Sensitive skin isn’t a medical condition that can be immediately diagnosed by a medical doctor. In most cases, it’s a marker or symptom of an underlying condition. In fact, most people with sensitive skin only realize that they have the skin condition after reacting negatively to a new makeup product, soap, or moisturizer. If you’re worried or suspect that you may have sensitive skin, keep reading to find out what may be causing this condition and what you can do to manage your symptoms.
You have itchy skin.
For people with sensitive skin, their skin may feel tight or itchy after a regular skin cleaning routine. The reason this happens is that the skin products that they may be using could be too harsh for their skin. Another reason why you may experience skin tightness is due to the weather or using hot water to clean your face. To avoid developing a skin infection or causing more irritation to your skin, don’t give in to the itch.
Instead, ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend a course of treatment to help alleviate the need to itch. In most cases, they may recommend a soap-free facial cleanser that’ll help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. If your moisturizer is the cause of your itchy skin, they may recommend a fragrance-free moisturizer or natural oils like shea butter that won’t irritate your skin further.
Your skin breaks out easily.
Given that sensitive skin typically lacks enough moisture, your skin may produce extra oils to try and make up for this lack. As a result of this, your skin’s pores will clog up, resulting in breakouts. To remedy this, use a gentle cleanser to wash your skin, or consider gentle spot treatments such as tea tree oil. To avoid further irritation, consult your doctor to get a proper skincare regimen.
Your skin is easily prone to sunburns.
If you have sensitive skin, you’re likely to be more susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. If your skin is already going through a peel or irritation spell, you’ll be more likely to suffer from sunburns. To avoid these sometimes painful sunburns, always wear sunscreen when you leave the house, even on an overcast day. For maximum protection, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Most importantly, reapply your sunscreen every two hours, and make sure that your face, neck, and arms are well moisturized. To avoid further skin irritation or allergic reactions, look for sunscreen brands that are rich in zinc oxide (this helps scatter harmful sun rays) or titanium dioxide.
Most beauty products make your skin sting or burn.
Individuals with sensitive skin typically have a thin skin barrier. This is why harsh cosmetic products or cleansers are likely to sting or burn. While the burning sensation only lasts for a little while, it is still an uncomfortable experience and can sometimes also be painful. To avoid this discomfort, opt for gentle hypoallergenic products, created specifically for sensitive skin.
Many people battle the symptoms of sensitive skin every day. Redness, constant irritation, itching, and burning are all symptoms of sensitive skin. For most people, these symptoms may also affect their self-esteem and general sense of well-being. Luckily, with the help of massage therapy for sensitive skin, you can enjoy the relaxation benefits of a massage while also finding relief and healing from your symptoms.
Your licensed skin massage therapist will use professional massage techniques and skin products that’ll help replenish and soothe irritated and inflamed skin while tending to additional skincare concerns such as breakouts and dryness. There are different types of massage techniques that are effective for sensitive skin, and each of these targets the individual triggers behind redness, itching, and stinging. For more information on what type of massage will be most effective in offering relief from your flare-ups and other skin issues, book a consultation with your local derma spa or dermatologist.
