Sensitive Skin – Signs, Causes and How to Manage It

What does sensitive skin mean?

Sensitive skin refers to a condition where the skin is more reactive and prone to irritation compared to normal skin. Sensitive skin can result from various internal and external factors, including genetics, skin conditions, environmental irritants, and lifestyle choices.

How do you know if you have sensitive skin?

You can identify sensitive skin by observing the following signs and symptoms:

1. Skin is frequently red – Your skin will often appear red or flushed, especially after using certain products or being in extreme environments. Your skin may become irritated by changes in temperature, humidity, or exposure to sunlight and wind.
2. Dryness or flakiness - Your skin may constantly feel dry and tight, or have flaky patches, even if you are moisturising regularly.
3. Itching or burning sensation – You can experience persistent itching or a burning sensation, particularly after applying skincare or body care products.
4. Skin reacts to products – Your skin may react to new skincare products, cosmetics, or household detergents, resulting in rashes or irritation. Skin may become inflamed or develop hives in response to irritants or allergens.
5. Family history – If you have a history of skin conditions like eczema or rosacea in your family you may have inherited sensitive skin.

Causes of Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be attributed to a variety of factors both internally and externally, that affect individuals differently. Each person's skin is unique, so what causes sensitivity in one person may not affect another in the same way. Here are some key reasons why some people may experience sensitive skin:

Internal Causes

1. Genetics - A family history of skin conditions can increase sensitivity.
2. Hormonal Changes - Fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can affect skin sensitivity.
3. Diet and lifestyle - Allergies or intolerances to certain foods may trigger skin reactions. Stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and dehydration can all contribute to skin sensitivity.
4. Health Conditions - Conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis can lead to increased skin sensitivity.
5. Age – As skin ages it becomes thinner and more prone to irritation leading to sensitivity. (Yes, unfortunately it is possible to develop sensitive skin even if you never experienced it before.)

External Causes

1. Environmental - Pollution, UV exposure, and extreme weather can irritate sensitive skin.
2. Skincare Products - Harsh chemicals, fragrances, strong acids, or alcohol in products can lead to reactions.
3. Chemical irritants - Fabrics, soaps, or household cleaning products can cause irritation.
4. Physical irritants – Rough textured fabrics, excessive friction or certain cosmetics can lead to causing sensitive skin.
5. Stress - Emotional stress can exacerbate skin sensitivity and other skin conditions.

Gut Health and Sensitive Skin

Maintaining good gut health through eating a balanced diet, intake of a probiotic supplement, and keeping hydrated can help improve sensitive skin issues. An in-depth article in the National Library of Medicine states; the microbiome plays an important role in a wide variety of skin disorders. Not only when the skin microbiome is altered, but also surprisingly many skin diseases are accompanied by an altered gut microbiome. Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions - PMC (nih.gov)

Gut health can significantly impact sensitive skin issues through various mechanisms:

• Inflammation - An unhealthy gut can lead to systemic inflammation, which may exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
• Nutrient Absorption - A healthy gut is crucial for proper nutrient absorption. Deficiencies in vitamins (like vitamin A, E, and D) can negatively impact skin health, making it more prone to sensitivity.
• Balanced Microbiome - A balanced gut microbiome supports the skin's microbiome. Disruptions in gut bacteria can affect skin health, leading to increased sensitivity or irritation.
• Stress and Hormones – The health of your gut influences how your body responds to stress and fluctuations of hormone levels. Increased stress levels can lead to skin flare ups and increased sensitivities.
• Immune System - The gut plays a key role in immune system function. An imbalance can lead to an overactive immune response, resulting in skin inflammation and sensitivity.

By focusing on your gut health, you will not only feel better overall, but by default you will be positively helping the health of your skin.

Tips for improving your gut health if you have sensitive skin include:

1. Eating a Balanced Diet – Include fibre rich foods, fermented food, and Omega 3 fatty acids.
2. Limit Processed Food – Reduce your consumption of packaged processed foods, refined sugar, and artificial additives.
3. Hydration – Aim for a minimum of 2 Litres of water a day.
4. Probiotic Supplements - beneficial bacteria help restore a healthy balance in the skin microbiome, reducing the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause irritation and inflammation.
5. Regular Exercise and Rest – Physical activity promotes a healthy gut microbiome and getting enough, and adequate sleep is imperative in supporting recovery and overall health.

How to Manage Sensitive Skin

Managing sensitive skin involves a combination of protective measures and gentle care. Identifying and avoiding your own personal triggers is key, as well as using gentle products, and maintaining a consistent skincare routine.

If you notice a sudden change in your skin's sensitivity, it might be helpful to assess any recent changes in your environment, products, or lifestyle.

Here are some effective sensitive skin strategies:

1. Skin journal – By keeping record of how your daily habits and lifestyle affect your skin, you will best be able to identify your triggers.
2. Maintain a balanced healthy diet and lifestyle – Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy good fats, staying hydrated and limiting refined sugar and alcohol will support the overall health of your skin. Incorporating stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise will also benefit your general wellbeing.
3. Moisturise - Building a strong skin barrier and preventing dryness is your best shield of defence for combating sensitive skin.
4. Patch test products – Before trying new products perform a patch test first to ensure your skin does not react or become irritated.
5. Watch the water temperature – Searing hot water for your showers or baths is a no-no for sensitive skin as it strips your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water instead.
6. Over exfoliating and harsh scrubs – Can strip and damage the skin, causing further dryness and irritation.
7. Use gentle products – This is crucial for managing your sensitive skin ongoing. AMERNA® has the perfect range to have you covered from top to toe.
   The Full Range has everything you need for your skincare regime for sensitive skin.
   The Wash and Lotion Duo works hard at gently cleansing and hydrating your skin without any harsh ingredients.

AMPERNA^®'s hero topical probiotic ingredient – Lactococcus ferment lysate, has a plethora of benefits for sensitive skin, including:

• Balancing of the skin’s microbiome – Topical probiotics can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin, which help reduce irritation and improve overall skin health.
• Strengthening of the skin’s barrier – Topical probiotics help enhance the skin's natural barrier function, making it more resilient to environmental stressors and irritants.
• Reducing inflammation – Topical probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
• Improve skin hydration – AMPERNA^®’s formulations help improve skin hydration, which is essential for managing sensitivity.