Did you know it is estimated that around 50% of the population describes their skin as sensitive. The real question is how many of those are truly sensitive versus reactive?
Have you ever used a new skincare product only to find out that your skin reacted negatively to it? It's not uncommon for people to experience skin sensitivity, but what exactly causes it? Contrary to common belief, skin sensitivity is not a condition in and of itself. Instead, it's a reaction that the skin has to a particular ingredient in a product. This article will help you understand skin reactivity due to over-exfoliating, gut inflammation, as well as other causes such as medications.
Sensitive vs Reactive Skin
Sensitive skin refers to a skin type that is naturally prone to adverse reactions to various external factors, including skincare products, weather changes, and certain foods. People with sensitive skin may experience symptoms like itching, burning, and redness when exposed to certain triggers, but they are generally less intense and are not typically harmful.
Sensitized or reactive skin, on the other hand, refers to skin that has become sensitive due to certain external or internal factors, like overexposure to sun, environmental harshness, pollution, or incorrect cosmetic use, and harsh chemicals or over-exfoliation. Reactive skin is usually temporary and can result in symptoms like itching, burning, stinging, and rash. If left untreated, it can become more severe and lead to skin damage or infection.
The primary difference between sensitive skin and reactive skin is that sensitive skin is a skin condition that people are naturally born with, while sensitized or reactive skin is caused by external or internal factors. While both conditions of skin may experience similar symptoms and reactions to certain triggers, reactive skin requires targeted treatment to address the underlying cause and restore the skin's natural barrier function. (For further information on the skin's natural barrier and its functions, please consult my earlier post.)
The Skin: An Incredibly Strong Protective Layer of Tissue
The skin, as we know it, is an incredibly strong protective layer of tissue that surrounds our body. It is designed to protect us from harsh external environments, prevent water loss, and regulate our body temperature. Our skin has several layers, each with its unique structure and functions, which work together to keep us healthy and protected.
Despite its incredible strength, the skin is also incredibly sensitive to certain ingredients, products, and external factors. This is because the skin is highly porous, allowing for the absorption of certain substances, including toxins, chemicals, and irritants.
What is Skin Reactivity
Skin reactivity is often described as an unusual reaction to products that are not harmful to most people. For instance, using a skincare product for the first time, which contains ingredients like fragrances,
preservatives, or dyes, can cause skin reactivity. Reactive skin is also more prone to environmental factors like sunlight, cold, and pollution.
Skin reactivity is not necessarily a bad thing. Some people have naturally sensitive skin, which may make them more likely to react to a variety of products. However, it's important to note that skin reactivity can also be caused by over-exfoliating the skin.
How Over-Exfoliation can cause Skin Reactivity
Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine. It helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, leaving your skin looking healthy and refreshed. However, over-exfoliating can cause a disruption in the acid mantle, leading to increased skin sensitivity therefore becoming reactive over time.
The use of acids in skincare products has gained widespread popularity as a home treatment for addressing issues such as anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and even conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Without proper education and guidance, the overuse of acids in skincare products can increase skin sensitivity over time by disrupting the skin's barrier function, leading to a weakened and compromised skin barrier. This allows irritants and toxins to penetrate more easily, causing inflammatory responses like redness, itching, and dryness. Additionally, excessive exfoliation with acids can strip away the skin's natural oils and moisture, leading to dehydration and further exacerbating sensitivity.
The acid mantle is a thin, protective layer that covers the surface of the skin. It is made up of sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, and sweat. The acid mantle helps protect the skin from environmental factors like pollution, sunlight, and bacteria. When the acid mantle is disrupted, it can lead to increased water loss from the skin, causing dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
Internal Gut Inflammation as a Factor in Skin Sensitivity
Studies have shown that internal gut inflammation can also be a factor in how the skin reacts to certain ingredients in products. When the gut is inflamed, the body releases inflammatory molecules that can cause a variety of reactions, including increased skin sensitivity. The skin functions as an organ for expelling toxins (organ of elimination), and conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis serve as indicators of an underlying internal problem.
When the gut is inflamed, certain foods can trigger an immune response, leading to an exacerbation of inflammation and a further increase in skin reactivity. To prevent this, it may be advantageous to avoid trigger foods, reduce stress levels, and adopt a healthy diet that supports gut health.
Medications as a Cause of Skin Sensitivity
Certain medications can cause the skin to react negatively, resulting in symptoms like redness, dryness, irritation, itching, rashes, and increased water loss. Some drugs are photosensitive, meaning they cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in sunburn in some cases. These medications can include antibiotics like tetracyclines (doxycycline), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and psychological drugs such as antipsychotics.
It's essential to read the instructions and inform your doctor or dermatologist of any reactions that may occur while taking medication to avoid severe side effects.
Skin sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including over-exfoliation, internal inflammation, and medication side-effects. Although the skin is a strong, protective layer of our body, it can be sensitive to certain substances and is porous. It is important to read instructions carefully when using skincare products or medications and talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you experience any adverse reactions. By understanding the causes of skin reactivity, you can take steps to prevent or manage symptoms and keep your skin healthy.
Below are a few things you can do at home to help improve these symptoms
Avoid toxic ingredients in skin care products such as fragrance, oxybenzone, triclosan, phenoxyethanol, parabens, phthalates, sulfates (SLS) (SLES), hydroquinone, BHA & BHT, and siloxanes. These ingredients are very popular in skin care products.
Enhance the skin's natural oil production to repair the acid mantle and boost genuine hydration to prevent water loss. DMK has the perfect two-step system which mimics the skin's natural acid mantle. You can assist in repairing the dysfunction in the acid mantle by utilizing DMK's Seba-E or Herbal Pigment Oil along with Herb and Mineral Mist or Aminodine Mist.
Recalibrate the skins natural microbiome by using DMK's three-step pre & probiotic system for two weeks every 3 months. This three-step system helps to reintroduce healthy bacteria and encourages the re-establishment of existing healthy bacteria essential to maintaining healthy skin. By rebalancing the skin's microbiome, we ensure the skin's immune and mechanical barrier functions are optimal.
Enhance your gut health and support digestion. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, lean protein, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins and support regular bowel movements. Reduce stress! Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health. Incorporate stress-reducing exercises into your daily routine. Physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements and promote gut motility. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night to support overall health, including gut health. Limit or avoid alcohol and processed foods! Both can disrupt gut flora and increase inflammation. Taking probiotic supplements can help replenish beneficial gut bacteria.
It is important to note that while these natural remedies can support gut health, they should not replace medical treatment or advice. If you are experiencing severe gut issues or symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea, it is advisable to talk to a medical professional.
Comments