Your skin is as unique as your personality and, in the same way, it is shaped and changed by the life you live. Everything from the food you eat, the clothes you wear, to the city you live in can have an impact on your skin. As much as you throw at it, your skin is naturally resilient. There may come a time in your life, however, when enough is enough and your skin starts to react to the stress it’s been under.
If your skin is easily irritated by the elements or by topical products, you might assume it’s become sensitive. After all, the term “sensitive” implies quick detection of and response to certain influences. However, in reality your skin may not be sensitive but, rather, “sensitized”.
Dryness, redness, and irritation are not symptoms to be ignored. If you’ve noticed a change in your skin, it’s important to get to the bottom of it so you can get to work resolving them.
The first step is to determine whether you really have sensitive skin or whether your skin has simply become sensitized. Read on to learn the difference between sensitive and sensitized skin and how to repair and restore skin so you get back to looking and feeling your best.
Many people whose skin is easily irritated think they have sensitive skin when in fact there’s a lot more to it. Sensitive skin is a skin type – it is deeply rooted in your genetics and you may experience symptoms throughout your life. Sensitized skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition that often looks very similar and is quite common.
So, how do you know whether your skin is actually sensitive or merely sensitized? What it really comes down to is examining your symptoms and figuring out what causes your skin to react.
Redness is one of the most common signs of sensitive skin – you may even notice a rash or tiny red bumps on the surface of the skin. People with sensitive skin may feel a stinging or burning sensation when using new skincare products and they are particularly sensitive to UV exposure. Dryness and irritation are common symptoms as well.
Like sensitive skin, sensitized skin may be dry and irritated, but it is triggered by an internal or external factor. Poor diet, extreme weather, sun exposure, and reactions to medication are common triggers.
Another common cause for sensitized skin is overuse of skincare products, like too much exfoliation. While it may be tempting to load up on skincare products for every issue, you can have too much of a good thing. Your skin has a natural protective barrier that works hard to keep environmental irritants out and moisture in. Overloading your skin with too many products can damage that barrier and strip away essential moisture, leading to redness, irritation, dryness, and an increase in breakouts.
Allergies are another potential cause of sensitized skin, so pay attention to the products you use including makeup, shampoo, lotion, and even laundry detergent. If your skin sensitivity coincided with a new product, it’s a good bet that it has something to do with it.
To better understand sensitive skin, it helps to learn a little bit about your skin’s anatomy. Your skin is made up of three primary layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and subcutaneous fat. Sensitive skin develops when the nerve endings in the epidermis become irritated – this can happen when the skin’s natural barrier becomes damaged or weakened by triggers.
Though sensitive skin is a skin type rather than a skin condition, there are varying degrees of sensitivity. Some people with sensitive skin may react to environmental factors more than skincare products and some react primarily to a specific trigger.
Here’s an overview of the different degrees of skin sensitivity:
As you get older, your skin naturally becomes thinner so it may become increasingly sensitive and easier to irritate. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid products that contain harsh and irritating ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, sulfates, salicylic acid, and chemical sunscreens. Keep your skincare routine simple and avoid rubbing and scrubbing at your skin; be gentle.
The key to improving and maintaining skin health is to use products that help rather than hurt the skin. Yon-Ka Paris uses only the finest natural ingredients to develop plant cell active-based skincare regimens with scientifically proven efficacy. We offer a wide variety of products and treatments for all skin types, including products specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
These are some of the most popular Yon-Ka Paris products for sensitive skin:
You can expect your skin to change over time. It’s important to update your skincare routine as you age to be sure it’s meeting your needs. Consult the Yon-Ka Skincare Advisor to find the right combination of products for your skin in its current condition or stop into your local Yon-Ka Paris spa partner for tailored skincare regimen.
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