Sensitive skin is a common term rather than a medical diagnosis. It is generally used to describe skin that has a reduced tolerance to the application of cosmeticand personal care products. Research suggests, approximately half of women and 40% of men may report having sensitive skin.

Many people say they have sensitive skin because skin care products, or household products that contact their skin, cause stinging, burning, redness, or tightness. Sensitive skin presents in a wide variety of ways with symptoms such as stinging, itching, burningand/or visible skin changes such as redness, dryness, scaling, peeling, bumps, hives.

Often, complaints of sensitive skin relate only to the face. Products that are tolerated on other sites cause irritation and rashes.

What is the difference between sensitive and normal skin?           

We all have a protective fatty outer layer on our skin. This is commonly known as the lipid (fat) barrier, and it performs two key roles: keeping water in, and keeping potentially damaging things, like UV rays, wind, heat, and harsh chemicals, out. Think of your skin barrier like a brick wall put together with mortar between the skin cells. That intracellular lipid mortar is partly composed of a form of lipids called ceramides. In sensitive or damaged skin, that mortar is weak or missing in some spots, making the barrier more permeable and the skin underneath more vulnerable. As a result, changes in weather, too much exposure to sunlight, exposure dust in the air, etc. can irritate the sensitive skin, and cause a burning sensation, tingling, itching or flaking of the skin, and sometimes erythema.

Some people are born with sensitive skin, it genetic and within our DNA. But sometime sensitive skin is caused by human factors. Pollution, humidity, stress and an overuse  cosmeticscan also be the main culprit of skin sensitivity.

Sensitive skin care is a long-term work. The principle of skin care is keeping hydrated, anti-inflammatory, repairing skin, and thickening skin. Here are some tips for those people who are suffered by sensitive skin.

When you have sensitive skin, it can feel like everything is irritating. But with a few lifestyle changes, you may see significant improvement.

Here are a few tips that can help anyone with sensitive skin:

1. take short showers with warm — not hot — water

2. use a gentle, fragrance-free soap

3. use essential oils instead of perfumes

4. use a gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent

5. Avoid harsh astringents and exfoliants, use mild and soothing skin care products. Try using products that contain ceramide and collagen, and avoid using products with contain alcohol and flavors.

6. Sun protection is important. Make sure you apply sunscreen before going outdoors.