10 Common Questions and Answers about Sensitive Skin

Are you struggling with how to treat sensitive skin? Have you run out of ideas on how to treat sensitive skin on your face? Don’t worry.

1. What is Sensitive Skin?

Whether you’re wondering, ‘why is my skin so sensitive all of a sudden?’ or you’ve been dealing with sensitive skin for years, let’s take a quick look at what exactly this skin concern entails.

Sensitive skin is a term that refers to skin that easily overreacts and inflames when it comes into contact with certain substances. Skin that is sensitive may have -

• Red and blotchy patches
• Dry areas
• An inflamed appearance
• Irritation and breakouts
• Itchy patches

2. What Causes Sensitive Skin?

If you’re experiencing sensitive skin, you may find it hard to pin down exactly what’s causing it, or you may be able to quickly determine what the problem is. Some people who have sensitive skin are purely genetically predisposed to it, while others will develop sensitive skin at certain times in their lives.

Sensitive skin can be caused by things such as -

1. Developing an allergy to a certain washing powder
2. Contact dermatitis which is often a reaction to fragrances, nail varnish, hair colourants etc
3. Wearing jewellery which has nickel in it
4. Overexposure to heat or hot water

Sensitive skin is often caused by your skin’s outer protective barrier breaking down. This could occur as a result of the environment, an underlying health condition, or dehydration.

3. Is Tea Tree Good for Sensitive Skin?

If you’re struggling to find something to cleanse your skin with, you could try tea tree. This oil is antimicrobial and antiseptic and can help relieve a range of skin conditions from a dry, itchy scalp to dry or blemish-prone skin. Tea tree can also easily be diluted in either coconut, almond or olive oil so that it isn’t so potent on your skin.

4. Can I Use Retinol on Sensitive Skin?

To all of you asking the question, ‘can I use Retinol if I have sensitive skin’, you’ll be pleased to hear that yes, you can. Retinol is available in different strengths so you’ll need to start with a low concentration and then work up as your skin gets used to it. The Ordinary 0.2% retinol serum in squalane is a good starting point.

5. How to Treat Acne on Sensitive Skin?

It can be a major task working out how to treat sensitive oily acne prone skin. But, fear not, it can be done! In terms of a topical treatment, your go-to ingredient should be azelaic acid.

You can buy this in an off-the-shelf product, or you can opt for a treatment such as the Azelan Acne Peel at Este. Ideal for all skin types, this treatment has an anti-fungal and comedolytic property that can target multiple types of acne.

6. Is Exfoliating Good for Sensitive Skin?

Exfoliating can often be much too harsh for sensitive skin – especially if you’re considering scrubbing your face or using a mechanical device. Doing this can further damage the skin’s barrier, and if you’re suffering from sensitive skin, it’s a definite no-no.

However, there are mild chemical products that offer gentle exfoliation. You could try a product such as The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% and HA 2%, or look for mild exfoliators with salicylic acid.

7. Is Microneedling Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Microneedling is a great tool in the battle against sensitive skin and may even be an ideal method for how to increase skin sensitivity too. That’s because microneedling helps boost the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin – two proteins that work to create stronger, healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

‍Microneedling is considered safe for all skin types, but if you’re worried, please speak to us about this during your initial consultation.

8. Is Hydrafacial Safe for Sensitive Skin?

The facial on everyone’s lips these days is certainly the Hydrafacial, but if you’re unsure whether it’s safe for use on sensitive skin, then you’ll be happy to hear that it is. The only consideration is if you have an active rash as a facial could actually make it worse. If you’re just suffering from skin sensitivity, then a Hydrafacial should be fine.

At Este we’ve performed Hydrafacials on many of our clients and the results are enviable. Skin is cleansed, exfoliated, hydrated, and given a boost of LED light to help heal and rejuvenate skin from within.

9. Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Dry Sensitive Skin?

More good news as yet again, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’! Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin and can help -

• Wounds heal quicker
• Reduce lines and wrinkles
• Boost skin’s elasticity and firmness
• Improve skin hydration

10. Where can I get more Help?

If you’ve worked your way through all of these options and you’re still trying to figure out ‘why does my skin feel sensitive’, then come and talk to the skin experts at Este. We help people with all sorts of skin conditions from pigmentation to hair loss.

We offer ground-breaking treatments, and always listen to your concerns. Book in for your free initial consultation and together we can help tackle your skin sensitivity.