More than 20 percent of adults today have sensitive skin. Someone who has sensitive skin may notice burning, itching or stinging and sometimes a sense of tightness. Those with sensitive skin may easily react to ingredients found in their skin products as well as sudden changes in climate or stress levels. Sensitive skin can affect any one from any ethnic background, but it is seen more in fair-skinned women who are Caucasian.
Symptoms of sensitive skin include skin that:

1. itches, blushes or sunburns easily.
2. has a reaction to wool or latex.
3. breaks out from food allergies
4. breaks out from the change in a skin care product.
5. shows stress.

Many times the foods you eat can affect sensitive skin. Some people’s skin may be sensitive to particular skin care, cosmetics or health products. Other causes may include stress, medication, and the environment.

Treatment for sensitive skin varies greatly, but the best treatment is to stay away from products or activities that typically cause a reaction. If you know what skin care products causes irritation for your skin, avoid these products. If there are particular foods that cause a reaction, stay away from those foods as well. Sometimes, if you are unsure as to what is causing your reaction, try keeping a diary of the food you eat, products you use and your activities. Note each time the reaction occurs and you will find out what the cause is.

If you have sensitive skin, simplify the routine you have for your skin. Putting too many abrasive or harsh chemicals on your skin will cause more irritation and redness. Many exfoliating scrubs are too rough for people with sensitive skin. You will see better results by just rubbing your skin with a soft cloth.

Over-washing the skin is a mistake many people make with sensitive skin. Washing the skin more than two times a day causes more harm to the skin. It is also recommended to limit a shower or bath to 15 minutes or less and use warm water to wash, not hot water that only dries out the skin.

Sunscreen is important for all skin types, but most important for those with sensitive skin. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is recommended. If you are in the sun for more than two hours, swimming or sweating, sunscreen needs to be reapplied.