.S.
Sensitive Skin: What It Is, How to Cope, and the Best Products for You
How to Tell if You Have Sensitive Skin
In addition to the above conditions, there are other symptoms of sensitive skin. Ask yourself if you experience one or more of the following on a regular basis:
- Burning, tingling, or tightening, particularly after using skin care or makeup products.
- Redness and rashes after exposure to cosmetic or household products.
- Redness, rashes, acne, and other reactions after shaving.
- Burning, dryness, or redness after exposure to cold and windy weather.
- Acne and other skin problems in reaction to stress.
- Regular skin irritation, dryness, flaking, and redness for unknown reasons.
- Skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Experiencing these types of symptoms may indicate that you have sensitive skin. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Read on for tips on how to make your skin feel better using natural remedies.
8 ways to soothe sensitive skin, naturally
Whether your skin is dry, prone to irritation, inflamed, or suffering from skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis, there are some basic steps you can take to improve your skin’s comfort and appearance.
1. Avoid hot water
It strips the skin of its natural oils, promoting dryness. Use lukewarm water most all the time.
2. Don’t soak
If you stand under the shower for long periods of time, again, you’re stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Wash your face last, and apply toner and moisturizer immediately after getting out.
3. Avoid soap
Most soaps are drying. Use soap-free cleansers that have nourishing ingredients.
4. Protect
Sun damage is the number-one cause of skin aging. It can also exacerbate inflammation and redness. Protect with hats, sunglasses, and a safe sunscreen like zinc oxide. During harsh weather, protect your skin with scarves and gloves.
5. Use care
Sensitive skin needs more tender care. Avoid harsh scrubs, brushes, and loofahs and clean and treat gently, using only non-irritating products.
6. Watch out for chemicals
Read the labels on your skin care and other personal care products, avoiding harsh chemicals, and also pay attention to your laundry products. Many can irritate skin because of harsh surfactants.
7. Avoid fragrances
Most are irritating to skin, and many have been linked with causing or exacerbating dermatitis and allergic skin reactions.
8. Reduce products
Look at how many products you’re putting on your skin each day. If it’s more than four, consider cutting back. Can you go without makeup on some days? Maybe avoid that bronzer or primer? Simplify to help your skin recover.
Do you have natural solutions for sensitive skin? Please share them in the comments!
Hi,
I have these weird dry patches under my nose, and lately they have been flaking like crazy. Also my whole face is irritated, and i am looking for a way to soothe it. I don’t wear any makeup, and I only put what my dermatologist says to put on my skin. Any tips would be great. Thanks!
Hi Bailey! Our Herbal Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin would be a great moisturizer that would help soothe & nourish your skin 🙂
I have very sensitive skin. Every month or 40 days i get acne (red looks horrible). I have been using a medicated cream since years which i want to get rid of and switch to natural remedy.
Pls suggest some ways.
Hey Amber,
If you search “acne” on our blog, there are lots of informational articles that may be helpful for you. You can also check out the following FAQ article on our site for product recommendations within our line: https://support.annmariegianni.com/hc/en-us/articles/202119724-I-have-oily-skin-and-or-acne-which-products-should-I-use-
xo- Michon
ASC Customer Happiness Team
Hello!
SO I got darker over the summer and switched to a darker foundation, unfortunately it took a toll on my skin. On my neck there is a large red and inflamed area which is quite dry, the patch starts to go away but if one slight thing in my skin care routine is different it goes back to fire truck red. It also took a toll on the area around my eyes, it’s very dry now compared to the rest of my face to the point where it gets flakey when I awake the next morning, same thing with the patch. However, my eyes aren’t inflamed, I also have acne prone skin? Any tips?
Hi there! It sounds like you could be having some sensitivity issues to the products you are currently putting on your skin. I would recommend taking a hard look at the ingredients in all your products and making sure there are no chemicals hiding in there. An internal imbalance could be causing this reaction as well, it’s hard to say. It may be beneficial for you to visit a Naturopathy Doctor and see if they can be of any help 🙂
If you wanted to try something out from our line, the Aloe Herb Cleanser & Herbal Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin would be very soothing!
xo- Michon
ASC Customer Happiness Team
I have always had extremely clear skin until this past year. I have recently found out that I have developed an allergy to formaldehyde. So my skin is almost always red and has bumps and I’m just looking for a natural remedy to use daily to help keep it calm. I have done a complete lifestyle change due to the allergy, but it’s still not where I want it to be. (I also do not want to continues using the prescribed creams because they are not helping and I can imagine it’s bad for my skin)
I have just red skin so tell me what i do
I have extremely sensitive skin. what ever I use my face feel irritated. I have uneven skin tone. my upper lip and chin areas are darker than other parts and more dry. That area burns when I use sun screen lotion. even my eye area burn. My face becoming dull day by day. Sometimes it become oily but other time it is dry. please help me.
Hi there!
It certainly does sound like you have sensitive skin! We would suggest working with a very simple, basic routine and sticking to that routine everyday. Something like a raw honey mask to cleanse (leave it on for about 15-20 minutes; it’s really wonderful if you can do it with a face steam over some simmering water) and then a gentle Serum and Moisturizer like the Anti-Aging Serum with the Unscented Facial everyday.
Hi there,
I’m sorry to hear about your skin! We would suggest a visit with an esthetician or a holistic practitioner so they can see what’s going on with your skin and give you advice on the best steps to take for glowing skin.
I have skin flakes and redness on the nose, cheeks and near the eye brows. The skin just accumulates nd when i scrub it with water it does clear but becomes red. Doctor recommends hydrocortisone cream but it has temporary effect nd not permanent. What is the best natural solution?please email me. Also i avoid washing the face daily. Await your email. Thanks.
Hi there,
It sounds like you’re needing a bit more love for your skin! Have you tried working with a moisturizer? Our Unscented Facial Oil could be helpful for you to use after cleansing.
I i live in gujrat…i m 40, my skin became very sensitive n redness on both side of cheeks. ..i want my skin very clear an tight , plz sugesst me product for the same.
Hey there!
I’m sorry to hear about your sensitivities! Try working with really nourishing products and a really basic routine like the Aloe-Herb Cleanser and then the Unscented Facial Oil. When you’re acclimated to that, the Anti-Aging Serum can be a great addition for you.
Hugs,
Aubrey
It says to use yogurt n oatmeal for a mask but then it says in comments to not use dairy products. My question is can you use regular cooled down cooked oatmeal for a mask or does cooking the oats take away all the nutrients and properties to cure inflamation .
Everyone’s skin is a bit different. Using a high-quality yogurt can be helpful for some people in a mask, it’s all about finding what works for you!
I personally like to powder the oats and use them with yogurt for inflammation – it feels so good 🙂
Hi, I’m Jackie and I have sensitive along with acne, my acne was a lot worse before. I had big pustules, redness, itch, pain.
thanks to drinking and applying green tea on the area before going to bed,
The pustules, itch and pain went away, but redness has not.
By the way you notice differences overnight.
My face is acne prone skin but at i have dark spot on my face me use hydroquione cream but at a tym my face became red red so what i am do for my skin plz tell me
Hi Sam,
It sounds like you had a reaction to the hydroquione cream you used! We’re sorry to hear that! While you heal, we would suggest working with soothing and nourishing products like the Unscented Facial Oil as a daily moisturizer and the Coconut Honey Mask as a weekly treatment. When you’re ready for a serum, try the Citrus Stem Cell Serum!
Last medication and most important is to put trust on god
absolutely!
Not use green tea oatmeal and honey frequently in one day, i forgot to say before not so best