How to Take Care of Sensitive Skin: 6 Derm-Approved Tips

Does your skin easily react to certain triggers such as fragrances, detergents, and skin care topicals? Do you experience very dry skin in certain climates or seasons? Or are you struggling with facial redness, itching, or tingling? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have sensitive skin. 

Your skin’s health is our top priority at Revea. Our skin concierge team is dedicated to answering all your skin questions and concerns. So consider this your guide to taking care of sensitive skin at home. If your dry skin is severe, frequent, or otherwise concerning, we recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. 

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

Both internal and external factors can contribute to skin sensitivity. Inducers include UV exposure, air pollutants, dry weather, diet, alcohol consumption, stress, sleep, the menstrual cycle, stress levels, and genetics. With sensitive skin, the immune system is essentially reacting to an allergen or irritant the skin’s been exposed to. Our skin is often unable to adjust to external changes, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms. 

In addition to being caused by barrier disturbances, sensitive skin may also occur as a manifestation of facial dermatoses such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis. 

Who’s More Likely to Have Sensitive Skin?

Females are more likely to experience sensitive skin compared to males. Some research studies have also shown that sensitivity is most common among Caucasians followed by Asian groups. Skin sensitivity is less frequent for those with darker skin tones. However, other studies have shown no statistical difference between ethnic groups. Looks like this is a gray area. With research still being done, the science isn’t set in stone. 

How Common is Sensitive Skin? 

A 2014 study showed that approximately 44% of Americans have sensitive skin. That’s close to half of the population! Sensitive skin is not a disease, but an unhealthy skin condition. Those with sensitive skin are prone to stronger reactions to substances that come in contact with their skin, leading to adverse reactions. 

What Are The General Signs of Sensitive Skin? 

Sensitive skin comes from the breakdown of your skin’s protective barrier. Signs include: 

• Redness

• Inflammation

• Swelling

• Flaky patches 

• Peeling

• Scaling 

• Rough texture  

• Tightness 

• Mild cracks 

• Itchiness 

• Stinging

• Burning 

• Rashes 

6 Derm-Approved Sensitive Skin Tips 

With sensitive skin, you want to be thoughtful when it comes to skincare. Here are our top 6, derm-approved tips:

1. Limit Hot Shower Time: Hot showers can cause sensitivity, redness, and peeling. This damage to your skin barrier can also increase your risk of infection. Stick to lukewarm water and keep your showers to ten minutes or less. 

2. Avoid Scented Topicals: Try to avoid skin care products with irritating fragrances and preservatives. Opt for mild, gentle, and fragrance-free options. Always perform a patch test when trying out new topicals. 

3. Don’t Over-Exfoliate: The stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis) does not need to be removed frequently since it has its own metabolism. Over-exfoliating can easily affect the skin barrier, resulting in damage to the sebum membrane and the thinning of the stratum corneum. This in turn makes the skin more sensitive to external stimuli. We, therefore, suggest exfoliating no more than twice a week. 

4. Incorporate a Sensitive-Skin-Friendly Serum: Effective serums deliver ultra-concentrated actives deep into the skin. Moisturizing facial serums devoid of irritating ingredients can help calm redness, inflammation, and other sensitive skin conditions.  At Revea, our precision serums are 100% custom–based on more than 100 million data points analyzed from your skin scan. Each AM serum’s ingredients and levels are selected to suit your skin’s needs for the daytime. The precision PM serums are designed to optimize your skin’s unique physiology and natural repair cycles.  

5. Use a Moisture-Rich Hydrator: Keep sensitive skin hydrated with moisturizers rich in humectants. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin allow the skin to hold onto water molecules and retain moisture.  At Revea, our moisturizers are engineered to enhance the effects of your custom Revea AM & PM Serums while protecting your skin barrier. Formulated with niacinamide, gamma oryzanol, and glycerin, the skin is left protected and radiant. Plus, you get to choose from 4 different textures: an aqueous gel with a mattifying effect, a gel cream, a unique water-in-oil, and a rich cream.  Our formulations are free of fragrance, colorants, silicones, phthalates, and parabens. Revea is also cruelty-free. Our packaging is sustainable and refillable. 

6. Apply Sunscreen Daily: UV damage is invisible and intangible in the short term. To stay protected from the sun while being kind to your sensitive skin, opt for mineral, non-irritating formulas. Also referred to as physical sunscreens, this type of sun protectant sits on the skin’s surface and reflects UV rays. 

If you’re interested in more helpful tips and advanced information about skincare, follow us on Instagram @myrevea and sign up for our e-newsletter (we promise not to spam you!).