Whether you have dry, oily or mature skin, many of us have experienced sensitive skin at some point throughout our lives.

Here’s our essential guide to sensitive skin, from what causes it and the symptoms of sensitive skin, to developing a daily skincare regime to effectively care for sensitive skin.

What is sensitive skin?

Skin sensitivity is a common condition that can affect all skin types, and all ages. Sensitive skin is often the sign of a weakened skin barrier, which can be caused by internal and external stressors. The skin barrier acts like a shield on the top layer of the skin, protecting it from irritants, allergens and pollution.

The term ‘sensitive skin’ is used as a general term to describe skin that tends to be more reactive to cleansers, moisturisers and other cosmetic products in a way that non-sensitive skin types would usually tolerate.

What are the symptoms of sensitive skin?

The signs of sensitive skin can vary from person to person, but can include the following – especially after cleansing or moisturising.
 

• Redness: Your skin may appear flushed or blotchy.
• Itchy skin: You may feel the urge to scratch or rub at your skin after applying products. This can lead to further irritation and could possibly contribute to skin damage.
• Dryness: Sensitive skin can feel dry to the touch, with slightly rough or flaky patches.
• Discomfort and tightness: You may experience mild tingling or prickling sensations after applying certain skincare products. If you have very sensitive skin, you may feel a more intense burning or stinging sensation on your skin.
• Rashes or bumpy skin: Sensitive skin exposed to products which cause inflammation can lead to rashes, hives, or small red bumps in more severe cases.

Is sensitive skin the same as dry skin?

While dry skin can become sensitive due to a compromised skin barrier, not all sensitive skin is dry. For instance, people with oily skin can also experience sensitivity.

Sensitive skin and dry skin are distinct conditions, though they can often coexist. Dry skin can develop when your skin lacks hydration, and natural oils which help to lock in moisture; sensitive skin reacts disproportionately to allergens or irritants such as fragrances, or stimuli such as cleansing and exfoliating with harsh skincare products.

Fortifying the skin barrier is key if you suffer from sensitive skin, especially if you’re looking to prevent the signs of ageing. As skin matures, it naturally experiences a decline in ceramides, leading to increased dryness, a lack of plumpness and loss of elasticity. This can be particularly challenging for those with dry, sensitive skin. Ceramides are essential for maintaining the natural moisture barrier and play a key role in keeping the skin hydrated, smooth, and supple.

For mature, sensitive skin, we recommend using nourishing moisturisers that not only restore essential ceramides but are also infused with ingredients like Ginger Root Extract, which is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For people with oily skin, it’s often a misconception that your skin can’t be sensitive too. The production of natural oil (sebum) plays a vital role in keeping skin lubricated and protected against potential dryness. When this balance of oil is disrupted – by hormone fluctuations, dietary choices, or environmental pollutants to name a few - it can cause an unwelcome surplus of oil, leaving skin to appear shiny or greasy, and more prone to blemishes.

Historically, skincare that focused on combatting oily skin has often used very active, or drying ingredients that can strip the skin and compromise the skin barrier function. To care for oily, sensitive skin, we recommend using cleansers and moisturisers that help control excess oil while protecting and replenishing ceramides to maintain the skin's protective barrier.  

What causes sensitive facial skin?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what causes skin sensitivity – it can often be a mixture of various factors.
 

• Genetic factors: You may have a genetic predisposition to sensitive skin – especially if it’s a common trait in your family.
• Allergies: Skin inflammation and sensitivity can be caused by allergies, such as washing detergent, animal hair, or pollen and dust.
• Pre-existing skin conditions: Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea can also contribute to skin sensitivity.
• Hormonal changes: Perimenopause, menopause and postpartum hormone fluctuations can affect the skins production of sebum, which can lead to a compromised skin barrier.
• Using harsh skincare products: Sensitive skin can also be caused by using products with ingredients which aggravate your skin and strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
• Environmental stressors: Different climates such as cold, windy weather or dry heat can impact skin sensitivity.

 
Everyone’s skin is unique, so to understand what’s causing your sensitive skin, we’d recommend consulting with a dermatologist to gain a deeper understanding of your skin concerns and what triggers these issues.

Caring for sensitive skin on your face and body

Sensitive skin needs extra care to look healthy and feel comfortable. Here are some simple, effective ways to help reduce skin sensitivity:
 

• Check product labels: Look for formulas that are pH-balanced and fragrance-free. Fragrances (often listed as ‘parfum’) are common allergens that can disrupt the skin barrier, especially for sensitive skin. pH-balanced skincare helps maintain the skin’s natural pH, supporting a healthy and resilient skin barrier.
• Use gentle cleansers: Opt for cleansers that effectively remove dirt, makeup and other impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
• Choose the right moisturiser: Apply a moisturiser enriched with ceramides to help strengthen and maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent dryness. Our Deep Moisture Spray can be applied on the go, to any part of your body – and even spritzed over make-up for a refreshing burst of moisture.
• Limit bathing time: Keep showers and baths between 5-10 minutes, and use lukewarm water to avoid dehydrating your skin.
• Choose fragrance-free, skin-respecting laundry products: Try non-bio washing detergents and fabric conditioners labelled as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to minimise irritation.
• Avoid harsh exfoliants: Steer clear of abrasive scrubs and acids on your face and body, as these can irritate and damage sensitive skin.

Can I exfoliate sensitive skin?

We recommend against using harsh, abrasive scrubs, as they can cause micro-tears on your skin's delicate surface. However, there are some mild chemical exfoliants that are gentler on sensitive skin – you should consult with a dermatologist to determine which skincare actives or exfoliating toners are safe and suitable to incorporate into your skin routine. Sensitive skin needs gentle, consistent care that works for the skin, not against it.

Following a gentle skincare routine with nourishing cleansers that help to protect the skin’s natural moisture levels and ceramide-replenishing moisturisers can support a strong skin barrier and effectively revitalise your skin to look and feel healthy.