Sensitive skin is not a disease but a skin condition characterized by a particularly weakened skin barrier due to dehydration, the natural aging process, inflammatory factors, or an imbalanced pH level. Therefore, it's essential to protect our skin with appropriate care routines and strengthen its barrier function. This lets our skin reacts less intensely to internal or external factors that trigger the uncomfortable symptoms associated with sensitive skin.
Triggers for sensitive skin symptoms
Sensitive skin can be affected by a range of factors, both external and internal. External influences, such as rising levels of pollution, have a significant impact on skin health, often resulting in heightened sensitivity for many individuals. Internal factors, including hormonal changes and dietary habits, can also contribute to the development of sensitive skin symptoms. It's important to note that reactions to these triggers can vary widely from person to person.
Below is an overview of external and internal factors that can lead to the uncomfortable symptoms associated with sensitive skin:
External triggers:
1. Allergens
Our skin can react sensitively to certain substances it comes into contact with, such as nickel, latex, specific chemicals, or inappropriate skincare routines. Additionally, allergens like pollen, house dust, and pet hair can trigger symptoms of sensitive skin, leading to unpleasant irritations.
2. Environmental pollution
Various irritants from the environment, such as fine particulate matter from soot and exhaust gases, cause oxidative stress in the skin, increasing its sensitivity. For this reason, many people in big cities experience symptoms of sensitive skin.
3. Sun exposure
Sensitive skin reacts more strongly to UV rays than normal skin, often resulting in redness and sun allergies. It is essential to protect sensitive skin with a sunscreen product that has a high SPF and is free of fragrances and preservatives.
4. Cosmetics
Ingredients like colorants, synthetic antioxidants and lanolin in cosmetic products can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. You should choose cosmetics that are free of these ingredients, provide intensive hydration, and strengthen the skin's barrier function.
5. Temperature fluctuations
When sensitive skin is exposed to rapid changes in temperature—such as heat, cold, or wind—the body releases histamine, a molecule that causes itching and irritation. Since histamine dilates blood vessels, temperature fluctuations can also lead to redness.
6. Clothing
Rough wool or synthetic fabrics can strongly irritate sensitive skin. Tight clothing or scratchy seams should also be avoided. Natural materials such as viscose, silk, hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo are recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Internal triggers:
1. Diet
Spicy foods and alcohol can irritate not only the stomach but also sensitive skin. For instance, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can trigger a heat sensation that causes sensitive skin to flush and burn. Excessive alcohol consumption weakens the skin's defense function, leading to more frequent inflammation and dryness.
2. Hormonal changes
Hormones influence the condition of our skin throughout our life. Estrogen, for example, plays a crucial role. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease, affecting collagen production and the skin's ability to retain moisture. This results in drier, less elastic, and more sensitive skin. Other life stages, such as puberty and pregnancy, also involve hormonal fluctuations that can make the skin more sensitive.
3. Stress
Stress and emotional strain can promote inflammation in the skin. Stress-induced neuropeptides can cause rashes and redness, while elevated cortisol levels weaken the skin barrier. This makes the skin more susceptible to external irritants and impairs its ability to naturally regenerate.
The right care for sensitive skin
For people with sensitive skin, the skin barrier is often weakened due to dehydration, the natural aging process, inflammatory factors, or an imbalanced pH level. They should therefore adopt a skincare routine tailored to their skin's needs to strengthen its natural protective function. Providing the skin with long-lasting and intensive hydration can significantly support its ability to maintain its barrier function. The following skincare tips are crucial to strengthen sensitive skin in the long term.
Skincare routine tips for sensitive skin
Daily cleansing for balanced pH levels
Those with sensitive skin should use products that balance the skin’s pH level and provide gentle, long-lasting hydration. Daily cleansing with a toner, such as the reveel Balancing Facial Toner and the Moisturizing Cleansing Foam is essential. This helps lower the skin’s pH level after it becomes imbalanced due to tap water or soap.
Regular face masks for intensive hydration
Sensitive skin benefits greatly from regular use of hydrating face masks, such as the reveel Collagen Face Mask. The collagen molecules and hyaluronic acid in the mask form a moisture net on the skin, binding hydration. Collagen peptides stimulate collagen synthesis, while Liftonin™ Xpress creates a three-dimensional net on the skin. The skin becomes deeply hydrated (with a 38% increase after 20 minutes)1, tightness diminishes, and the skin is firmed, with fine lines appearing smoother.
"On-the-Go" care products
Morning and evening skincare routines may not always be enough to soothe sensitive skin throughout the day. Stress, dry office air, or air travel can cause tightness, itching, and increased sensitivity. Hydrating "on-the-go" products, such as the Collagen Serum Spray, provide an instant boost of hydration. The native collagen creates a moisture net on the skin, immediately firming and hydrating it. Daily use of the spray has been shown to increase skin hydration by 19% after four weeks.²
Gentle moisturizers—morning and evening
Sensitive skin requires daily care. A gentle moisturizer used morning and evening helps strengthen the skin barrier, preventing symptoms of sensitivity. The reveel Refining Moisturizer provides intensive hydration and supports the skin’s natural regenerative powers, restoring moisture depots in the epidermis and increasing hydration by 46% after a single use.³ For mature skin, which tends to be drier and more sensitive, the Comforting Moisturizer is ideal. It effectively rehydrates the skin, balances lipid production, and boosts hydration levels by 110% after a single use.⁴ This strengthens the skin barrier and provides a protective shield.
Protection against oxidative stress
Oxidative stress caused by environmental pollution and UV rays is a key trigger for sensitive skin symptoms. Vitamin C is a vital ally in strengthening the skin. The reveel Vitamin C Concentrate (with 79% L-ascorbic acid) neutralizes harmful environmental factors and simultaneously acts as a powerful collagen synthesis stimulator. It is well tolerated but still an acid, so those with sensitive skin should begin by cautiously testing the concentrate. It is best to do this whe n your skin is doing well and not irritated. If your skin tolerates the Vitamin C Concentrate well, daily use is recommended for long-term skin strengthening.
1 Dermatest GmbH, Münster, 2013, n=10
² Dermatest GmbH Münster, 2013, n=20
³ Dermatest GmbH Münster, 2019, n=10
⁴ Dermatest GmbH Münster, 2019, n=10
