Is Your Skin Sensitive?
Have you’ve been old you have sensitive skin? Do certain things make your skin itch or sting? Do you feel like you can’t use your friend’s favorite lotion because it burns? Well, you are not alone. Many people suffer from a condition known as sensitive skin syndrome. It’s not all in your head and you’re not crazy. Sensitive skin is a real diagnosis with symptoms that impact a person’s quality of life and ability to handle normal, everyday things like weather and personal hygiene products.
Sensitive skin is clinical diagnosis and defined by skin symptoms like tightness, stinging, burning, tingling, pain and itch. It can come and go and often there is no visual change in the skin—translation—you may not see a rash. The lack of a rash or change in your skin’s appearance is what makes many people with sensitive skin think they are crazy or maybe imagining their symptoms. Sometimes, patients might present with just redness or scratch marks. The main triggers for sensitive skin include weather, environment and reactions to chemicals, especially cosmetics and fragrances. Sensitive skin can affect all body locations, but the most common area is the face. Why the face you ask? It makes sense if you think about it. The face has a thinner barrier, a greater density of nerve endings and a higher exposure to products and the environment. It’s a high-risk zone for those triggers! Women also tend to be more affected with sensitive skin possibly due to hormones and having thinner skin as compared to men.
But why exactly does someone develop sensitive skin syndrome? Well, this might be another thing to blame mom and dad for because yes, genetics play a role. Your sensitive skin is basically caused by three intertwining forces—the immune system, abnormally functioning nerves and a skin barrier that’s defective. The immune system lives on in the skin and is the driver for most skin conditions. Sensitive skin sufferers have activated sensory nerves, the nerves that allow you to feel changes like heat or pain. These nerves release chemicals that bring more immune cells to the skin and fuel itch, redness and inflammation. Studies have also shown a decreased amount of nerve fibers that control itch, pain and temperature in sensitive skin. Because there are less nerve fibers present, the ones that are there work harder and are more sensitive. These hyperactive nerves result in the skin sensations like itching and burning. Finally, a weak skin barrier means that irritants and allergens can get through your skin while more water is lost from the skin. If your skin barrier is weak, it can’t protect your nerve endings either and they are more likely to over respond to outside stimuli.
Treatment for sensitive skin focuses on eliminating triggers and following a good skincare regimen to restore the skin barrier. You should use a gentle cleanser for bathing and apply a hydrating moisturizer daily. Sensitive skin patients should avoid products that add fragrances, dyes/colors and preservatives. Choose non-biological washing powders for laundry detergent and only use what is necessary based on the size of your load. Detergents with “biological” washing detergents contain enzymes that can irritate the skin, while others may have irritants like sodium lauryl sulphate. You can also give you clothes an extra rinse cycle to help remove any residual detergent. Sensitive skin patients should also avoid hot weather or extreme temperature changes and wind.
Trotter’s Take: Sensitive skin is a real entity that needs special care attention but with a few modifications you can help your skin handle the daily insults life hurdles at it.
Did this article hit a nerve? Then check out my podcast with Dr. Adam Friedman as we talk about sensitive skin.
