WHAT IS SENSITIVE SKIN?
Sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis, but a skin state where the barrier is easily irritated or reactive. It may feel tight, sting, flush or become red in response to products, environmental changes or internal stress.
Sensitive skin can be temporary or ongoing, depending on the underlying cause.
SENSITIVE SKIN FAQS
Sensitive skin is often linked to a compromised skin barrier. When the barrier becomes weakened, moisture is lost more easily and irritants can penetrate the skin more readily.
Common contributing factors include:
• Over-exfoliation
• Harsh or overly active skincare
• Stress
• Weather changes
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Environmental pollution
Often, sensitivity develops from doing too much rather than too little.
Sensitive skin is often confused with other conditions.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes persistent redness and flushing.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a medical condition that typically involves dry, itchy and inflamed patches.
Allergic reactions are triggered by a specific ingredient or substance and may cause swelling or rash-like symptoms.
While sensitive skin can feel uncomfortable or reactive, ongoing or severe symptoms should always be assessed by a medical professional. Our role is to support barrier repair and reduce reactivity safely.
Yes — but treatment selection must be carefully considered.
Sensitive skin does not mean you cannot have professional treatments. It simply means the approach needs to prioritise calming inflammation, strengthening the barrier and avoiding unnecessary stimulation.
Gentle, structured treatments can actually help improve skin resilience over time when performed appropriately. The key is accurate assessment and a tailored plan.
Skin can become reactive for many reasons, and it isn’t always obvious what the trigger is.
Changes in weather, stress, hormones, illness, travel, diet, overuse of active ingredients, new products or cumulative barrier damage can all contribute — sometimes in combination.
Because sensitivity is nuanced, a thorough consultation is often the quickest way to identify patterns, rule out obvious irritants and create a supportive plan that calms the skin without overwhelming it.