Just about half of us — 51 percent according to one study — think we have sensitive skin. It stings, it burns, it looks red and inflamed. And cosmetic companies have leaped to our rescue, launching countless products labeled "safe for sensitive skin." But surprisingly, dermatologists put the real number of sensitive sufferers far lower than one in two: "Some where in the single-digit percentages," says Neal B. Schultz, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. "There isn't a woman alive who hasn't been irritated by a product," says Schultz. "But that doesn't constitute sensitive skin." So what does? Experts diagnose sensitive skin by process of elimination, ruling out other cranky-skin conditions first. Sensitive or not, read on for skin-soothing advice that won't leave you red in the face.
What else could it be?
Allergies.
Product overuse.
Dry skin
Underlying skin disorders like rosacea.
3 Things We Do Know About Sensitive Skin
1. It doesn't just pop up out of the blue. "True sensitive skin is usually something you have had forever."
2. Flare-ups are frequent. Sensitive skin is frequently irritated by many common skin-care products. "The key words being frequently and common," says Schultz. "It's not unusual to feel a burning sensation after using a strong AHA on your skin, but if the stinging follows a gentle product, you might have a sensitivity problem."
3. It's genetic. If your mother's skin is easily fired up, it's likely she's passed the torch to you. Not surprisingly, the same people who easily burn in the sun (those of northern European ancestry — Celtic, Scottish, Norwegian, Scandinavian) are also prone to sensitivity. But that doesn't mean darker skin can't be sensitive. "While it's more common in those with fair skin and light eyes, I do see darker-skinned patients who have sensitive skin."
Sensitive Skin's Most-Wanted List
Here are the usual suspects behind skin irritation:
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Yahrasiel Colbert
The Real Spa Girl
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