Sensitive skin: definition
Sensitive skin is an extremely widespread condition among the population and often unfortunately underestimated. In the absence of obvious skin diseases or inflammations, a fragile skin is defined as sensitive and more prone to react (negatively) to irritating physical or chemical agents than a "normal" skin.
Sensitive skin is however a very subjective phenomenon and, as such, it is difficult and laborious to draw up precise and universal parameters to objectively ascertain the condition of skin hypersensitivity.
Given that sensitive skin is a common discomfort and is constantly growing among the population, it is understandable how this skin trait has attracted the attention of cosmetologists and dermatologists, increasingly stimulated by the search for safer, more effective and delicate skin products. Not surprisingly, in these last few decades, a large part of the cosmetic market is moving towards the creation of creams, deodorants, lotions, tricks and anything else exclusively dedicated to sensitive skin.
In this article we will try to explain why a skin becomes sensitive and how it can react to the application of some pseudo-irritant agents. After briefly analyzing which symptoms a highly sensitive skin can generate, we will focus on possible dermocosmetic treatments to counteract hypersensitivity.
Causes
On the podium: sun, wind, temperature changes and aggressive cosmetic products, the main (and undisputed) causal factors of skin hypersensitivity. If on one hand the climatic agents heavily weaken the natural skin barriers, on the other hand the regular application on the skin of potentially irritating cosmetic substances favors the appearance of inflammatory-irritative phenomena, dehydration and cutaneous redness.
Please note
An abuse of particularly aggressive cosmetics ends up weakening the skin, making it more and more sensitive and more exposed to the risk of irritation, flaking and redness of the skin. Cosmetic products of poor quality, especially if formulated with irritating ingredients, are probably one of the main causes that predispose to the onset of skin hyper-reactivity.
In the list of the cosmetic products most at risk for sensitive skin, we cannot forget: depilatory creams, deodorants, make-up products, shampoos, hair dyes, bath-shower / foam and make-up removers.
However, it appears that sensitive skin is a genetically established trait: in other words, skin hypersensitivity can be considered a hereditary trait, transmitted directly from parents to children. However, it is necessary to reiterate that a "normal" skin can become "sensitive" over the years, regardless of the genetic note. In fact, in addition to constitutional and hereditary factors, numerous and varied elements can predispose to the onset of sensitive skin. Among these we cannot forget stress, hectic life, unbalanced diet, alcohol abuse, smoking, frequent exposure to UV or artificial UV radiation (especially in the absence of adequate photo-protection), smog and pollution in general. Even the color of the skin can lay the foundations for sensitive skin: from statistics it can be seen that subjects of Caucasian race (with white skin) are more exposed to the risk of skin hyper-reactivity to climatic agents and cosmetic products.
Symptoms
As analyzed, sensitive skin is a complex condition, characterized by purely subjective and not yet standardized symptoms. However, it is possible to describe and analyze some common sensations and symptoms reported by many patients who experience a certain skin sensitivity.
The hypersensitivity status of the skin against external agents is more pronounced and evident at the level of the face compared to other body sites. In particular, most patients complain of a sensitive skin especially in the chin, lips, nasolabial region, eyes and forehead: what has been said is probably explained by the greater skin permeability and by the peculiar thinness and fragility of the stratum corneum in these regions of the face.
Sensitive skin can be recognized through the observation of several aspects:
- Unpleasant burning sensation and skin itching, which is accentuated by the application of some cosmetic products
- Inelastic skin
- Strong tendency to skin flaking
- Skin itching
- Dry, dry, dehydrated and cracked skin
- "Pulling" skin
In addition to the symptoms just reported, it is not uncommon to observe some signs of premature skin aging, such as superficial wrinkles and spots on the skin of the face, in patients complaining of sensitive skin.
PLEASE NOTE: Sensitive skin is not equivalent to allergy
Unlike what one might believe, sensitive skin is NOT always synonymous with allergy: in fact, it is not uncommon for these two conditions to be confused and misinterpreted. Many times, the general symptoms of sensitive skin are erroneously judged to be warning signs of intolerances or allergies towards some cosmetic ingredients. In fact, common type sensitive skin does not recognize any type of immunological causes.
