Skin Reactivity: Causes And Treatment Options
With increased sensitivity, the skin can react with redness, dryness, irritation and other complaints that could be confused with other skin diseases. Find out interesting facts about this topic today.
The skin reactivity is a relatively common problem that is usually attributed to an increased sensitivity by several factors. This leads to redness, dryness, irritation or other discomfort that appear suddenly and sometimes for no apparent reason.
This phenomenon is more common in women. Statistics show that around a third of the female population suffers from it. For some, the symptoms are so common that they become practically habitual and considered normal. Many dermatologists find it difficult to classify these skin complaints correctly.
Skin reactivity is also known as “sensitive skin”, “intolerant” or “irritable” skin. However, all of these terms are not precise. It’s not a disease as such, but the effects can still be bothersome and unsightly. Would you like to know how this happens and what can be done about it? Then read on!
Skin reactivity: what is it?
The reactions of sensitive skin are technically referred to as skin reactivity, as this expression is a little more precise. The resulting symptoms are unpleasant symptoms such as burning, itching or pain.
One speaks of skin reactivity only if there is no disease that is causing the skin discomfort. So it is not an allergic reaction to a certain substance (such as soap) that could explain the symptoms.
In addition, the symptoms are not continuous, but they keep recurring. Often they are due to the use of certain cosmetics.
Causes of Skin Reactivity
The causes of the skin reactions mentioned have not yet been adequately researched scientifically. However, there are three hypotheses that explain this phenomenon:
- Epidermal hypothesis: The natural skin barrier of the epidermis could be damaged. Therefore, it cannot provide any protection against certain external factors.
- Biochemical hypothesis: In this case there are disturbances in the TRP channels (transient receptor potential channels ). These channels are located in the outermost layer of skin and nerve endings.
- Neurogenic hypothesis: This hypothesis assumes that affected people have fewer intraepidermal nerve fibers. They also release more inflammatory mediators.
Furthermore, researchers were able to identify various factors that can lead to skin reactivity. These include the following:
- Incorrect use of cosmetics
- Continuous exposure to harmful chemicals
- environmental pollution
- Heat treatment or radiation
- Extreme temperatures
- Certain medicines
- stress
- lack of sleep
- Low humidity
- alcohol
- Spicy or spicy foods
Care measures to prevent unpleasant skin reactions
People who suffer from hypersensitive skin reactions need to be extra careful when choosing care products. It is best to seek advice from a dermatologist who can recommend specific products.
In addition, certain beauty routines are very important in order to thoroughly but gently cleanse the skin and provide it with sufficient moisture. Sun protection is also essential and should be reapplied every two to three hours.
Aggressive or irritating cosmetics are definitely not recommended. The products should not contain propylene glycol, TCA or AHA, alcohol etc. Moisturizers containing retinoids and hydroxy acids are also not recommended. In addition, those affected should refrain from using anti-aging products and irritating peelings.
The best way to cleanse and moisturize the skin is to use gentle lotions and milk, which you apply with a light tapping motion instead of rubbing it into the skin.
Final remark
The treatment of skin reactions can be complex and diagnosis is not easy either. First, other skin diseases must be ruled out, after which the dermatologist recommends specific care products.
In some cases, the doctor usually prescribes very efficient drugs. This is the case, for example, with atopic dermatitis. It is particularly important to provide the skin with plenty of moisture, also from the inside, by drinking plenty of water!
