If you suffer with sensitive skin it’s likely you’re keen to understand it more so that you can support and heal it. Sensitive skin can be troublesome at best – life-changing at worst. Effective treatments must target the source to work – so knowing how sensitive skin occurs and what reasons can be behind it is important. Here we share six common causes behind sensitive skin and ways each can be remedied to soothe and treat it in a sustainable and successful way.
Temperature changes
Have you ever noticed that your skin is especially sensitive when it’s particularly hot or cold? That’s because temperature change can make skin dry, tight and irritated. Sun exposure can also exacerbate sensitive skin – so it’s important to use a sunscreen suitable for sensitive types all year round.
Water type
Hard water (water with high mineral content) has been known to make sensitive skin worse. If hard water is a real issue for your skin a showerhead filter may help – or you may like to buy own-brand spring water to wash your face with. Hot water is also drying and irritating – if you have sensitive skin always minimise contact with water and avoid strong streams and very hot or cold temperatures. Instead lightly splash with lukewarm water.
Hormonal changes
Hormones are an integral part of the body’s maintenance of certain processes and states – and over fifty are responsible for working hard at any one time. Certain hormones found in both men and women can cause sensitive skin – and imbalance or natural changes affect your complexion. In women sensitive skin has been known to worsen at certain times within the menstrual cycle and during or after pregnancy.
Stress
Stress wreaks havoc with skin and many other bodily processes – and it’s been shown to reflect in the health of your skin, too. Stress has been linked to flare ups in conditions including eczema, acne and hyper sensitivity. Minimising stress is important for overall health and wellbeing – so working on this will help body and mind.
Irritants
Chemical irritants can be found everywhere – and they’re a common cause of sensitive skin. If you suffer with sensitive skin switch to gentle, natural products – especially cleansers and serums that can sometimes contain harsh astringents and surfectants. Avoid obvious irritants including chlorine and detergents as much as possible.
Poor diet and dehydration
Diet is a key factor in the health of skin – and it’s something we discuss at length on the blog. There’s little point spending money on expensive skincare if your diet isn’t nourishing and balanced. Hydration is also important for people with sensitive skin – so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water each day and supplement with green tea or other herbal formulas. Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages.
