If your skin has been dry, flaky, or irritated as of late, then you might need a redness intervention. You’re not alone since the incidence of sensitive skin is at an all-time high. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 50 percent of people in the United States experience the irritation of inflamed skin at some point.

“Sensitive skin is characterized by redness, itching, stinging, swelling, and flaking,” says Jessica Wu, MD. Skin cells usually act as a barrier by holding water in and blocking irritants from entering the body but, when that function is compromised, the result is sensitivity.

Consult this checklist of the most common red flags indicating sensitivity to see if your skin barrier is in need of repair.

Rosacea

Your skin flushes red at the drop of a hat. Whether your face turns red after cleansing or just from facing the gust of a chilled wind, your skin’s propensity to flush is a sign that its barrier function has been compromised. While the redness may indicate simple sensitivity, it could also be a symptom of rosacea, which is a skin condition that's further marked by broken blood vessels and small pimples that tend to cluster around the nose, cheeks, and chin.

The American Academy of Dermatology classifies rosacea as a subcategory of sensitive skin. If you suspect you have rosacea, a dermatologist can offer remedies to control the condition so that your life will be minimally affected. Anti-inflammatory ingredients that do not cause irritation are the mainstay of treatment for this difficult condition. They effectively reduce the redness and inflammation caused by rosacea and prevent facial flushing.

Fragrances

Skin care products and cosmetics often burn. Because the skin barrier is thinner in people who have sensitive skin, fragrance blends and active ingredients can penetrate more easily, causing stinging and burning. If you have an immediate reaction to several brands of soaps, cleansers, or fragrances, then you very likely have sensitive skin.

>Fragrance is the most notorious cause of irritation for those with sensitive skin and that many find significant relief by just switching to fragrance-free items. Most dermatologist agree that “deodorant” soaps or highly fragranced soaps contain strong detergents and should not be used on the face. Soap-free cleansers such as mild cleansing bars and sensitive-skin bars, along with most liquid facial cleansers, have a lower pH than soaps. These cleansers, along with cleansing creams and disposable facial clothes, have less potential for facial skin irritation.

Ceramide Defense

You frequently have the urge to itch. A skin barrier that isn’t functioning correctly not only allows irritants into the body but, allows the good stuff out, like water. Dryness is often the trigger of itching. According to the Mayo Clinic, two of the most common causes of dry-skin itch are cold weather and excessive washing in hot water.

The best strategy for relief is to moisturize generously and often with a ceramide-rich lotion. Ceramides and lipids are key ingredients in the skin barrier and can help restore your natural defenses. These products help your skin retain moisture so it resists drying and abrasion.

Flakes

Your skin’s forecast often involves flakes. The difficulty sensitive skin has in retaining and regulating moisture can translate into continuously shedding flakes. Often the cause is overuse of chemical exfoliants like retinoids and glycolic acid. Simply reducing the frequency of their use should relieve the flaking.

For truly sensitive people, there may not be an obvious reason for the flaking. It’s often very difficult to find products that won’t worsen the problem,” says Dr. Wu. Hyaluronic acid, however, may be the magic bullet. The moisturizing substance can hydrate and help heal your skin.

It’s also essential that you support your skin’s ability to self-moisturize by eating a healthy, balanced diet. One that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.  Also, drinking plenty of water, in order to maintain hydration in the body.

Contibuting Source:  Daily Glow