Spotlight on Skin Types: Sensitive Skin
Spotlight on Skin Types: Combination
Skin is classified into different types, including normal, oily, dry, and sensitive. While some people have a combination of one or more of these skin types in different areas, it is important to understand what constitutes each and how they should be cared for.
Additionally, a person’s skin type can change over time. Younger people are more likely than older people to have a normal skin type, but they can also experience more oily skin during puberty and other life changes.
Skin types vary depending upon a combination of factors. They include the following characteristics of your skin:
- Water content – This affects your skin’s comfort and elasticity.
- Lipid (oil) content – This affects your skin’s softness and nutrition.
- Level of sensitivity – This affect’s your skin’s tolerance to certain substances.
In order to take better care of your skin, here is some information that will tell you a bit more about each type. This post is part of a series spotlighting the different skin types. Tune in next week for another type.
Sensitive Skin Type
If your skin is sensitive, it’s helpful to find out why so you can stay away from things that make it react. You may have sensitive skin for a variety of reasons, but often in response to particular skin care products.
Sensitive skin can show up as:
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning
- Dryness
These are a few of the most common reasons for sensitive skin:
Acne: Acne is from oil in the skin that clogs pores and allows for the overgrowth of skin bacteria. Certain ingredients such as coconut oil and avocado can cause acneoutbreaks. Ask a dermatologist what might work best for this type of sensitive skin. Treatment may include:
- Tea tree oil
- Antibiotics
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Retinoids
Rosacea: Rosacea is a common skin condition with symptoms including flushing, pimples, and broken blood vessels. Avoid products that contain vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids. Treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatories.
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis can be caused by allergens or irritants. If you’re allergic, your immune system makes antibodies against certain substances, causing a reaction. A dermatologist can perform patch testing to see if you are allergic to a substance such as a fragrance or preservative. You can also be sensitive to irritants, but not truly allergic. It’s important to realize that even natural or organic ingredients, such as essential oils and fragrance, can cause reactions in sensitive skin.
Common skin irritants include:
- Bath soaps
- Detergents
- Eye cosmetics
- Moisturizers
No matter what type of skin you have, there are ways to treat it and get it in better shape. If you need some help with your sensitive skin, contact a member of our team of board certified dermatologists here at Knoxville Dermatology Group.
Would you like to learn more about the treatments and products available for your combination skin? Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
