Have you noticed that there are more and more people with sensitive skin around us? I often receive messages from fans asking, "Why was my skin fine before, but now it reacts to everything?" So today, let's dive deep into the topic of sensitive skin.
In 2016, the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI) officially defined sensitive skin for the first time: it is a syndrome characterized by unpleasant sensations such as pain, burning, stinging, and itching. This condition is the result of the skin overreacting to stimuli that should not typically cause irritation.
Factors Related to Skin Sensitivity
According to statistics, over half of the global population reports having sensitive skin, with this trend gradually increasing in recent years. Skin sensitivity is related to the following factors.
Genetic Influence
Firstly, genetics play a role, meaning some people are naturally predisposed to having sensitive skin. Research has found that mutations in barrier-related genes, such as filaggrin and ceramide synthesis genes, can lead to reduced water content in the stratum corneum and increased transepidermal water loss. As a result, the skin becomes dry and more susceptible to irritation from external chemical substances or environmental changes. Compared to African Americans and Asians, Caucasians are more prone to erythema (redness), which might be due to genetic differences.
Women are more likely than men to have sensitive skin. Additionally, individuals with certain conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, acne, allergic rhinitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, are more prone to having sensitive skin.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as sun exposure, low temperatures, wind, humidity, heat, and the surrounding microbial environment can trigger symptoms of sensitive skin. Additionally, industrial pollution is a significant factor contributing to the development of sensitive skin. Interestingly, environmental microorganisms also impact the skin; for instance, some non-pathogenic bacteria found in rural environments help reduce skin sensitivity.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle habits play a crucial role in the development of sensitive skin. For example, excessive consumption of spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, and other substances that affect blood vessel dilation can increase the risk of skin sensitivity. The improper or excessive use of cosmetics in women and improper use of shaving products in men are considered key triggers for sensitive skin.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors are also significant. People under high stress are more likely to have sensitive skin. Additionally, the nocebo effect plays a notable role in sensitive skin. This means that if you believe a product is harsh and will irritate your skin, you may experience adverse sensations like itching and pain even if the product is a placebo.
COVID-19
COVID-19 might be an important reason for the increase in sensitive skin in recent years. Various skin conditions are associated with COVID-19, such as chilblain-like inflammatory skin reactions, rash-like eruptions, and erythema. A recent article published in Nature Communications in April highlighted that post-COVID, the risk of allergic diseases significantly increases. This is because the virus affects the immune system, particularly the function of regulatory T cells. Regulatory T cells are primarily responsible for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune responses and excessive immune reactions.
Additionally, due to the pandemic, people have had to wear masks for extended periods. The frequent friction, sweat retention, and increased temperature and humidity can disrupt the skin barrier, interfere with the skin microbiome, and increase skin sensitivity.
The above factors contribute to skin barrier damage, skin microecological imbalance, and skin nervous system disorders, making the skin especially sensitive. The consequences of sensitive skin are not limited to discomforts like itching, stinging, and redness. If neglected, prolonged irritation can lead to inflammation, and chronic inflammation can accelerate skin aging.
However, research has primarily focused on treating skin diseases like eczema and acne, with very few studies specifically targeting sensitive skin. The data available so far is insufficient to reach a consensus on managing sensitive skin. In simple terms, there is no unified treatment plan for sensitive skin yet.
Here are some of my recommendations for managing sensitive skin.
Recommendations for Managing Sensitive Skin
Firstly, Avoid Triggers
Avoid irritating ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products. Cosmetics and skincare products are major triggers for sensitive skin. Ingredients such as hair dyes, chemical sunscreens, acids, propylene glycol, fragrances, preservatives, soap bases, and sulfate surfactants are potential irritants and should be avoided or used cautiously.
It's important to note that trigger ingredients vary from person to person. Even if an ingredient works well for others, if it causes discomfort for you, it’s best to avoid it.
Avoid excessively humid or dry air, minimize extreme temperature changes, and protect your skin from wind and sun exposure. When air quality is poor, be sure to use an air purifier.
If spicy food or alcohol causes your face to flush and feel hot, it’s best to moderate your intake.
Avoid using facial cleansing devices and steamers to prevent over-stimulating your skin.
It is irresponsible to suggest that people with sensitive skin should avoid skincare products altogether. On the contrary, choosing the right products is a key step for sensitive skin management. The primary criterion is that the products should not irritate your skin, which is highly individualized. You need to be very attentive to how your skin reacts to different products.
Secondly, Choose Gentle Skincare Ingredients
Opt for products containing ingredients that help with hydration, barrier repair, and soothing. If the products include ingredients that protect against air pollution and regulate the skin microbiome, they are even better choices.
Increasing evidence shows that small fiber neuroinflammation and an overactive immune response are the main pathophysiological changes in sensitive skin, potentially even more prevalent than barrier damage.
Therefore, in addition to avoiding triggers and using gentle skincare, here are two more recommendations for those with sensitive skin to consider.
Finally, Consider Trying Two Methods
Firstly, consider taking yeast β-glucan supplements.
UNILIPO YEAST β-GLUCAN
Because there is sufficient clinical data demonstrating that beta-glucan can enhance immune function and regulate immune balance, thereby avoiding immune overactivity.
Secondly, consider trying LED light therapy
The skin of sensitive individuals often exhibits a reduction in C nerve fibers and is prone to overreactive inflammation. However, red and near-infrared LED light therapy not only aids in the repair and growth of neurons but also helps alleviate inflammation, promote skin healing, refine the skin's texture, and reduce wrinkles—all in one go.
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