young woman who smiles

7 Causes of Sensitive Skin and How to Care for It

Everything you need to know about sensitive skin and how to look after it

What's in this article:

What is sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is a common concern for many people, characterised by heightened reactivity to various external and internal factors. Sensitive skin presents itself through various signs such as redness, itching, burning sensations, and dryness. It may react adversely to certain skincare products, environmental factors, or even emotional stressors. Paying attention to these signs can help in identifying sensitive skin and adopting appropriate skin care practices.
Why does my skin feel sensitive?

7 Causes of sensitive skin

While the precise causes underlying sensitive skin are complex, several key factors contribute to its development and exacerbation.
  1. Genetics:
    Family history can influence the skin's natural barrier function and its ability to retain moisture, making some individuals more susceptible to irritation and allergic reactions.
  2. Skin Barrier Dysfunction:
    The skin's outermost layer is a protective barrier that protects against environmental stressors and maintains moisture balance. In people with sensitive skin, the hydrolipid barrier may be compromised or weakened, allowing irritants, allergens, and microbes to penetrate more easily.
  3. Environmental Factors:
    Exposure to harsh weather conditions, pollution, UV radiation, and indoor heating or air conditioning can exacerbate sensitive skin symptoms. These can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and dehydration, further compromising the skin's barrier function and increasing sensitivity.
  4. Allergens and Irritants:
    Sensitive skin can react to certain substances in skincare products, cosmetics, cleaners, and clothing. Allergens like some preservatives and dyes or fragrances can sometimes trigger reactions, while irritants such as harsh detergents and alcohol (ethanol) could cause redness.
  5. Underlying Skin Conditions:
    Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis involve inflammation and compromised skin barrier function, leading to heightened sensitivity. It’s important to consult a dermatologist for a personalised skincare plan for this.
  6. Hormonal Changes:
    Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and menstrual cycles, can influence skin sensitivity. Hormonal changes can affect sebum production, skin hydration levels, and the skin's inflammatory response.
  7. Lifestyle Factors:
    Certain lifestyle factors, such as stress, inadequate sleep, poor dietary choices, and smoking, could also impact skin health and exacerbate sensitivity.

Sudden skin sensitivity? Here's what to do

Experiencing sudden sensitivity in the skin can be alarming and uncomfortable, but some steps can be taken to address it effectively or reduce the signs of it:

  1. Once you identify a potential trigger, avoid further exposure to it to prevent exacerbating the sensitivity.

  2. Switch on to skincare products designed for sensitive skin containing soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Dexpanthenol or Chamomile, which can help alleviate redness, itching, or irritation.

    If your sudden sensitivity persists or worsens despite these measures, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist or skin care professional for personalised advice and treatment options.
young woman using Nivea Derma Skin Clear product

Acne and sensitive skin

Acne and sensitive skin are often paired, presenting unique challenges in skincare routines. Sensitive skin can react adversely to harsh acne treatments, leading to increased redness, irritation, and dryness. It's crucial to use gentle, non-comedogenic products formulated specifically for sensitive skin to avoid exacerbating pimples or other acne symptoms. 

  • Handle Sensitive Skin Gently
    Avoid using products with harsh ingredients, as it is important to handle sensitive skin delicately. For example, go for gentle exfoliators such as Lactic Acid that exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells without irritating sensitive skin.

  • Introduce Products Gradually 
    When incorporating new skincare products into your routine, it's advisable to proceed with caution. Gradually introducing new products allows you to understand how the skin reacts and identify any potential sensitivities or adverse reactions.

  • Avoid Overloading Your Skin
    Using too many products can sometimes exacerbate existing skin conditions, leading to further inflammation and breakouts, so opting for a minimalistic skincare routine can be beneficial.

Importance of sun protection for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is especially vulnerable to sun exposure due to its weaker structure and reduced resilience against external factors like UV radiation. Hence, sun protection is crucial as it helps protect the skin barrier against UV-induced skin damage, which can increase the risk of redness and irritation.

By incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen into the daily skincare routine, those with sensitive skin could minimise the risk of long-term damage, maintain skin health and preserve a more even tone and texture.

NIVEA SUN
Facts Overview

Sensitive Skin

Prevalence: Sensitive skin affects a significant portion of the population, with estimates ranging from 20% to 50% of individuals reporting some level of skin sensitivity.

Signs: Redness, itching, burning sensations, dryness, and discomfort upon exposure to certain triggers.

Triggers: Various factors such as allergens, some skincare products, hormonal changes, weather conditions, and underlying skin conditions can lead to sensitive skin.

Treatment: Treatment for sensitive skin often involves using gentle skincare products, avoiding known triggers, managing underlying skin conditions, and incorporating lifestyle changes to reduce sensitivity. 

