Does your skin react quickly to both heat and cold? Does it easily fall prey to sunburn and windburn? Or is your skin usually dry, delicate, and prone to allergic reactions? Do some detergents, cosmetics, and alcohol irritate your skin? If you answered yes to all those questions, then you probably have very sensitive skin.



The skin is subject to the harsh rays of the sun. Depending on your job, the skin can come in contact with harsh cleaning chemicals, dirt, grime, and grease. Even when one is relaxing and having fun, like in a swimming pool, our body can come in contact with chlorine and other harsh chemicals.

People with sensitive skin face many problems. The redness, irritation and blotches associated with sensitive skin can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can be annoying having to avoid everything that may cause sensitive skin to flare up. Providing the right sensitive skin care can be particularly difficult, as many skin products will have a negative effect.

Sensitive skin is really a lay term, not a medical term. Specifically, having sensitive skin entails being allergic or easily irritated by a number of external substances or effects ranging from the sun to the different chemicals found in and outside the home. Skin sensitivity also includes having an allergic reaction to certain elements found in food or even in plants or animals.

Different people have different levels of skin sensitivity. People with sensitive skin have low tolerance for certain products or environmental conditions. People with sensitive skin may react quickly to chemicals, heat or wind by developing red, blotchy and irritated skin. Some people may react to a product, while for others it produces no effect. Similarly, some people may have a very severe reaction, while others only have a mild reaction.

Every person should follow the same basic skin care routine. However, for a person with sensitive skin, there are some differences.

The basic steps to sensitive skin care should be done on a daily basis. The following are some sensitive skin care tips:

Keep skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water and hydrate your skin in fragrance-free moisturizers made for sensitive skin.

Avoid artificial heat and air conditioning. This can irritate and dry the skin. Humidifiers can help to add some moisture back into the air.

Limit exfoliation and harsh scrubbing of the skin. This can take away the lipid barrier which protects your skin from bacteria.

Beware of perfumes and scented lotions. These can cause redness and allergic reactions.

Use a daily sunblock. Even if your skin doesn't burn, prolonged exposure in the sun can cause cell damage and increase sensitivity of the skin.

Cleanse your skin after perspiration. Even your own sweat can cause a negative reaction on ultra-sensitive skin.

Use products with soothing ingredients. Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Oats, and Grape Seed can calm skin irritation.

Use products with Mandelic Acid for anti-aging. This gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid has a slightly larger molecule size, which results in even skin penetration, reducing or eliminating irritation.

Sensitive skin care is more than just choosing the right sensitive skin care product. To provide the best sensitive skin care, an overall approach for the best possible care is needed.