Sensitive skin and sensitised skin can look and feel very similar, but they aren't necessarily the same thing.
You might experience redness, dryness, tightness, itching, burning, stinging or breakouts and simply describe your skin as “sensitive”. But there can be an important distinction between skin that is naturally sensitive and skin that has become sensitised over time.
Understanding the difference can help you work out what may be contributing to your skin's reactivity and, importantly, whether your skincare routine could be doing more than your skin can handle.
At AMPERNA®, we created our skincare range specifically with sensitive and reactive skin in mind, focusing on gentle, microbiome-conscious formulations that can form part of a simple skincare routine.
In this guide, we'll explain the difference between sensitive and sensitised skin, common causes of skin sensitivity, skin conditions that can be associated with sensitivity, and how to build a simpler skincare routine.
What Is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is generally used to describe skin that is more prone to reacting to products, environmental conditions or other external factors.
People with sensitive skin may notice:
- Redness
- Stinging or burning
- Tightness
- Dryness
- Itching
- Flaking
- Increased reactivity to skincare products
- Discomfort after cleansing
- Reactions to weather changes
Sensitive skin can be influenced by genetics, skin type, age and underlying skin conditions.
Some people have experienced sensitive skin for most of their lives, while others notice it developing as they get older or their circumstances change.
What Is Sensitised Skin?
Sensitised skin is skin that has become more reactive or irritated, often as a result of external or lifestyle factors.
Unlike naturally sensitive skin, sensitisation can sometimes be temporary.
Your skin may become sensitised following things such as:
- Over-exfoliating
- Using too many active ingredients
- Excessive use of acids or retinoids
- Harsh cleansing
- Physical scrubbing
- Fragranced products
- Excessive sun exposure
- Cold or dry weather
- Heat
- Environmental pollution
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Introducing too many new products at once
This is why your skin can suddenly become sensitive even if you've never considered yourself to have sensitive skin before.
Sensitive vs Sensitised Skin: What's the Difference?
The easiest way to think about it is:
Sensitive skin: Your skin may naturally be more reactive or prone to sensitivity.
Sensitised skin: Your skin has become more reactive, often because something has disrupted or irritated it.
However, it's not always this simple.
Someone can naturally have sensitive skin and experience periods where their skin becomes even more sensitised.
For example, someone with naturally sensitive skin might introduce several new active skincare products at once. Their skin could then become dry, irritated and reactive.
The original sensitivity hasn't necessarily changed - their skin has simply become more sensitised on top of its existing sensitivity.
How Do You Know If Your Skin Is Sensitised?
Sensitised skin may suddenly feel different from your normal skin.
You might notice that products you've used previously without a problem suddenly:
- Sting
- Burn
- Feel uncomfortable
- Cause redness
- Make your skin feel tight
- Leave your skin dry or flaky
You may also find that several different products start irritating your skin at once.
This can be a sign that your skin needs a routine reset rather than another new product.
What Can Cause Sensitised Skin?
One of the biggest contributors can be doing too much to your skin.
The skincare industry has never had more products, ingredients and “must-have” routines.
You can easily find yourself using:
Cleanser → toner → exfoliating acid → vitamin C → retinol → serum → moisturiser → face oil → mask → spot treatment.
Each individual product may have a purpose, but your skin doesn't necessarily need every active ingredient at the same time.
Over-Exfoliation
Exfoliating acids and physical scrubs can be useful parts of some skincare routines, but using them too frequently may leave some skin feeling dry, tight or irritated.
Too Many Actives
Combining multiple active ingredients can increase the likelihood of irritation, particularly when you're introducing several products at once.
Harsh Cleansing
If your skin feels tight or uncomfortable immediately after cleansing, your cleanser or cleansing routine may be contributing to that feeling.
Sun Exposure
UV exposure can contribute to skin damage and inflammation and can make already sensitive skin feel even more uncomfortable.
Environmental Changes
Cold weather, dry air, wind, heat and humidity can all affect how your skin feels.
Stress and Lifestyle
Stress, lack of sleep and lifestyle changes can also coincide with changes in how your skin behaves.
For more information, read our guide to Stress and Your Skin
Can Skin Conditions Cause Sensitive or Sensitised Skin?
Yes.
It's also important to remember that sometimes what appears to be “sensitive skin” may actually be an underlying skin condition.
Several common skin conditions can involve redness, dryness, itching, burning or increased sensitivity.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis describes inflammation of the skin and can occur in several forms, including eczema and contact dermatitis.
Depending on the type, symptoms can include:
- Itching
- Dryness
- Redness
- Flaking
- Swelling
- Burning
- Blistering
- Crusting
Contact dermatitis can occur when your skin reacts to an irritant or allergen.
