Let's talk about sensitive and sensitized skin. Ever noticed how some products caused some changes to your skin? It’s Esther the Esthetician here in today’s blog article, I will be answering the question ”Is my skin sensitive or sensitized?”

Sensitive vs. sensitized skin

Here’s how to tell the difference. We have to start by identifying the difference between skin conditions and skin types. It may sounds silly to some however, it’s a very common answer.

Here’s how I sum up the difference between the two:

Skin type = ”girl what’s your gene type?” in other word, skin is more of a genetics thing. Your skin type is more hereditary. Sensitive Skin = Skin Type

Skin Condition = ”excuse me, what’s the condition like outside today? Is it too hot to go for a run outside on the beach?” in other words, skin condition is connected with the environmental factors, your diet, your medication(s), and etc. Sensitized Skin = Skin Condition

Hope that made sense… If it doesn’t make sense to you… Let me know in the comment section below  my main goal is to simplify skin care for you.

Now, let’s continue with today’s topic of sensi versus sensitized skin. Now that you understand the difference between the two, let’s dig in a bit deeper. 

Sensitive vs. Sensitized skin 

Sensitized skin is often mistaken for sensitive skin. You need to know the difference because, the distinction between the two can make all the difference in how you care for that delicate skin of your.

 Sensitive skin is a condition that is part of your DNA, while sensitized skin happens as the result of daily habits and environmental factors.  

About Sensitive Skin

 Sensitive skin is a genetic condition that presents itself as persistent redness, flushing and sensitivity. The appearance of redness is due to a thin epidermis (the uppermost layer of skin) and blood vessels that are close to the surface of the skin. 

Our skin is made up of 3 major layers:

• Epidermis – the uppermost layer of skin the estheticians work on (Above the Dermis)
• Dermis – middle layer where majority of the action takes place
• Hypo-Dermis | Subcutaneous – Bottom fatty layer (Below the Dermis)

Sensitive skin types are generally the result of an impaired skin barrier that allows irritants to penetrate the skin. The most common sensitive skin type is rosacea which most often affects women aged 30-50. Other sensitive skin type include psoriasis, the presentation of thick, red and scaly patches on the skin accompanied by itchiness, irritation, redness and hypersensitivity; eczema, or dermatitis, showing up as a dry and itchy rash.  

Are there any products for Treating Sensitive Skin?

Battling sensitive skin conditions require the right products with a balance of active and soothing ingredients to improve the skin’s barrier function. I recommend:

Dry Skin Relief Bar®: formulated for psoriasis with 3% salicylic acid to break down the dead skin cell build up that leads to scaly patches on the skin.

Anti-Redness Serum: for instant soothing and calming reddened skin.

Hydrating Serum: to encourage and enhance the skin’s natural barrier function. 

About Sensitized Skin

Sensitized skin condition is the result of your environment. Many people experience a higher level of sensitivity to topical ingredients due to pollution in the air, poor diet, alcohol consumption or improper or overuse of certain topical products. Harsh products like alcohol-based toners can dehydrate and irritate skin resulting in a sunburn-like sensation: redness and skin that is very sensitive to the touch.  

Are there any products for Treating Sensitized Skin?

To improve sensitized skin conditions, determined the trigger &  eliminated it.

Is your skin sensitized from products or ingredients being used on the skin? I recommend that you start minimizing that product(s) usage immediately… either by using less of the product or by using the product fewer times per week until the skin can build up a tolerance. Incorporating hydrating ingredients can also help the skin become less sensitized.

I recommend the following:

Hydrating Serum: the perfect companion to products that include ingredients like retinol (which is essential, but can be sensitizing as your skin build your tolerance) this serum binds moisture to your skin and soothes your skin.

A more hydrating moisturizer: more moisture in the evenings can help improve and restore barrier function impaired by aggressive ingredients as well.

Broad spectrum sunscreen: some ingredients can cause the skin to be very sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays, making your skin quicker to burn. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen every day and reapplying every two hours you are outside will prevent sensitivities due to sun exposure. 

I hope today’s blog post has helped out. If you have any skincare questions… please don’t hesitate to DM me post them below this post. The health of your skin is in your hands. Take action in the right direction today.