Sensitive Skin Overview

You might have accepted your irritated skin as a part of life, but sensitive skin has a few easily treatable causes. Rosacea is one common culprit of sensitive skin. This chronic disease manifests in small, pus-filled red bumps on the face, and the condition can vary in severity. Although there's no cure for rosacea, there are treatments, such as topical medications and oral antibiotics, which can lessen irritation. If you think you may have rosacea, talk to a dermatologist [source: Mayo Clinic].

Another condition that's often mistaken for sensitive skin is eczema. Eczema is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the skin and patches of thick, cracked skin on the hands, feet, knees, ankles, wrists or chest [source: Mayo Clinic]. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response of the immune system to unidentified triggers. There are many different types of eczema, but the most common is known as atopic dermatitis, and it affects 9 to 30 percent of the U.S. population [source: WebMD]. If you have eczema, your doctor may prescribe oral medications or ointments that contain steroids [source: Mayo Clinic].

In addition to underlying medical causes, sensitive skin can also be caused by severely damaged skin or a reaction to sun or wind exposure [source: WebMD]. Ingredients in the skin care products you use can also cause skin sensitivity. Keep reading to learn more about these irritants.

Red, blotchy skin isn't the norm when cleansing your face, but if your cleanser or moisturizer irritates your skin, you may be having an allergic reaction to an ingredient. If you suspect a certain ingredient is causing the reaction, avoid products that contain it [source: WebMD].

Fragrances and preservatives are the most common culprits when it comes to sensitivity or allergies to skin care products. Try products labeled "fragrance-free" or "without perfume" -- even products labeled "unscented" could contain fragrances that mask chemical scents. Preservatives are more difficult to avoid -- any skin care product that contains water must contain some preservatives. Parabens are the most commonly used preservatives, and they include Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone and formaldehyde -- all have been linked to skin allergies [source: WebMD].

Some other ingredients in over-the-counter skin care products can also irritate sensitive skin and should be avoided -- these include alcohol, beta hydroxyl acids and retinoids. Also, steer clear of antibacterial or deodorant soaps -- use mild soaps or soap-free cleansers instead [source: Zamosky].

Keep reading to learn more about caring for sensitive skin.

Whether you have a chronic skin condition or skin that just always seems to be irritated, making a few small changes in your daily skin care regimen can help improve your skin.

Avoid using soaps that contain fragrances or have antibacterial or deodorant properties. Instead, choose a mild, soap-free cleanser with a low pH that's less likely to irritate your skin [source: WebMD]. As a general rule, purchase cosmetics that contain as few ingredients as possible, and limit your use of hydroxy acids, granulated scrubs and alcohol-based toners. If your sensitive skin is already irritated, try products that contain rose, lavender or chamomile to soothe red, itchy skin, and to exfoliate, opt for a gentle scrub that contains blueberry seeds [source: Scirrotto].

Using a daily moisturizer can help relieve skin that's become sensitive as a result of overdrying. You can also keep your hydrated by taking short showers in tepid water, gently patting skin dry and applying a moisturizer within three minutes of showering to lock moisture in [source: American Academy of Dermatologists].

Whether your sensitive skin is the result of an ongoing medical condition or a reaction to a product, it requires extra care. Check out the links on the following page for more information on treating sensitive skin.