Sensitive, irritated skin – causes and what helps

Small pimples, flaking or redness are just some of the possible signs your skin may show in response to external influences. How strongly these reactions appear depends on your skin type and the nature of the influencing factors. One thing is clear: skin irritation is unpleasant for everyone.

Sensitive, irritated skin then needs special attention. What the causes are and what helps—more on this in the following sections: Sensitive, irritated skin – causes and what helps.

Sensitive, irritated skin: these are the causes

Healthy skin can normally fend off external as well as internal influences naturally. However, if the skin barrier is disrupted, our skin often reacts with hypersensitivity. And once the skin is out of balance, it needs support to regenerate. Older skin in particular depends on help in this case, because collagen production, the ability to regenerate and the supply of moisture, i.e. the skin’s ability to retain moisture, decreases with age. In that case, it is important to respond as appropriately as possible. The first step is to find out what the causes may be in order to take suitable measures:

• Incorrect cosmetics and skincare

In many cases, skincare is a reason for such skin reactions. The range of products available today is incredibly diverse. The type and number of ingredients are difficult to keep track of. However, if the skin reacts sensitively, using more skincare is not necessarily the solution. More cleansing, exfoliating or applying cream is exactly the wrong thing to do. After all, it is not uncommon for the skin to react sensitively to the ingredients in the products used. Instead, it is good for the skin not to be burdened unnecessarily. The number of products should therefore be kept as low as possible.

• Friction

Whether it is an exfoliant or a facial brush to remove dead skin flakes, the towel after showering or after cleansing the facial skin, or even clothing that rubs against the skin: if the skin is already irritated and sensitive, this kind of friction only puts additional strain on it. Exfoliants or facial brushes do remove skin flakes, make-up or fine dust, but they can also attack the skin’s outer protective layer, making it more permeable to germs or bacteria. The skin’s reaction usually does not take long to appear: stimulation of sebum production. Further irritation and inflammation may follow. With repeated use, the already irritated and sensitive skin—and its natural defenses—are disrupted even more; a vicious circle, so to speak.

• UV radiation

In principle, sunlight is not harmful. On the contrary, sunlight stimulates the production of vital vitamin D in the body. Especially in seasons with little sunlight, a vitamin deficiency can occur—showing how important the sun is for us. However, if our skin is exposed to sunlight, i.e. UV radiation, for too long and without protection, skin irritation such as redness or even inflammation may result. People with fair skin are usually affected more often. This is because skin type is a key factor in how much protection the skin needs.

• Stress

It is no longer a secret that stress can affect skin health. How the skin looks, feels or reacts to external influences can be influenced by stress factors—whether stress as the skin’s reaction to too many or unsuitable ingredients, or stress experienced by those affected due to work, family or similar. Everyone reacts differently to stress, and the skin’s reactions are also individual. Those who generally tend to have dry skin may, as a reaction to stress, be more prone to irritated skin or even conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

With oily skin, however, signs of further blemishes or acne often become visible. The cause is often increased release of adrenaline. The body’s internal defense mechanism is therefore stimulated and inflammatory processes are triggered. To compensate, the stress hormone cortisol is released. If this hormone production remains consistently high due to ongoing stress, it has far-reaching consequences for the body and the skin.

Sensitive, irritated skin: tips for healthy skin

If the first warning signs appear on the skin, you should respond immediately. Below is a brief summary of our tips to support healthy skin:

1. When it comes to skincare, always use the right products. In this case, “right” means supporting the skin’s protective and defense function and not placing additional strain on it. With sensitive and irritated skin, always keep the amount of skincare to a minimum. This means a skincare routine of cleansing and care with only a few products, and as little make-up during the day as possible. Of course, in the evening, make-up, bacteria and other dirt from the day are always removed. This requires a more comprehensive skincare routine, but even that should always be done in moderation.
2. This starts with cleansing. Choose a cleanser with a pH value similar to that of the skin. After gently cleansing with water, you can then use skincare that meets your skin’s needs. When selecting products, the focus should always be on protecting and regenerating the natural skin barrier. In the morning, it is often enough to cleanse the skin with water only. A cream with skin-friendly ingredients and sun protection is then sufficient for the day. Products that provide moisture and are enriched with essential skin vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin E are recommended.
3. Depending on the season, the skin’s needs can change. A richer cream is often useful in winter, whereas at other times the skin should be supplied with sufficient moisture. Moisture is generally important for the skin and should not be neglected even if you have skin problems. Otherwise, the first fine lines may become visible. It often makes sense to identify the causes with an expert in order to provide the skin with the right treatment.
4. Friction can be reduced very easily, for example by avoiding exfoliants. A towel after daily facial cleansing is very similar to a mechanical exfoliant. To avoid further friction here as well, do not rub the skin dry; instead, pat it dry. In addition, if you have sensitive skin, always wear soft towels and clothing so that the skin can recover from the strain.
5. Skin irritation on the body or face can also be caused by too much sun exposure. In that case, scratching and too much skincare must be avoided to prevent making it worse. Instead, first remove chlorine or salt from the skin and then cool it. Adequate moisture is essential to support the skin’s regeneration. Irritated and sensitive skin needs special protection. A high UVA and UVB filter when choosing products can help—ideally free from fragrances and preservatives.
6. If stress levels increase, it helps to take a closer look at your living circumstances and initiate solution-oriented steps. Massages or relaxation exercises can provide initial relief. With reduced hormone release, the skin can also “relax”. Body and mind get the rest they need. More severe symptoms of already irritated skin are reduced.

Did you like the article: Sensitive, irritated skin – causes and what helps? More articles on the topic of skin or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis can be found in our Skin Journal and on our website. Enjoy browsing.