5 Myths About Sensitive Skin Revealed From The Experts

Attractive young woman going through her morning beauty routine in the bathroom

If you have sensitive skin, you probably struggle to keep it clear and healthy. You may be frustrated by products that say they’re for sensitive skin but still irritate yours, and you may be worried that you’ll have sensitive skin forever, no matter what you do. We’d like to help you sort it all out, by busting some common myths about sensitive skin.

Myth 1: Sensitive skin is all the same. The word sensitive means different things to different people. If your skin is sensitive, you might be prone to redness, inflammation, peeling, or itching. Certain ingredients and formulas might make your skin sting or burn, or your skin might break out when you switch beauty products. Sensitive skin is reactive instead of adaptive: it reacts to its environment. The key to caring for it is to find products that clean and nourish your skin without irritating it.
Myth 2: It’s unusual to have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is very common, and because it’s so prevalent, much research has been conducted to discover how best to care for it. While only 11 percent of skincare products are designed for sensitive skin, you will be able to find some that work for you if you shop around.
Myth 3: Sensitive skin will always be sensitive. Many factors come into play with sensitive skin, and stress may be the biggest. The stress hormone, Cortisol, weakens the immune system and damages the skin barrier, so when you’re stressed, your skin feels more sensitive. Because more than 70 percent of women report moderate to high stress, it’s important to find products specially formulated to improve the health of stressed skin.
Myth 4: If you’ve got sensitive skin, you should only wash it with water. While you should avoid using harsh cleansers on your face, especially those with dyes or Sodium Laureth Sulfate, water won’t get your skin clean or help strengthen a compromised skin barrier. To choose a cleanser good for your sensitive skin, look for one the “dermatologist proven” label.
Myth 5: People with sensitive skin can’t wear makeup. Makeup isn’t really the problem; layering makeup over inflamed skin is the issue. When your skincare routine nourishes and soothes your sensitive skin, you’ll have a clean slate for applying makeup. Just make sure you remove your makeup each night, taking care not to leave behind residue that can irritate your skin.

At Swinger-Woseth Dermatology, we provide superior, professional skincare in a manner that’s practical, efficient, and compassionate. With more than 30 years of experience providing dermatological services in Salt Lake City, we provide a wide range of services, from cosmetic skincare to treatment for skin cancer. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and licensed cosmetic service providers, along with our friendly staff, are here to provide you the care you need in a comfortable and professional atmosphere. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us through our website or call 801-266-8841 today.