Skin suddenly sensitive and itchy? You might be allergic to something or are experiencing an underlying skin condition. Read more for:
- Why is my skin so sensitive all of a sudden
- Sensitive skin symptoms
- How to treat sensitive skin
Why is my skin so sensitive all of a sudden
You may have always had perfect skin since you were young. Or maybe you struggled with acne and oiliness for a time but eventually saw a difference in your skin.
However, your skin may become dry, itchy, or irritated. How did your skin become so sensitive in such a short period of time?
It's possible that your skin has been sensitive for as long as you can remember, or that it has abruptly changed. It's aggravating in either scenario and figuring out what creates extra sensitivity in your skin so you can avoid it is vital. Sensitive skin isn't always a recognized skin condition. A multitude of factors can produce sensitive skin, including:
1. Dryness
It's possible that your skin is naturally dryer, making flaking, redness, and irritation more likely. If you have dry skin and utilize treatments or substances that dry it out, even more, your skin may become reactive and sensitive.
2. Rosacea
Rosacea is another pretty prevalent skin condition. Symptoms include skin redness and flushing, as well as little bumps or pimples.
It causes severe skin sensitivity, necessitating a gentle skin care regimen as well as plenty of moisture. It's also a good idea to discuss treatment alternatives with your dermatologist, as well as any extreme irritation you're experiencing.
3. Damaged Skin Barrier
You may notice that your skin is irritated, red, or itchy and that a rash of new breakouts has appeared, similar to dry skin. If you use powerful chemicals like retinol or AHAs/BHAs too often or without moisture, you may have ruined your moisture barrier.
Your skin's moisture barrier is the top layer that protects it from the elements and bacteria that could harm it. When you use too many harsh chemicals or your skin doesn't get enough moisture, the top layer of your skin might be damaged and cause increased sensitivity.
4. Seasons
Throughout the year, the weather, climate, precipitation, and allergy symptoms change. Because we are unable to acclimate to the sudden changes that occur, these shifts may be hard on our skin.
As a result of especially cold weather, high allergy counts, or a sudden change in the temperature you're used to, your skin may become imbalanced, resulting in sensitivity and irritation.
Always wear sunscreen, and if allergens are high, a long outdoor hike should be postponed until things settle down.
5. Eczema or Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are two skin conditions that would almost certainly necessitate the help of a dermatologist. It affects your skin's ability to protect itself from irritants, causing irritation and dryness.
You'll experience dry, peeling, and even rough skin as your eczema flares up. Because psoriasis can be chronic and flare up at any time, it is categorized as an auto-immune disease.
Rough, flaking skin may develop, especially on the knees, elbows, and scalp. If you have one of these conditions, moisturize your skin on a regular basis and get professional help if necessary!
6. Age
Our skin changes as we grow older and proceed through life stages. Your skin type as a teen may differ from your skin type as an adult in their 30s.
Your skin may have gotten more sensitive because you're pregnant, going through menopause, or going through your menstrual cycle. It's possible that your skin is simply becoming drier and more sensitive as you age.
Make sure you follow a consistent skincare routine and use adequate sunscreen to keep your skin as healthy as possible.
7. Lifestyle
You could be using more active ingredients than usual, spending a lot of time in the sun, traveling a lot, or skipping out on your skincare routine.
It's possible you're worried or trying out new skincare products. Whatever it is, certain daily activities can have an unanticipated effect on our skin and cause irritation.
Consider any changes in your life that may be influencing your skin and keep your basic skincare routine to help restore balance if you're experiencing increased sensitivity or irritation.
What causes a skin allergy?
According to Dr. Francesca Sy-Alvarado at the Cetaphil event entitled, Cetaphil Skin Awareness Month, when you have sensitive skin, you need to avoid allergens and irritants.
“Anything that is too much in a concentration of a certain ingredient can cause weakening of the skin barrier.
Irritants can be strong detergents, rough fabrics that rub so much against the skin, high concentrations of exfoliants and skincare products, and heat.
