Is Your Skin Sensitive or Just Sensitized?
Before you throw out your entire beauty cabinet, it’s crucial to understand the difference.
- Sensitive Skin is a genetic disposition. You may be prone to eczema, rosacea, or just have thinner skin that reacts easily.
- Sensitized Skin is a temporary condition caused by external damage. If your skin normally tolerates products but suddenly stings when you apply moisturizer, you have a damaged barrier. You aren’t “sensitive”—you are injured.
The “Reset” Protocol: What to Stop When your skin is red, hot, or stinging, it is crying out for a break. Stop all “active” ingredients immediately. This means:
- No Retinol
- No Vitamin C
- No Exfoliating Acids (AHAs/BHAs)
- No Physical Scrubs
The Healing Ingredients to Start Switch to a “bland” routine focused entirely on putting the fire out. Look for these star ingredients:
- Centella Asiatica (Cica): Also known as Tiger Grass, this is the gold standard for calming inflammation and redness instantly.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): A humectant that not only hydrates but accelerates the skin’s natural healing process.
- Allantoin: Extracted from the comfrey plant, this soothes irritation and softens rough patches.
- Oat Extract: Contains beta-glucans which reduce itching and redness.
The Timeline Stick to a fragrance-free cleanser and a barrier-repair cream for two weeks. Do not reintroduce your anti-aging serums until the stinging stops completely. Treat your face with the same gentleness you would treat a wound, and watch your skin’s resilience bounce back.