Sensitive skin: what it means, what it depends on, and how to treat it naturally
The data speak for themselves: sensitive skin is not just an aesthetic issue, but a dermatological condition that - according to medical studies in the field - affects 60 percent of the female population and 50 percent of the male population.
Sensitive skin is turning some daily gestures such as applying a cream or sun exposure into potential sources of discomfort: redness, itching, burning and flaking become unwanted companions of those who have to live with this issue, which is often underestimated but deeply impacts the quality of life.
What does it mean to have sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin, referred to clinically as "reactive skin," is characterized by a disproportionate and immediate response to stimuli that should not normally provoke significant reactions. At the dermatological level, this condition manifests itself through an impairment of the skin barrier, the sophisticated protective system that separates our body's internal environment from the outside.
The skin barrier consists mainly of the stratum corneum, formed by dead cells (corneocytes) immersed in a lipid matrix composed of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. When this structure is altered, there is an increase in skin permeability that allows irritants to penetrate more easily into the deep layers of the epidermis and trigger inflammatory responses.
Typical symptoms of sensitive skin include:
● redness, initially confined to the area of concern;
● burning or tingling sensation;
● generalized skin dryness;
● peeling and formation of small lesions in severe cases.
All of these symptoms of dry skin can occur immediately after exposure to the trigger or develop over hours, sometimes making it difficult to identify the specific cause.
What are the causes of increased skin sensitivity?
The causes of sensitive skin are multifactorial and often interconnected. Triggers can be divided into main categories that act individually or in combination.
Environmental factors are a major cause of skin sensitization and in particular:
● air pollution, rich in fine particulate matter and aggressive chemicals, progressively compromises the barrier function of the skin;
● extreme climatic variations, such as the transition from dry winter cold to humid summer heat, can subject the skin to continuous stress that alters its hydrolipid balance.
Similarly, the use of inappropriate cosmetics is also a significant cause: many skin care products contain potentially irritating ingredients such as synthetic perfumes, harsh preservatives (parabens, formaldehyde), sulfated surfactants, and denatured alcohols. Over-cleansing, or excessive cleansing of the skin, can also damage the skin barrier by removing natural protective lipids.
Psychophysical stress plays a crucial role in the development of skin sensitivity through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Prolonged stress situations result, in fact, in increased production of cortisol, a hormone that interferes with barrier lipid synthesis and impairs skin repair processes.
In women, hormonal factors-especially evident during pregnancy, menopause and phases of the menstrual cycle-significantly affect skin sensitivity. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone change the structure and function of the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation.
On what does the different skin sensitivity between individuals depend?
Individual variability in skin sensitivity depends on a complex interaction between genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors.
● Genetic predisposition plays a key role: mutations in genes coding for filaggrin, a protein essential for stratum corneum formation, are associated with increased skin permeability and susceptibility to irritation.
● Skin phenotype represents another determinant. Fair skins, characterized by lower amounts of melanin, are generally more sensitive to UV rays and external agents than darker skins. In fact, melanin not only protects against sun damage but also possesses antioxidant properties that contribute to cellular protection.
● Age is a significant risk factor: as the skin ages, it undergoes structural changes that reduce its ability to maintain an effective protective barrier. Decreased sebum production, reduced epidermal thickness, and altered cell turnover contribute to increased skin sensitivity in the elderly.
● Pre-existing pathological conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, or psoriasis, predispose to the development of skin hypersensitivity. These conditions are characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that keeps the skin in a constant hyperreactive condition.
What to do with sensitive skin?
Managing sensitive skin requires a holistic approach that combines preventive strategies and targeted treatments. The first key step is to identify and eliminate triggers through careful history taking and, when necessary, epicutaneous testing to identify specific contact allergies.
The skincare routine should be simplified and based on products specifically formulated for sensitive skin: it is essential to use gentle cleansers, free of soaps and harsh surfactants, preferring oil-based formulations or syndets (synthetic detergents) with physiological pH. Cleansing should be followed immediately by the application of moisturizing and skin barrier repairing products.
Sun protection is an essential element in the daily management of sensitive skin. The use of physical sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) is generally preferable to chemical sunscreens, as they are less likely to cause sensitization reactions.
5 tips for sensitive skin
● Cleanse with gentle fragrance-free products.
● Apply soothing moisturizer morning and evening
● Avoid sudden temperature changes and UV rays without protection
● Use cosmetics tested on reactive skin
● Integrate vitamin C, omega-3 and zinc into your diet."
Don't forget that the home environment should also be optimized by maintaining relative humidity between 40-60% and using humidifiers during the winter months. It is advisable to reduce exposure to environmental perfumes, harsh detergents and synthetic fabrics that can irritate the skin through contact.
Natural ingredients and supplements useful for sensitive skin
Nature offers numerous active ingredients with soothing, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties that are particularly useful for managing sensitive skin.Learn more about disorders and natural remedies for sensitive skin in the dedicated area, and in the meantime, remember that aloe vera is one of the most scientifically studied and validated ingredients. Its polysaccharides, particularly acemannan, possess moisturizing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties that promote skin barrier repair.
Chamomile offers calming and anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly effective in treating redness and irritation. Calendula extract, containing triterpenes and flavonoids, promotes tissue regeneration and possesses antimicrobial and soothing activity.
Plant oils are a valuable resource for restoring the lipid barrier. Jojoba oil, technically a liquid wax, has a composition similar to human sebum and is easily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue. Rose oil, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C, promotes cell regeneration and collagen synthesis.
From a nutraceutical perspective, omega-3s are supplements of choice for sensitive skin. EPA and DHA, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, modulate the inflammatory response and help maintain the integrity of cell membranes. The recommended dose ranges from 1 to 3 grams per day, preferably from high-quality, contaminant-free sources.
Turning to vitamin complexes, vitamin D, often lacking in the general population, plays a crucial role in regulating barrier function and modulating skin immune responses. Discover Cutamir, for the health of sensitive and reactive skin: thanks to the presence of antioxidants (Vitamin E and C derivatives) it helps protect the skin's natural skin barrier.
Natural ingredients that help dry skin also include Probiotics: specific strains such as Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum have demonstrated abilities to modulate the systemic inflammatory response and improve skin barrier function.
Management of sensitive skin requires patience, perseverance, and a personalized approach. The combination of preventive strategies, appropriate products, and targeted nutraceutical support can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with this condition, restoring comfort and serenity in the daily care of their skin.