Allergens on the other hand differ in individuals depending on their sensitivity. Generally, when you go to a dermatologist, we would go to the safe side and actually like say that okay, you can try to avoid like some skincare ingredients.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid fragrances and some syrup and preservatives. But I have to emphasize individual differences in skin sensitivity. Not everyone will be sensitive to these ingredients.”
A few of the usual allergens and irritants include:
1. Nickel
This metal, which can be found in jewelry, belt buckles, zippers, and bra hooks, is the most common cause of contact dermatitis. Learn how to avoid nickel poisoning.
2. Fragrances
One of the most common triggers is the chemicals in perfumes, lotions, and other scented products. Find out more about fragrance allergies.
3. Ingredients found in everyday things at home
Preservatives and metals found in everyday objects can irritate the skin:
- Cleaners
- Sunscreens
- Cosmetics
- Hair dye
- Antiperspirants
4. Latex
Natural rubber is found in many products, including:
- Condoms
- Balloons
- Disposable gloves
- Bottles for infants
5. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
Allergies are triggered by urushiol, a type of oil found in certain plants. Learn more about allergies to poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
READ MORE:
Discover More Ways To Healthy Skin with the Cetaphil Face Range
A Skin Irritation and Flare up Guide: Will Baby Lotion for Sensitive Skin Help?
Sensitive Skin affects over half the population; studies say
Sensitive skin symptoms
Skin suddenly sensitive and itchy? Dr. Peter Katz, a board-certified dermatologist at Forefront Dermatology says that a consistent criteria for characterizing sensitive skin does not exist among dermatologists. The easiest way to figure out your skin type is to pay close attention to how your skin reacts.Dr. Katz lists the following six common signs and symptoms of sensitive skin:
1. Your skin is quite delicate.
If you have sensitive skin, you've probably observed that soaps, detergents, smells, fragrances, skincare products, and household items can irritate, dry, or redden your skin. Cold, sunlight, and wind can also set off flares.
2. You notice some redness.
The majority of people who have sensitive skin have some level of redness. This can manifest as a red rash, red pimples, blushing and flushing, or even red dilated blood vessels. After the irritant is removed or with minor therapy, the redness normally fades.3. Your skin has become parched.
Dry and sensitive skin frequently coexist. Acne outbreaks and skin cracking are possible side effects. You are more likely to get dry skin problems in cold, dry weather and when exposed to the wind. Use a mild moisturizer and protect your skin from the elements to combat it.4. You have several rashes.
A red, dry, flaky, or bumpy rash may appear when sensitive skin is exposed to a trigger. This is especially true for products like face creams that are put to your skin and then left there. After being touched, a rash may occur quickly. Rashes can be painful, unsightly, and long-lasting. Being allergic to something, on the other hand, is far more dangerous than having sensitive skin.5. You're prone to breakouts.
You may get acne-like breakouts with red bumps and pustules if you have sensitive skin. You might find that trying to heal your pimples with an acne cleanser or cream just makes matters worse.6. You get tanned easily.
The sun's detrimental effects are especially vulnerable to your delicate skin. If your skin is already inflamed or peeling, you're at an even higher risk. When you're outside, you should always use sunscreen, especially on your face. Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as other sunscreen ingredients may cause allergic reactions. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is also recommended.How to treat sensitive skin
- Shower for 5 to 10 minutes in warm water, not hot.
- Use essential oils instead of fragrances.
- Exfoliants and astringents should be avoided at all costs.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free soap
- Use organic cleaning materials as much as possible.
- Shave using a cream or gel every time.
- Use a moderate, fragrance-free laundry detergent
- Pat yourself dry gently (rather than rubbing) and immediately apply moisturizer after a shower. Invest in skincare that targets dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
- Test new products on a small patch of skin for at least one day before applying them all over.
As a piece of final advice, Dr. Sy-Alvarado says that,
“We can have normal lives when you have sensitive skin, it's just a matter of finding the right combination of products, we have to learn to embrace sensitive skin. And the right skincare is actually a good form of self care.”
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