If you think your skincare or haircare may be contributing to irritation, simplifying your routine can help you identify potential triggers.
You can also read Haircare and Sensitive Skin if you experience irritation around your hairline, ears, neck or face.
Eczema and Sensitive Skin
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition commonly associated with dry, itchy and sensitive skin.
People with eczema may have a less effective skin barrier, which can contribute to increased moisture loss and greater sensitivity to irritants.
If you experience eczema, it's important to follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional.
For everyday skincare, a simple approach can help minimise unnecessary irritation.
Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory rash that commonly appears around the mouth, nose and chin and can sometimes affect the area around the eyes.
It can look like:
- Small bumps
- Redness
- Dryness
- Flaking
- Burning
- Stinging
Because perioral dermatitis can sometimes be aggravated by products or overly complicated routines, it's particularly important not to assume that adding more skincare will automatically help.
Read our detailed guide: What Is Perioral Dermatitis?.
Rosacea
Rosacea is another condition that can make skin appear particularly sensitive or reactive.
Common symptoms include:
- Facial redness
- Flushing
- Burning
- Stinging
- Visible blood vessels
- Bumps or pustules in some people
Rosacea triggers can vary significantly from person to person.
Sun exposure, heat, stress, spicy foods, alcohol and certain skincare products can be triggers for some people.
Read more about managing everyday skincare with Living With Rosacea.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry, scaly, thickened or irritated areas of skin.
Although psoriasis isn't simply “sensitive skin”, people with psoriasis may find their skin requires additional care and can be uncomfortable during flare-ups.
If you have psoriasis, appropriate medical treatment should remain the priority. Gentle skincare can be considered alongside your healthcare professional's recommendations.
How to Care for Sensitive or Sensitised Skin
If your skin is feeling reactive, this is usually not the time to add five new products.
Instead, consider simplifying.
Keep Your Routine Simple
A basic routine could include:
Cleanse → Hydrate → Moisturise → Protect
Then introduce additional products gradually once your skin feels comfortable.
Consider the AMPERNA® Soothing Duo
The AMPERNA® Soothing Duo is designed as a simple foundation for sensitive and reactive skin.
It combines:
Pro+ DS Soothing Serum [RESCUE]
and
Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion [HYDRATE]
Together, they provide hydration and support a comfortable-looking skin environment without requiring a complicated multi-step routine.
Shop the AMPERNA® Soothing Duo
We always recommend patch testing before introducing a new product fully into your routine.
Don't Forget the SOS Spray
The Pro+ SOS Daily Facial Spray [SUPACALM] can be used as a lightweight hydrating mist throughout the day.
It's particularly convenient after exercise, travelling or whenever your skin needs a quick hydration boost.
Discover the AMPERNA® SOS Spray
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Daily sun protection is an important part of looking after your skin.
The AMPERNA® Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15 combines mineral sun protection with skincare designed with sensitive skin in mind.
For prolonged outdoor exposure, use appropriate sun protection for the conditions, including protective clothing, shade and a suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Sensitive Skin Doesn't Stop at Your Face
Your skincare routine isn't the only thing that comes into contact with your skin.
Your body care and haircare products can also affect how comfortable your skin feels.
AMPERNA® BODYCARE
The AMPERNA® BODYCARE range was created for everyday cleansing and hydration.
The range includes:
- Hydrating Gentle Wash with Ceramides
- Hydrating Gentle Lotion with Ceramides
If your body skin feels dry, tight or sensitive, keeping your body care routine simple can be just as important as your facial routine.
AMPERNA® HAIRCARE
Your shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo and styling products can come into contact with your forehead, hairline, ears, neck and back.
If you experience irritation around these areas, your haircare routine may be worth reviewing.
AMPERNA® Haircare was developed with a skin-conscious approach, with our Cleanse & Rebalance Dermal Care Shampoo and Strengthen & Protect Dermal Care Conditioner designed for everyday hair and scalp care.
You can also read Haircare and Sensitive Skin
Is Your Skincare Routine Sensitising Your Skin?
Sometimes the answer isn't that you need a better product.
You may simply need fewer products.
Take a look at your current routine and ask:
- Am I exfoliating every day?
- Am I using multiple active ingredients?
- Have I recently added several new products?
- Does my skin sting when I apply products?
- Does my skin feel tight after cleansing?
- Am I constantly changing products because I'm looking for faster results?
- Am I using physical scrubs?
- Am I layering multiple acids or retinoids?
- Am I forgetting daily sun protection?
If you've answered yes to several of these, your skin may benefit from simplifying your routine.
