What causes sensitive skin and how to care for it

Sensitive skin is a common issue. It happens when the skin reacts more strongly than usual to things in your environment or products you use.

These reactions can appear out of the blue or they can build up slowly, and the intensity generally depends on your overall health, stress levels or skincare habits.

What is sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is when your skin feels uncomfortable in ways that others might not notice.

Nevertheless, it’s unpleasant. You might experience stinging, burning, itching, tingling, tightness or even intense pain.

Sometimes this happens without any visible signs. Other times, the skin might look red, dry, flaky, rough or inflamed. Small bumps or swelling can also appear.

These reactions often happen when the skin’s natural barrier is weakened. This barrier, which is the outermost layer of skin, has the very important job of keeping moisture in and unwanted substances out.

When it is compromised, your skin loses hydration more easily and becomes more vulnerable to irritation, leading to further inflammation and discomfort, like a vicious cycle.

Why does it happen?

Sensitive skin can be influenced by your genetics, skin type, lifestyle or underlying health conditions.

If you have, or have a family history of conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, you might be more likely to experience sensitivity. Fairer skin types, which contain less melanin pigment, also tend to be more reactive.

Hormones can play a role too.

Women often notice increased sensitivity during hormonal changes such as pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause.

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and produces fewer natural oils, which can also make it more prone to dryness and irritation.

In many cases, sensitive skin is a symptom of something else. Conditions like acne, or rosacea often come with increased sensitivity.

Different types of sensitive skin:

Dry skin: Happens when your skin loses too much water and oil. It often feels rough, tight or itchy and may flake, crack or look red. Common on hands, feet and lower legs. Usually brought on by weather, hot showers or harsh products.

Eczema: A long-term condition where the skin becomes inflamed and reactive. It can be dry, itchy, swollen or cracked, and may flare up with stress, allergens or certain products. Often needs ongoing care.

Irritant contact dermatitis: Triggered by direct contact with something harsh, like cleaning products or soap. Causes redness, itchiness, dry or cracked skin, and sometimes blisters or burning. Usually clears when the skin barrier is given time to repair, after avoiding the known irritant.

Acne: Blocked pores and inflammation can lead to spots, bumps or cysts. Acne-prone skin is often more reactive, especially when the barrier is compromised by over-washing or stripping products.

Rosacea: Skin may sting or burn, especially in the cheeks and nose area. Often flares with stress, heat, or dietary triggers. Acne rosacea is also form of rosacea with acne-like breakouts, redness and sensitivity.

Hives (urticaria): Raised, itchy welts that come on suddenly. Can be triggered by physical pressure (like tight clothing), temperature changes or contact with a substance. Welts may come and go quickly or last longer, depending on the types of hives and the cause.

What can trigger skin to feel sensitive?

You don’t have to be born with sensitive skin to experience it. Many people develop sensitivity over time. Environmental factors are common triggers. These include cold weather, sun exposure, wind, low humidity, air-borne allergens and high pollution.

Your skincare routine might also be playing a part. Products with strong active ingredients, alcohol or added fragrance can irritate the skin.

Overusing exfoliants or switching between too many products can also damage the skin barrier.

Lifestyle choices matter as well. Poor sleep, ongoing stress, smoking, high alcohol intake and nutrient deficiencies can all make skin more reactive.

Certain medications can cause sensitivity too, such as those used for blood pressure.

How to care for your sensitive skin

The most effective approach is to keep your routine simple and consistent. Choose gentle, non-fragranced skincare that supports the skin barrier.

Go for moisturisers with calming and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin or oat extract.

Protecting your skin from the sun is key. Use SPF daily, even when it’s cloudy.

Hydration is also essential, so drink plenty of water and apply moisturiser regularly to help keep your skin strong and comfortable.

If your skin continues to react or symptoms start affecting your quality of life, it’s worth speaking to our Nutritional Therapy Team. They can help uncover the underlying cause and guide you to treatments that will actually make a difference.

Natural ingredients and products to prevent and soothe sensitive skin

Products with gentle, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory ingredients help calm irritation and support the skin barrier.

Natural options like aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, and shea butter are said to be particularly effective. These ingredients work to reduce redness, dryness, and discomfort without clogging pores or adding harsh chemicals.

When shopping for suitable products, look for gentle cleansers that are fragrance-free and soap-free, soothing moisturisers and serums with calming botanicals, and natural oils like jojoba or rosehip to nourish the skin. We highly recommend switching to one of our natural ranges, such as Dr Hauschka as the products rebuild the skins acid mantle and microbiome. Alternatively call into our shop, or call us for advice.

Shop for products to soothe sensitive skin:

The Organic Pharmacy Honey Rich Nutrition Mask 60ml

Viridian Calendula & Hypericum Balm - Organic (60ml)

Dr. Hauschka Soothing Mask (30ml)

A Vogel Neem Cream 50g

Dr. Hauschka Almond Soothing Body Cream (145ml)