Sensitive skin can be a skin characteristic or a symptom of complicated skin disease. Many people can’t recognize they have sensitive skin until exposed to a triggering factor. The stimulant for skin sensitivity may vary from person to person, depending on genetics, skin type, age, gender, and generalized health condition.
However, common possible causes of sensitive skin are listed below.
7 Causes of Sensitive Skin
Allergies
Contact dermatitis- the response of sensitive skin to a certain irritant, varies according to the types of allergens and their severity. Sensitive skin causes skin rash, inflammation, or itchiness when it comes in contact with an allergen.
The most common allergic stimulants are pollens, laundry detergents, skin care products, plants, and pets. Identify the type of allergen making your skin hypersensitive to prevent the problem in the future.
Hormonal Imbalance
Women are more prone to sensitive skin due to hormonal fluctuations. Research claims that hormonal changes in women during menstruation and menopause increase the skin sensitivity symptoms such as pimples, itching, redness, and skin dryness.
Moreover, the disturbance in estrogen or androgen hormones level may result in PCOS, leading to acne, wrinkles, and fine lines. You can avoid the negative consequences by adding multivitamins to your diet.
Ultra Violet Rays
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can trigger your immune system, making it more photosensitive. Certain OTC medicines, genetics, skin type, and cosmetics can increase skin sensitivity, causing rash and itchiness.
Research claims that sun-sensitive people have an increased risk of skin cancer, which is even more in non-Hispanic whites than Blacks and Hispanics. Thus, preventing direct sun exposure and using sunscreen are essential to protect from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Skin Diseases
Inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and rosacea may cause hypersensitivity. Irritants causing the disease easily penetrate the skin and damage its protective barrier.
Certain skincare products having hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides may help protect the skin from the damages caused by skin sensitivity. However, consulting your dermatologist will help relieve the symptoms of hypersensitive skin.
Autoimmune Disorders
The immune system of a person suffering from autoimmune disease starts attacking his own body instead of protecting it. Skin sensitivity is a common phenomenon that occurs in this case. The most common autoimmune disorders that negatively affect the skin are psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Climatic conditions
Harsh winters and burning sun are more common causes of skin sensitivity. Studies suggest that low humidity levels and low temperature may make the skin more susceptible to mechanical stress while damaging the protective skin barrier.
Environmental Pollutants
One of the biggest challenges for people with sensitive skin is to keep them protected from environmental pollutants. Skin cells behave as a protective barrier between the body and surroundings, but prolonged exposure to environmental toxins makes the skin more susceptible to infections. Pollution induces oxidative damage to the skin, making it rough, dehydrated, and itchy.
To Wrap it Up
Skin sensitivity is quite aggravating, but luckily, numerous treatments are available. A good moisturizer and consultation with the dermatologist are typically all required for relief. Keep track of any food or environmental factor that aggravates your skin and devise a defense strategy accordingly.