Possible related diseases
Sensitive skin is more prone to skin diseases or disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, erythema, couperose and rosacea. These pseudo-pathological conditions are often found in patients who experience sensitive, delicate and reddening skin. Anyway, let's remember once again that not necessarily a sensitive skin hides an underlying pathology.
The table shows the general characteristics of the most common diseases related to sensitive skin.
Diseases / disorders related to sensitive skin | General characteristics and symptoms |
Atopic dermatitis |
|
Erythema |
|
rosacea |
|
Rosacea |
|
Treatments to combat it
The solution to the disturbance of sensitive skin is rather complex and not as immediate as it might seem. In fact, first of all, the main etiological agent should be recognized, as well as the triggering cause (a possibility that is not always possible). Leaving aside the more serious cutaneous manifestations - which require medical / pharmacological intervention - the main objective of the dermocosmetic intervention for an extremely sensitive skin is, without doubt, to reduce the main symptoms (pain, tingling, burning, etc.), restoring in the at the same time the altered hydration of the fabric.
What to do, therefore, to pamper a sensitive skin?
Here are some useful tips to mitigate, as much as possible, the symptoms of sensitive skin:
- Use cosmetic products specifically designed for sensitive skin: for this purpose, formulations prepared with emollient and soothing active ingredients are particularly suitable.
Many cosmetic products for sensitive skin are formulated with plant extracts able to exert a beneficial and therapeutic-like action on the skin. For this purpose, some of the (countless) plants indicated for sensitive skin are:
- Aloe vera gel, a mine of polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and mineral salts with emollient, soothing, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory virtues
- Wheat germ oil: a concentrate of beneficial properties that gives sensitive skin the right balance between hydration and nutrition. The vitamin E contained in it, acting in synergy with vitamin A, visibly improves the status of the skin, especially in the presence of itching, grazes and sunburn
- Licorice: the rhizome of this plant produces 18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, a substance that excels in its anti-inflammatory virtues
- Orange flowers: very well tolerated by sensitive skins, the essential oil extracted from bitter orange flowers has tonic, regenerating, antiseptic (disinfectant) and stimulating cellular turnover. Orange blossom distilled water is another effective remedy for sensitive skin, given that - after dermal application - it has a refreshing and anti-reddening effect
- Oats: oat extracts are a source of starch, steroid saponins, vitamins and mineral salts. Oat extract is known to be highly skin-compatible: this characteristic makes it suitable for preparing creams or other cosmetics for delicate and sensitive skin, especially for children and babies. We recall, in fact, that the presence of oat extracts in a cosmetic gives the skin hydration and protection against external irritants. Furthermore, oats are also exploited for their antioxidant, moisturizing, soothing, anti-reddening and film-forming properties.
- Pay particular attention and care to cleansing the face: sensitive skin requires a mild cleanser to remedy unpleasant sensations of skin strain, flaking, dryness and redness
- Use exfoliating products in moderation and only when necessary: scrubs and chemical peels can in fact irritate a skin that is already fragile and delicate
- Avoid so-called cleaners without rinsing : remaining in contact with the skin, these substances can sensitize the skin or, worse still, irritate it
- After daily cleansing of the body, it is recommended to apply a generous layer of emollient, moisturizing and nourishing cream on the sensitive skin: regular application of these products on a sensitive skin is extremely important both to avoid skin delipidization and to raise the skin cutaneous tolerance threshold against irritating external agents
- When necessary, it is advisable to supplement your diet with supplementation of specific supplements formulated with antioxidant vitamins and essential fatty acids
- Avoid, or limit as much as possible, contact with aggressive external stimuli responsible for possible damage to the natural skin defensive barrier. Among the major defendants, a major role is played by excessive exposure to the sun (even worse in the absence of adequate sun protection) and temperature changes.
- Choose cosmetics free of allergens, perfumes, preservatives, nickel, cobalt and chromium, enemies of sensitive skin
