Understanding Sensitive Skin – Causes & Solutions

One of the most common concerns patients share with dermatologists is that they have sensitive skin. However, sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis but rather a subjective experience based on irritation or discomfort triggered by personal care products. This discomfort can manifest in various ways, including redness, itching, dryness, flaking, or breakouts in the form of bumps and pustules.

Many individuals experience skin sensitivity due to allergies to fragrances, preservatives, or colorants found in cosmetics and toiletries. Additionally, some people have skin that reacts to physical touch, while others experience sensitivity due to excessive dryness. This dryness may be linked to conditions like atopic dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, or it may result from aging, which reduces oil gland activity.

Skin sensitivity can also arise from external factors such as sunburn or medications like Isotretinoin. In these cases, a compromised skin barrier allows skincare products to be absorbed in higher-than-normal amounts, leading to a stinging or burning sensation. Overuse of certain exfoliating ingredients—such as lactic acid, azelaic acid, benzoic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C—can further aggravate the skin, causing prolonged irritation.

Understanding your skin’s specific triggers is key to managing sensitivity and selecting the right skincare routine to restore balance and strengthen the skin barrier.