Part 1 : Sensitive Skin
Sensitivity is an inherited or acquired condition caused by genetics and environmental stressors that cause ongoing trauma to the skin.
SYMPTOMS
- Redness and inflammation
- Temperature sensitivity
- Sunburns easily
- Blushing when hot, angry, consuming alcoholic beverages, exercising, or eating spicy foods
- Irritation to cosmetics
- Blotching
- Prone to breakouts
- Prone to rashes
- Thin, fragile, and/or healing skin
CAUSES
Inherited Sensitization
Sensitive skin can result from a complex interplay of biochemical pathways and factors, making it challenging to pinpoint a culprit. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach that addresses barrier function, inflammation, and triggers specific to the individual’s skin type and sensitivities. However, several key biochemical pathways commonly associated with sensitive skin are:
- Rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
Acquired Sensitization
- Allergies
- Sun, wind, cold, pollution
- Preservatives and fragrance
- Clinical or aesthetic procedures
- Skincare products that contain salicylic acid, retinoids, alcohol, fragrances, parabens, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Other influencing factors:
- Skin Barrier Function: Ceramide, fatty acid, or cholesterol deficiencies disrupt the skin barrier ’s function. This allows irritants, allergens, and pathogens to penetrate the skin more easily, triggering inflammation and discomfort.
- Neurogenic Inflammation: Nerve endings in the skin become overly responsive, leading to sensations of itching, burning, or stinging. Neurotransmitter-like substances can influence neurogenic inflammation.Neurotransmitters like substance P can influence neurogenic inflammation.
- Immune Response: Inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins, can cause an exaggerated immune response, particularly in individuals with conditions like rosacea or eczema.
- Oxidative Stress: Exposure to environmental stressors influences the balance between free radicals and antioxidants in the skin, which contributes to sensitivit y and inflammation.
- Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters like histamine and acetylcholine activate skin cell receptors, causing hypersensitivity.
- Innate Immunity: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and other components of the skin’s innate immune system sense and respond to external irritants and allergens.