You can read more in Suffering From Sensitive Skin? How Every Product Adds Up.
Sensitive Skin, Sensitised Skin and the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is often discussed when talking about sensitivity, and for good reason.
Your outermost layer of skin helps reduce water loss and provides a protective interface between your body and the outside environment.
When your skin is irritated or dry, it can feel more uncomfortable and reactive.
That doesn't mean every episode of sensitivity is caused by a “damaged skin barrier”, but supporting hydration and avoiding unnecessary irritation can be useful when your skin feels uncomfortable.
This is why AMPERNA® focuses on creating gentle, microbiome-conscious skincare rather than encouraging people to continually layer more products onto their skin.
How Long Does Sensitised Skin Take to Calm Down?
There isn't a universal timeframe.
It depends on what's causing the irritation, how significant it is and whether the trigger has been removed.
If your skin has become sensitised from overusing active products, simplifying your routine may help your skin feel more comfortable over time.
If you have an underlying condition such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis or perioral dermatitis, appropriate medical advice may be required.
The important thing is not to continually change your routine in search of an immediate solution.
Consistency and simplicity can be valuable when you're trying to understand your skin.
When Should You See a Doctor or Dermatologist?
Not every episode of redness or irritation is simply “sensitive skin”.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening redness
- Severe itching or pain
- A rash that doesn't improve
- Blistering
- Weeping or crusting
- Significant swelling
- Symptoms around your eyes
- A suspected allergic reaction
- A rapidly spreading rash
- New or unexplained skin changes
Getting an accurate diagnosis can help you understand what you're dealing with and avoid unnecessarily changing your skincare routine.
Can I Use AMPERNA® If I Have Sensitive or Sensitised Skin?
Yes. AMPERNA® helps people with sensitive and reactive skin, and our products have been developed with sensitive skin in mind.
We always recommend patch testing new products before introducing them fully into your routine.
If you're managing an ongoing skin condition or undergoing medical treatment, speak with your healthcare professional about what is appropriate for your individual skin.
The AMPERNA® Approach to Sensitive Skin
We don't believe sensitive skin needs a complicated skincare routine.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a step back.
Start with a simple foundation:
Soothe → Hydrate → Protect
Then, as your skin feels comfortable, you can consider where other products fit into your routine.
That's why AMPERNA® offers more than just one or two products. Your skin can change with age, hormones, seasons, stress, lifestyle and environment, so your skincare routine can evolve too.
From your Soothing Duo, to your SOS Spray, SPF15, BODYCARE and HAIRCARE, you can build a routine around what your skin needs.
AMPERNA® Products evolve with you and your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sensitive and sensitised skin?
Sensitive skin generally refers to skin that is naturally more prone to reactivity, while sensitised skin describes skin that has become more reactive or irritated, often due to external factors. Someone can have naturally sensitive skin and also experience periods of sensitisation.
How do I know if my skin is sensitive or sensitised?
If your skin has always been reactive, you may have naturally sensitive skin. If your skin has suddenly started reacting to products or feeling dry, tight, burning or uncomfortable, it may have become sensitised. However, similar symptoms can also occur with underlying skin conditions.
Can skincare cause sensitised skin?
Yes. Over-exfoliation, harsh cleansing, using too many active ingredients and introducing multiple new products at once can contribute to irritation for some people.
Can sensitive skin develop as you age?
Yes. Skin can become more prone to dryness and sensitivity as you get older. Hormonal changes, environmental exposure and changes in your skincare routine can also influence how your skin feels.
Is sensitive skin the same as eczema?
No. Sensitive skin is a general description of how skin reacts, while eczema is a specific inflammatory skin condition. Eczema can involve increased sensitivity, but sensitive skin doesn't automatically mean you have eczema.
Can rosacea cause sensitive skin?
Rosacea can involve increased sensitivity, burning, stinging and facial redness. If you suspect you have rosacea, professional advice can help with diagnosis and management.
Can I use AMPERNA® on sensitive skin?
Yes. AMPERNA® helps people with sensitive and reactive skin. We always recommend patch testing before introducing new products fully into your routine.
What should I do if my skincare starts burning or stinging?
Stop and assess what you've recently introduced to your routine. Simplifying your skincare can make it easier to identify potential triggers. If symptoms persist or are significant, speak with a healthcare professional.
In addition to your skin care routine, good habits that support healthy skin for sufferers of both conditions are:
- Eating a balanced diet and limit alcohol consumption
- Regular exercise
- Plenty of rest and seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Mindfulness techniques such as breathing, yoga and meditation
- Drinking plenty of water
- Being mindful about topical treatments you are using such as steroids
Reference sources:
https://www.health.com/skin-conditions
