We Heard You're Sensitive…

"Sooo your skin is freaking out. Don’t panic, we’ve got your back. And your face."

- By Erin Reimel

You dream about trying the hottest viral skincare trends (hi, Hero patches), using *all* the face masks on self-care Sundays and slathering on the sweetest-smelling body lotions and potions… but you’ve got sensitive skin. For you, those products just hit different—and not in a good way. Had enough of dealing with redness and irritation? We have the expert advice you need to save face.

THE DEAL WITH SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES

“People with sensitive skin have a genetically thinner or compromised skin barrier, which makes them more intolerant to factors that normal skin is protected from,” explains dermatologist Dr. Luigi Polla, founder of Alchimie Forever.

Some girls are just born sensitive sweeties, like those with rosacea and eczema (these conditions are usually genetic and can be triggered by certain product ingredients, stress, sweat and even changes in the weather).

Others are affected by what they put *on* their skin. “Ingredients like hydroxy acids, some forms of vitamin C and retinoids can cause irritation in sensitive skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. Some materials like synthetic fabric and wool can cause your skin to have a negative reaction, as well as everyday products like laundry detergent and soap.

DO YOU ACTUALLY HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?

To be clear, “sensitive skin” isn’t an actual clinical diagnosis, just a sign that your skin tends to be reactive to environmental things (like weather) or topical treatments (like beauty products).