Sensitive vs Sensitized Skin: What's the Difference?
Yes!
Judging from our previous experience, we have had clients with irritated or dry skin contact us, thinking they have sensitive skin. But when we examine them, we discover that is not the case. Rather, they were just experiencing sensitized skin. Are you confused about this?
All right! Let’s simplify it – Not all skin that exhibits irritation, redness, itchiness, burning, peeling, and other inflammatory symptoms should be classified as sensitive skin. In some cases, it may be that the skin condition at that moment was aggravated, leading to such symptoms.
So, while these symptoms may vary in different persons, it’s up to you to consult a licensed skin care professional who can decipher the real cause of your issue. As your committed skincare brand, we are here to educate you and give you an idea of how to identify and solve the problem. However, if you find yourself experiencing similar symptoms as listed above and you are not sure whether you have sensitive skin or your skin is sensitized.
Please join us on this ride.
Let’s move!
What Is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is one of the commonly known skin types. It is genetic and naturally more prone to reactions when they come in contact with certain conditions or substances. For instance, if you find your skin easily turning red, itchy, or possibly developing breakouts at any slightest chance, that indicates that you may have sensitive skin.
While this skin type shares similar symptoms with sensitized skin, it’s good to know that these issues are ongoing or recurring in sensitive skin. Sometimes, it might be connected to your hormones. Also, sensitive skin tends to have lesser pigment. Hence, this entails why they have weaker protective barriers against harsh environmental factors.
What Is Sensitized Skin
Similar to sensitive skin, sensitized appears blotched with noticeable dryness and irritation. That’s why most people mistake them because of their similar appearance. Sensitized skin is typically triggered by internal or external factors, such as overload/harsh skincare products, medication, poor diet, harsh weather conditions, stress, excessive UV rays exposure, etc.
Despite these similarities, one outstanding difference is that sensitive skin is considered a skin type, whereas sensitized skin is considered a skin condition which can be resolved. Technically, sensitized skin is temporary, while sensitive skin is permanent. To identify which one is likely yours, join us in the next paragraph.
How To Tell If You Have Sensitive Skin or Sensitized Skin
Yes! This is where it becomes confusing for many. But do not worry. We are here to help.
The first question to ask is whether there has been any history of anyone with sensitive skin in your family.
Secondly, do you normally experience unrelated skin allergies often? If your answer is yes. Then, you mostly like to have sensitive skin. But be rest assured that It’s still nothing to worry about. With a good skincare routine, you’ll be fine.
On the other hand, if your skin suddenly starts exhibiting reactions or inflammation. Then, chances are that your skin has been sensitized recently. It’s now left for you to track the recent changes you’ve made on your skin. It can be a change of environment or new skincare products with ingredients that trigger your skin.
Caring For Sensitive Skin
If you are struggling with sensitive skin, here are our recommended product picks and simple skincare routine to take good care of your skin:
Gentle Cleansing
To avoid triggering irritations or reactions, use only gentle or mild cleansers that won’t strip your skin of its natural oil, such as our Blanco Purifying Cleansing Gel
Use Nourishing Serum
Since sensitive skin has a weaker skin barrier, we recommend using nourishing serums like our Silky Serum to draw in water and protect the skin.
Soothing Moisturizers
To limit the recurrences of irritations and lock in moisture, use soothing moisturizers, such as our Mary Calm Cannabis which provides a calm sensation to the skin.
Apply Sunscreen Always
Damaging UV rays from the sun are one of the chief triggers that cause redness in sensitive skin. Always apply sunscreen daily, like our Sunblock SPF 50 Regular, to protect your skin.
Caring For Sensitized Skin
In this case, identifying and avoiding your exact triggers is very important. After that, you may switch to the following routine with their recommended products:
Gentle Cleansing
Like sensitive skin, you wouldn’t want to introduce another ingredient that may trigger your skin. Hence, switch to mild cleansers like our Blanco Purifying Cleansing Gel.
Introduce Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for wound healing and skin restoration. At this point, use our Aloe Vera Gel for corrective measures against the effect of your previous external skin stressors.
Nourishing Moisturizer
To help your skin recover from that irritation, we recommend Ita Nourishing Cream. This product won’t moisturize your skin. It will also enhance and rejuvenate your skin barrier.
Protect With Sunscreen
Like in every other skin, we highly recommend applying our Sunblock SPF 50 Regular, which provides 24-hour protection around the sun. Please never skip this step.
Takeaway
Not all skin that exhibits irritation, redness, itchiness, burning, peeling, and other inflammatory symptoms should be classified as sensitive skin. Sometimes, it may be that our skin condition is just sensitized. When you feel like your skin is sensitized, the first thing to do is to identify the triggers and ultimately remove or protect your skin from them.
If you need more clarification or still need the professional attention of our Top Estheticians, kindly book a free consultation or schedule an appointment in our physical location in Florida.
Your skin deserves the best!
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