Sensitive and very sensitive skin

How to recognize and properly care for sensitive or very sensitive skin, and when to consult a health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of persistent or severe skin problems.

The term "sensitive skin" or "very sensitive skin" is used to describe skin that is easily irritated or reactive to various factors such as skin care products, temperature changes, stress or allergies. Sensitive or very sensitive skin is becoming increasingly common due to a variety of factors, such as pollution, exposure to UV rays, hormonal changes, stress and excessive use of skin care products. 

Common symptoms of sensitive skin can include redness, itching, tingling, burning and painful sensations. If you have sensitive skin, you may be more sensitive to irritating or allergenic ingredients in skin care products, cosmetics or fragrances. To avoid aggravating symptoms, it's important to be vigilant when choosing your skin care products and cosmetics.

In addition to environmental or hormonal factors, some skin conditions will also cause uncomfortable or even painful skin reactions. Here are some of the most common skin conditions, along with general information on their causes, symptoms and management tips:

Acne - Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the skin's hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. Common symptoms include pimples, blackheads and cysts on the skin. Hormones, bacteria, diet and stress are acne's great allies, and in order to reduce its appearance and eliminate it, it's advisable to use only gentle cleansers, use products without comedogenic oils, avoid touching the face and maintain a healthy diet. Non-comedogenic beauty products can be used to cover pimples, but it's important not to clog pores with make-up products.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis: Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, red, scaly and itchy skin. The exact causes of eczema are unknown, but it may be due to genetic, environmental or allergenic factors. Tips for managing eczema include using moisturizers, avoiding known triggers such as chemicals, stress or allergens, and taking gentle skin care. Beauty and make-up products should be limited and chosen with care, avoiding irritants and selecting skin-friendly products.

Psoriasis - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, thick, scaly patches on the skin. The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but it is probably due to genetic and environmental factors. Tips for managing psoriasis include the use of moisturizers, exposure to natural sunlight, oatmeal baths and drug treatments prescribed by a qualified health professional. Beauty and make-up products can be used, but it's important to choose products that are gentle on the skin and avoid those containing irritating agents.

Rosacea - Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness, dilated blood vessels, pimples and thickened skin. The exact causes of rosacea are unknown, but it can be exacerbated by factors such as heat, alcohol, spicy foods and stress. Tips for managing rosacea include using moisturizers, avoiding known triggers, using gentle skin products and taking gentle skin care. Beauty and make-up products can be used, but it's important to choose products that are gentle on the skin and avoid products that contain irritating agents.

Contact dermatitis - Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction of the skin to a foreign substance, such as nickel, latex, cosmetics or chemicals. Common symptoms include redness, itching, blistering and pain on the skin. Tips for managing contact dermatitis include avoiding known triggers, gently cleansing the skin and using moisturizers to relieve symptoms. Beauty and make-up products should be chosen with care, avoiding irritants and selecting skin-friendly products.

Seborrheic dermatitis - Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, scaly, oily patches on the skin, particularly on the scalp and oily areas of the face. The exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis are unknown, but it can be exacerbated by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, humid and hot climates, and certain skin care products. Tips for managing seborrheic dermatitis include using a mild anti-dandruff shampoo, avoiding known triggers and using moisturizers to relieve symptoms.

In summary, it's important to consult a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of any skin condition. General advice for managing skin disease includes using moisturizers, avoiding known triggers, using gentle skin products and taking gentle skin care. Beauty and make-up products can be used, but it's important to choose products that are gentle on the skin and avoid products that contain irritating agents.