
skin diagnosis
What is meant by sensitive skin?
Understanding Skin Condition
Sensitive skin is a term used to describe skin types that are particularly sensitive to external influences. It can be easily irritated, dry, red or itchy, often as a reaction to cosmetic products, environmental factors or even stressful life situations. Sensitive skin is not necessarily a skin disease, but describes a condition of skin sensitivity that is related to a reduced skin barrier and a higher reactivity to stimuli.
The right care for sensitive skin
cleaning
Use a mild, soap-free cleansing gel or cleansing milk without alcohol or aggressive surfactants. Avoid hot water to avoid skin irritation and dryness.
peelings
Avoid frequent or aggressive peelings and chemical exfoliants as these can damage the skin barrier. If you use peelings, opt for gentle, enzymatic peelings.
moisturizer
Use moisturizing products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier and bind moisture.Soothing ingredientsProducts with aloe vera, chamomile, panthenol or calendula are particularly soothing for sensitive skin and help relieve redness and irritation.Avoid fragrances and alcohol
sun protection
Sun protection is especially important for sensitive skin, as UV radiation can further damage the skin. Make sure you use a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) and choose mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), as these are often better tolerated.
Use a mild, soap-free cleansing gel or cleansing milk without alcohol or aggressive surfactants. Avoid hot water to avoid skin irritation and dryness.
Avoid frequent or aggressive peelings and chemical exfoliants as these can damage the skin barrier. If you use peelings, opt for gentle, enzymatic peelings.
Use moisturizing products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier and bind moisture.Soothing ingredientsProducts with aloe vera, chamomile, panthenol or calendula are particularly soothing for sensitive skin and help relieve redness and irritation.Avoid fragrances and alcohol
Sun protection is especially important for sensitive skin, as UV radiation can further damage the skin. Make sure you use a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) and choose mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), as these are often better tolerated.
Supporting the skin in everyday life
Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with antioxidant-rich foods like berries and green vegetables and healthy fats like omega-3 supports skin health. Managing stress through yoga or meditation can soothe the skin. Drinking plenty of water helps hydrate the skin from within.
Hygiene tips: After cleansing, gently dry the skin with a soft towel without rubbing to avoid irritation. Avoid hot water and shower with lukewarm water to protect the skin. Use a humidifier to protect the skin from dry air. When washing your hands, use mild, moisturizing soaps and dry your hands gently. Use mild, fragrance-free care products and avoid harsh peelings. After exercise, the skin should also be dried gently to avoid irritation.
Stress management: Stress can worsen skin problems such as redness and itching. Managing stress through yoga, meditation, walks and relaxation techniques is important. Regular sleep and a balanced diet also promote skin health.
Causes of sensitive skin

Internal influencing factors
Hormonal fluctuations affect skin sensitivity because hormones such as estrogen and progesterone change the skin structure and its responsiveness. During puberty, oily or sensitive skin can occur. During pregnancy, many women report increased sensitivity. During menopause, falling estrogen levels lead to a weaker skin barrier and drier skin. During the menstrual cycle, the skin can also react more sensitively due to hormonal changes.
Genetic predisposition: Some people have naturally more sensitive skin that reacts more strongly to external stimuli.
Common in people with a family history of skin diseases such as rosacea, neurodermatitis or psoriasis.
skin diseases:
neurodermatitis(Atopic dermatitis): Sensitive skin with recurring inflammation.
rosacea: Redness and visible blood vessels, especially on the face.
psoriasis: Rapid skin cell renewal leads to flaky, inflamed and sensitive skin.
aging processes: As we age, sebum production decreases and the skin loses its ability to retain moisture, resulting in more sensitive skin.

