Dry skin is usually sensitive, and might react with irritation if in contact with harsh detergents, soaps or unsuited cosmetic products. When the skin’s barrier function is disturbed, allergens, irritants, pollutants and microorganism can penetrate the skin more easily.
Sensitive skin is not always related to dryness. In either case, it is important to avoid skin care products that contain irritating ingredients such as perfumes and colourants. Always check that the product is dermatologically tested on sensitive skin. Read more about sensitive skin in general or specifically on face or body.
Hypersensitive skin, a more frequent and severe form of sensitive skin, reacts quickly and strongly to triggers that are usually well tolerated by normal skin. These triggers include environmental factors, such as extreme temperature changes and atmospheric pollution, psychological factors like stress, and external factors including spicy food, alcohol, detergents and most skin care products. Contact results in unpleasant skin sensations such as, among others, stinging, itching or burning. To manage hypersensitive skin, sufferers need to minimise exposure to known triggers and follow a special, active skin care routine to increase skin tolerance, reduce irritation and restore skin comfort. Read more about hypersensitive skin in general or hypersensitive facial skin.