Do You Think You Have Sensitive Skin? Here's What Experts Want You to Know

"Sensitive skin can mean different things for different people," says Catriona Maybury, consultant dermatologist and medical lead for Dermatica. "Generally speaking, people often describe skin sensitivity as dryness or irritation, which can be a result of using a particular ingredient in cosmetics." Other potential triggers can include things like our diets, environment, hormones and genetics. "Often, people with sensitive skin either have eczema or a family history of eczema," adds Maybury. "And other conditions such as rosacea may also make skin more sensitive."

"There are a great number of factors that can contribute to our skin feeling sensitive," explains Maybury. "An underlying skin condition such as eczema can contribute towards a tendency to dryness and sensitivity. Internal factors such as genetics and hormonal changes seen in menopause can play a role, along with external factors such as temperature changes, wind and UV light, which can disrupt the skin barrier."

Of course, skincare products are another major potential trigger. "Skincare is becoming more active-led; where active ingredients such as retinoids and antioxidants are being incorporated into skincare products and routines," says Maybury. "These stronger ingredients can cause a degree of skin irritation in anyone as part of their normal mechanism, which can be perceived as skin sensitivity." This irritation is especially common when first starting to use these products or if they are used too often or at frequent intervals. "Some products can lead to a degree of irritation, particularly with recurrent use and in those with underlying skin conditions," she adds. "Examples include ingredients which can be damaging to the skin barrier such as alcoholic hand sanitisers and drying soaps. This is called an irritant contact dermatitis."

If you are experiencing sensitive skin, it’s important to work out if there has been a change in your skin routine or environment first and foremost. "New formulations or active ingredients may lead to some irritation, so it’s really important to keep your routine as simple as possible before you introduce a new ingredient," says Maybury. She recommends introducing new products gradually to see how your skin responds to each one.

"It is common to experience sensitivity during weather and temperature changes," she adds. "Using a thicker, hydrating moisturiser regularly, particularly during the winter will help." Sunscreen is also one of the most effective products in a routine for sensitive skin, since harmful rays of UV light can trigger inflammation, leading to burning and increased sensitivity. "Use of sunscreen before going outdoors is particularly important between April and October in the UK," says Maybury. "There are more UV rays present, which can burn the skin and increase sensitivity."

If getting to the root of your sensitive-skin issues proves particularly difficult, plastic surgeon and founder of 111 Skin and 111 Harley St. Yannis Alexandrides recommends seeing a dermatologist or aesthetician who can conduct tests to find out the cause. “Find out firstly what is causing your reactive skin and get a specialist to recommend a product and in-clinic protocol to best treat it. Then focus on strengthening the skin's barrier function,” he advises. “Most importantly, don’t ignore the issue, never neglect daily sunblock, and don’t experiment with home remedies or over-exfoliation.” If you’re considering a professional in-salon treatment, Alexandrides recommends IPL (intense pulsed light). “This can help take down redness and calm inflamed, reactive skin especially if someone has been diagnosed with rosacea,” he adds.