What is sensitive skin? It is a lay term rather than a medical diagnosis. While there is no dermatological definition for sensitive skin, the terms are used to describe the skin condition of people who easily break out in rashes and get blotchy, itchy or stinging skin in response to products and external factors, such as weather or food intolerances.
Sensitive skin can flare up any time but seems to be more frequent during times of increased stress. The three most common skin conditions in this category are rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
The face is the most common place for sensitivities to be reported, but the body too has sites which sensitivity –prone skin- the armpits and groin are areas most sensitive due to thinner skin.
Once you have seen a dermatologist and have ruled out any more serious allergies, most skin trouble, it turns out, is of our own doing. We might be using too many microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids, which strip the skin protective barrier. Other sources of skin irritation include fragrances, stress and anxiety, bacterial and fungal infections, low immunity and inflammations.
The best way to find out if you are sensitive to ingredients in the product is to dab the product on the skin of the forearm or behind one ear and leave for 24 hours. If there is no reaction, there is likely to be no problem.