Sensitive skin can cause symptoms like redness, itching, dryness and irritation. While it’s not a medical diagnosis, it often signals that your skin barrier is irritated or weakened.
Many people experience sensitive skin at some point. Understanding what causes it and how to treat it can help you find relief and prevent flare-ups.
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin refers to skin that reacts easily to products, environmental factors and other triggers. Skin sensitivity means different things to different people. This is why it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact causes or even consistently identify skin sensitivity as a symptom of a more significant issue.
“Sensitive skin is caused when the sensory nerve endings in the upper layers of the skin, responding to sensations like touch, pain, warmth and cold, become irritated,” said Trevor Thompson, MD, a dermatologist with Banner Health. “The irritation occurs when the skin’s natural barrier is weakened or broken down by various triggers.”
Common causes of sensitive skin include certain products, environmental factors and underlying skin conditions. Soaps, laundry detergents, fragrances, perfumes and skin care products can cause skin sensitivity. Exposure to cold, sun and wind can cause skin irritation. Even getting older can make us more susceptible to irritated skin.
Sensitive skin can sometimes be linked to underlying skin conditions.
“Conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and allergic contact dermatitis could be mistaken for sensitive skin,” Dr. Thompson said. “These conditions can flare up and cause sudden skin sensitivity or irritation.”
How to treat and manage sensitive skin
Don’t let sensitive skin be a living nightmare. Dr. Thompson shared some ways you can achieve your best skin. These tips can help reduce irritation and protect your skin barrier.
1. Avoid overwashing or exfoliating too often
Cleansing and exfoliation are important for skin care, but overdoing them can worsen sensitive skin. Washing removes dirt, oil, makeup and can help prevent breakouts, while exfoliation can remove excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Just try not to overdo it.
“Overwashing often can strip natural oil levels from your skin and create unwarranted sensitivity,” Dr. Thompson said. “Exfoliating can be especially harsh on some skin types, such as those with rosacea, allergies or older skin.”
Stick to mild, gentle cleansers and use a gentle liquid exfoliator versus a physical exfoliator (any scrubs or polishes).
2. Keep it simple
Avoid products with added fragrances, dyes and unnecessary preservatives. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances to react to something.
“Generally speaking, look for fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free and hypoallergenic products,” Dr. Thompson said. “Products like these are a good place to start when looking for sensitive skin care products.”
3. Perform a test
Patch testing can help you figure out what may be causing your skin sensitivity. You can develop a reaction to products over time that you have tolerated in the past. Additionally, companies can change ingredients without major changes to packaging design.
If you are concerned about your skin reaction or response to a new skin product, apply a small amount of the product in a concealed area, like the inside of your arm. If you notice no redness or reaction to the product after applying it to the same spot for several days, you are likely not allergic to the product.
Additional testing for common topical allergens can be performed by your health care provider via patch testing.
4. Avoid long, hot showers
Excess heat isn’t great for the skin. Hot water can strip your skin of moisture and increase your skin’s dryness and sensitivity.
Stick to lukewarm water when cleansing and take short five-to-10-minute showers with warm, not hot, water.
5. Hydrate
Drink lots of water to help flush away toxins and rehydrate. Staying hydrated supports overall skin health. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate the skin.
6. Safeguard against the sun
Wear protective clothing and a large hat to minimize sun damage risk and sensitivity. In addition, choose a fragrance-free, broad spectrum sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin.
“Look for ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” Dr. Thompson said. “You’ll want to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.”
[Also read “How to Select the Best Sunscreen and Protect Your Skin.”]
7. Contact a dermatologist
Even if you’re careful about what you put on your face and body, you can still have a reaction. Some reactions may be mild, while others may be more serious.
If your symptoms persist, worsen or are difficult to manage, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
Call 911 or visit your nearest urgent care if you experience difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing and/or swelling in the mouth, throat or face. These are signs of a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Frequently asked questions about sensitive skin
What causes sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be caused by a weakened skin barrier, harsh products, weather changes or underlying conditions like eczema or rosacea.
How do I know if I have sensitive skin?
You may notice redness, burning, itching or dryness after using certain products or being exposed to environmental triggers.
What is the best skin care for sensitive skin?
Use gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid over-exfoliating or overwashing.
Can sensitive skin be treated?
Yes. Identifying triggers and using gentle skin care can help manage symptoms. A dermatologist can help if symptoms persist.
Takeaway
Sensitive skin is common and often linked to irritation, environmental triggers or underlying conditions. You may find that certain products or environmental factors cause you to get red, itchy or burning skin. However, there are medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms as well.
Contact your dermatologist to determine the cause of your skin condition and develop a treatment plan to get your skin clear no matter the reason.
Need help treating sensitive skin?
A Banner Health dermatologist can help identify the cause of your sensitive skin and recommend the right treatment plan.
For other skincare-related blogs, check out:
- How to Create a Self-Care and Skincare Routine for Psoriasis
- Acne Care Dos and Don’ts
- 7 Tips to Get Rid of Body Acne
- Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): What to Do About Blotchy Skin
Content in this article was updated on 5/4/26.