Choosing the right skincare for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you should make sure you use particularly mild and gentle sensitive skin care products. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ones:
Young woman using NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance Free Body Lotion
  1. Hypoallergenic formulas:
    Opt for creams and moisturisers labelled as hypoallergenic, as they are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions and irritation. If you don't have any particular allergies, but rather a general sensitivity, you can also choose to use products designed for sensitive skin.
  2. Soothing ingredients:
    Look for products with soothing ingredients to calm and hydrate sensitive skin without causing irritation. For example, Glycerin provides hydration and a soothing effect, while Provitamin B5 (Dexpanthenol) heals and protects, relieving itchiness and the feeling of discomfort. A combination of both of these ingredients can be found in the NIVEA Repair & Care Fragrance Free Body Lotion, which helps to soothe very dry and sensitive skin and strengthen its protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
  3. Texture and consistency:
    Choose creams and moisturisers with a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs easily into the skin. Heavy formulas may feel uncomfortable and can exacerbate sensitivity in some individuals.
  4. Patch tests:
    Before applying a new cream or moisturiser to your entire face, perform a patch test on a small area of skin (generally at the elbow crease) to check its effect on sensitivity.
  5. Consult with a dermatologist:
    If you're unsure about which products are suitable for your sensitive skin, consider consulting with a dermatologist. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your skin type and specific concerns. 
NIVEA Moisturisers

Skincare routine for sensitive skin

To cater to sensitive skin, adopting a minimalistic approach can be beneficial.
  1. Cleanse:
    Start with a gentle cleanser as this will effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin without stripping away its natural oils or causing irritation.

    Try the perfume-free NIVEA Micellar Water Soothing for sensitive skin with Amino Acid Complex and Dexpanthenol, to gently cleanse the skin and remove make-up all whilst soothing and hydrating the skin.

  2. Moisturise:
    Use a gentle moisturiser to hydrate your skin. NIVEA Nourishing Day Care intensely nourishes the skin and hydrates it for 24 hours. It provides a feeling of comfort thanks to its formula specially enriched with NIVEA intense hydration complex, Sweet Almond Oil of natural origin and Shea Butter.

    For more mature skin, opt for the NIVEA Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Firming Day Cream, which reduces wrinkles while soothing Sensitive Skin.

  3. Sun Protection:
    Make sunscreen application a non-negotiable part of the morning skincare routine, and do not forget to reapply every two hours. The NIVEA Face Sunscreen range offers protection for all skin types to enjoy the sun safely.

Men's sensitive skincare routine

Men with sensitive skin often face unique challenges when it comes to facial care and shaving. Tailoring a skincare routine specifically for sensitive skin can help alleviate discomfort and maintain healthy-looking skin.
man using NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post-Shave Balm
  1. Cleanse:
    Start your skincare routine with a facial cleanser to remove impurities, dirt and excess oil. Vitamin E and Menthol in the NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Wash can help unclog pores and prevent breakouts while keeping skin feeling smooth.
  2. Shave:
    Wet shaving is more gentle on sensitive skin compared to dry shaving, therefore it's important to thoroughly wet your face before.
    Next, apply NIVEA MEN Sensitive Shaving Gel to the area you want to shave. The Alcohol-free formula (0% ethyl alcohol) contains extracts of Chamomile and Hamamelis (also known as Witch Hazel) protects the skin from signs of irritations related to shaving for a close and comfortable shave. Consider shaving in the direction of your hair growth, as shaving against it may cause irritation and ingrown hairs.
  3. Post-shave:
    After shaving, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Dry your skin by patting it gently with a towel, avoiding rubbing as this can further irritate the skin. NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post-Shave Balm which contains Chamomile and Vitamin E helps to soothe signs of irritation on the freshly shaved skin to provide intensive hydration.
  4. Moisturise:
    To keep skin hydrated, incorporate NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Cream. Its gentle, alcohol-free (ehtyl alcohol) formula contains Vitamin E, Provitamin B5 (Dexpanthenol) and Chamomile Extract and provides immediate and lasting relief for sensitive skin.
  5. Sun Protection:
    To complete your routine, include a face sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
NIVEA MEN SENSITIVE

Summary

Sensitive skin is characterised by an increased sensitivity to external and internal factors. It's crucial to comprehend and effectively care for sensitive skin to preserve its healthy and bright appearance. Sensitive skin presents itself through various signs such as redness, itching, burning sensations, and dryness. It may react adversely to certain skincare products, environmental factors, or even emotional stressors. Treatment typically involves using gentle products, avoiding triggers, managing underlying conditions, and making lifestyle changes to reduce sensitivity. It should also be noted that managing sensitive skin alongside acne requires gentle practice with treatments.

FAQs

What causes sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can be caused by various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, skin care products, hormonal changes, underlying skin conditions, and lifestyle factors.

How should I care for sensitive skin?

To care for sensitive skin, you should use gentle skin care products, avoiding some ingredients and environmental triggers likely to cause the skin to react, protecting the skin from UV radiation with sunscreen, and adopting a healthy lifestyle with stress management and adequate hydration.

Can I use exfoliants or retinoids if I have sensitive skin?

Exfoliants and retinoids can be harsh on sensitive skin and may cause irritation. It's essential to proceed with caution and choose gentle exfoliants with mild ingredients or consult with a dermatologist before incorporating these products into your skincare routine.

How to treat sensitive skin on the face?

Treat sensitive skin on the face by using gentle products formulated for sensitive skin, moisturising regularly and protecting from the sun with SPF 30+ sunscreen. 

How to know if you have sensitive skin?

If you frequently experience redness, itching, or discomfort after using skincare products or being exposed to certain factors like such as frequent washing, pollution or certain weather conditions, you likely have sensitive skin.

What ingredients are beneficial for sensitive skin care?

Ingredients like Provitamin B5 (Dexpanthenol), Glycerin, and Grapeseed Oil can be beneficial for sensitive skin, helping to moisturise, strengthen the skin barrier, and soothe feelings of irritation.

Products for Sensitive Skin

Other related advice