12 Sensitive Skin Questions, Answered by Top Dermatologists

Sensitive skin refers to a range of conditions, from genetic ailments, such as rosacea and eczema, to severe allergies, Dr. Marmur explains. While many people can have a skin reaction at some point or another from exposure to a product or ingredient, those with persistent issues are classified as having sensitive skin.

Sensitivity to the sun is a big one, Dr. Marmur says. You also may have sensitive skin if your skin reacts easily to new products, stings, tingles, flushes, turns pink, is bumpy, or breaks out easily, she explains. Other common symptoms include redness, itchiness, dry patches, and frequent rashes.

The root cause of sensitive skin is inflammation, Dr. Marmur says. It is now more often referred to as inflammaging, because it accelerates the breakdown of collagen and extracellular matrix leading to redness, flaky, and irritable skin. This condition can last for a short period of time, but it is often chronic. Sensitive skin can be genetic when linked to rosacea, eczema, or other skin conditions like lupus or hormonal issues.

Eyes are the number one place for women to develop skin allergies, which usually aren't caused by eye cream, says Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist at Yale School of Medicine. Think of all the things you touch during the day: "People get allergens on their fingers — nail polish and gold and nickel in jewelry are common culprits — and then rub their eyes," Dr. Graber says. "You may not have a reaction on the thick skin on your hands but may develop one in the delicate eye area." The fix is simple: Avoid touching your face.

Here's some good news: "The healthier your skin is, the less reactive it'll be, as allergens can get into dry and cracked skin more easily," says Emmy Graber, M.D., a dermatologist at Boston University School of Medicine. To keep skin in peak condition, swap out soap, which can strip skin of its natural oils, for a non-soap cleanser, like Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. Follow by applying a moisturizer with ceramides to help strengthen the top layer of your skin (a good bet is CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM). If all else fails, cutting back on the number of products you use can also help keep symptoms under control.

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First and foremost, avoid fragrance, a frequent cause of allergies, as well as anything labeled "antibacterial" (which may contain drying ingredients such as alcohol and triclosan). Choose sensitive skin products rich in moisturizers to help keep your skin balanced; Dimethicone, glycerin, and petrolatum are all good options that are generally well-tolerated.

And while there are no industry standards for products labeled "hypoallergenic" or "for sensitive skin," using these cosmetics is a good place to start if your skin is very reactive. (We like VMV Hypoallergenics, an allergy-tested skincare and makeup line.) Also remember: The fewer ingredients you put on your skin, the less likely you are to have a reaction.

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Not necessarily. Plenty of natural ingredients are irritants and allergens: "Tea tree oil and lavender are two big ones," explains Dr. Graber. While these types of products are less likely to contain irritating parabens, many still have added fragrance, which can also cause reactions. So read ingredient labels carefully.

Symptoms like redness, itching, bumps, or flaking can flare up immediately after you try a new beauty product — or can take days to appear. The time lag can make it difficult to suss out the culprit. So if you're prone to reactions, do what derms call a "use test." Apply a bit of the product on your inner arm, cover with a bandage, and then keep the area dry for 72 hours. If your skin is still smooth and intact, you have the green light to use the cosmetic as directed. If your skin reacts, that's obviously a red light: You have either an irritation or an allergy. Only a patch test from a dermatologist can determine if it's an allergy, but the takeaway is the same: Don't use the offender.

"You can develop an allergy at any time because, just like your other organs, your skin changes as you age, and this can suddenly sensitize your immune system to something it used to be able to tolerate," Dr. Gohara says. "I see it all the time in middle-aged women, especially those who use a lot of products." Dr. Marmur has had similar experiences. "One of my patients had a favorite lipstick that she'd worn since she was 18, but after many years, she developed an allergy to one ingredient in it," she says. "She was sad to switch but relieved to have an easy cure."

Another possibility: Even though, say, a lotion retains the same name and packaging, a tweak in its formula or a new ingredient may be to blame. If you develop a problem, check with the manufacturer about any changes in formulation. The easiest move is to stop using that item.

If the itching is accompanied by flaking and tightness and your skin isn't pink or red, it's likely just dryness. Apply a petrolatum-based moisturizer or ointment, like Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief Cica Ointment, daily. Another option: an anti-itch cream like Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion, which contains menthol to trick nerves into feeling a cooling sensation that detracts from the itching. If you also have bumps or hives, try an oral antihistamine; if it's accompanied by a rash, opt for an OTC cortisone cream. But if you itch all over, see a doctor, as this can be a sign of something more serious, like thyroid disease, Dr. Gohara explains.

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It may. "Age and hormonal changes make your skin drier and thinner and thus more susceptible to reactions," Dr. Graber says. And while some conditions, like eczema, can begin early in life, others, like rosacea, typically appear in people in their 40s. If you're noticing increased sensitivity, check the anti-agers you're using; some common ingredients, like retinol, are known irritants. For a gentler option, stick to peptide-based products (try Good Housekeeping Seal star Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Fragrance-Free).

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We know living with sensitive skin isn't easy. The condition can be confusing and is easier to eliminate if there is one single cause — like an ingredient. While unfortunately there isn't a quick diagnostic sensitive skin test, your dermatologist can help treat it. There, you can undergo a skincare history analysis and possible patch test, Dr. Marmur suggests. They can help you eliminate likely triggers, prescribe medicines to calm skin and reduce inflammation, and suggest effective in-office and at-home treatments.

For professional treatments, Dr. Marmur recommends IPL (Intensed Pulse Light) treatments and BBL (Broadband Light) photofacials. IPL works similar to laser therapy: In addition to treating sensitive skin, it's used to help reduce the signs of aging, lighten dark patches, and improve the appearance of scars and veins. A BBL photofacial is a corrective phototherapy treatment that targets signs of aging, sun damage, and other skin conditions, including sensitive skin. It can help make skin clearer, smoother, and more vibrant. She suggests completing three to five sessions over three to five months.