External influencing factors
While internal causes play a role, external influences can also put additional strain on skin health. It is important to recognize these factors and take targeted measures
environmental influences:
- stress: Chronic stress causes the release of cortisol, which promotes inflammation and weakens the skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive and aggravating existing skin problems such as rosacea or eczema.
- nutrition and nutrient deficiencies: A lack of fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc weakens the skin barrier and increases sensitivity. A diet rich in fat and sugar promotes inflammation.
- medication intake: Medications such as retinoids, cortisone creams, antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs can dry out the skin and increase its sensitivity.
One weakened skin barrier is a common cause of sensitive skin. It protects the skin from environmental influences and moisture loss, but loses its function when it is damaged. Causes include harsh cleansers, hot water, excessive exfoliation and extreme temperatures. A weakened barrier leads to dry, sensitive skin. Irritating ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, acids and preservatives in cosmetic products can increase this sensitivity.
Internal influencing factors
Hormonal fluctuations affect skin sensitivity because hormones such as estrogen and progesterone change the skin structure and its responsiveness. During puberty, oily or sensitive skin can occur. During pregnancy, many women report increased sensitivity. During menopause, falling estrogen levels lead to a weaker skin barrier and drier skin. During the menstrual cycle, the skin can also react more sensitively due to hormonal changes.
Genetic predisposition: Some people have naturally more sensitive skin that reacts more strongly to external stimuli.
Common in people with a family history of skin diseases such as rosacea, neurodermatitis or psoriasis.
skin diseases:
neurodermatitis(Atopic dermatitis): Sensitive skin with recurring inflammation.
rosacea: Redness and visible blood vessels, especially on the face.
psoriasis: Rapid skin cell renewal leads to flaky, inflamed and sensitive skin.
aging processes: As we age, sebum production decreases and the skin loses its ability to retain moisture, resulting in more sensitive skin.
External influencing factors
While internal causes play a role, external influences can also put additional strain on skin health. It is important to recognize these factors and take targeted measures
environmental influences:
- stress: Chronic stress causes the release of cortisol, which promotes inflammation and weakens the skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive and aggravating existing skin problems such as rosacea or eczema.
- nutrition and nutrient deficiencies: A lack of fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc weakens the skin barrier and increases sensitivity. A diet rich in fat and sugar promotes inflammation.
- medication intake: Medications such as retinoids, cortisone creams, antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs can dry out the skin and increase its sensitivity.
One weakened skin barrier is a common cause of sensitive skin. It protects the skin from environmental influences and moisture loss, but loses its function when it is damaged. Causes include harsh cleansers, hot water, excessive exfoliation and extreme temperatures. A weakened barrier leads to dry, sensitive skin. Irritating ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, acids and preservatives in cosmetic products can increase this sensitivity.


Recognize common features
The different types of sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can manifest itself in different forms.
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Oily, sensitive skin
- Reactive, sensitive skin
- eczema-sensitive skin
This type of sensitive skin is often also dry or dehydrated. The skin has a weakened skin barrier and tends to lose moisture. The combination of low moisture and sensitive skin leads to itching, flaking and redness.
Oily skin is often associated with increased sebum production, but people with oily skin can also be sensitive. In this type of skin, the skin barrier is also weakened, so that the skin is more prone to irritation and inflammation despite an oily surface. This skin is prone to blemishes, pimples and enlarged pores, but is still sensitive to external stimuli.
Reactive skin is particularly sensitive to stimuli that would not normally cause a skin reaction. This skin often reacts with redness, burning, itching or even rashes when it comes into contact with certain ingredients or environmental factors.
Eczema or neurodermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease in which the skin reacts very sensitively to external stimuli. This skin is prone to severe itching and inflammatory reactions, especially when it comes into contact with certain irritants.
Frequency of Sensitive Skin in Different Phases of Life
Around 40-60% of the world's population suffers from sensitive skin, with women being more affected (60% vs. 40% in men). Young people and those with fair skin are particularly susceptible. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and air pollution as well as hormonal fluctuations increase sensitivity. Common symptoms are redness, itching and tightness. A weakened skin barrier affects 70-80% of those affected, which promotes moisture loss and irritation. 70% prefer mild products for care, and 90% regularly use sunscreen. Stress and lack of sleep can worsen symptoms.

