The Skincare Mistake That Causes Most Sensitive Skin

The Skincare Mistake That Causes Most Sensitive Skin

Many users who identify as 'sensitive skin' actually have over-exfoliated skin that's been damaged repeatedly. Innate sensitivity exists but is less common than the daily-acid routines that produce the symptoms.

How to tell the difference

Truly sensitive skin: reactive from childhood, family history of eczema/rosacea, reacts to many products in different categories. Damaged skin: developed sensitivity in adulthood, came on after starting actives, hasn't recovered despite years of avoidance.

The barrier-repair month

Stop all actives. Gentle cream cleanser, ceramide moisturiser, sunscreen only. Do this for 4 weeks. Skin recovers and starts tolerating products it previously reacted to. Reintroduce one active at a time, monthly.

If you've been 'sensitive' for years and it never fully resolves, try one month of pure barrier-repair. Many users discover their sensitivity was situational, not innate.