DO I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?
SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & PREVENTION

If you landed in this section, you are probably wondering if you are among the 1 in 2 people that have sensitive skin at some time in their lives. Sensitive skin can be tricky to diagnose, primarily because it is defined by what people feel rather than what the physician sees in the clinic. From the person’s perspective, sensitive skin can be a distressing daily reality. Skin feels tight, prickles or tingles, sometimes constantly. While from the dermatologist’s perspective, sensitive skin can look a little red or dry, but its appearance is essentially normal.

YOUR QUESTIONS
OUR ANSWERS

1 quote-marks

What causes sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin has two main causes. First, its surface barrier is weakened, allowing external irritants to penetrate more deeply. Second, the nerve endings in the skin are hypersensitive, firing off pain signals in response to harmless stimuli. To soothe sensitive skin, make sure you cleanse gently with a micellar water, followed by a thermal water mist and an moisturizer.

Learn more

Was this helpful?

1 quote-marks

What is sensitive skin?

If you experience unpleasant sensations - pulling, prickling, burning or stinging - in response to factors such as temperature changes, wind, UV, hard water or harsh products, in the absence of a visible rash, you probably have sensitive skin. If you have redness or rashes, you are more likely to have reactive or allergic skin. Consider seeing a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.

Learn more

Was this helpful?

1 quote-marks

Why is my skin sensitive to touch?

If your skin experiences discomfort when you simply touch it, you may have very sensitive skin. In sensitive skin, the nerve endings are hypersensitive, firing off pain signals in response to harmless stimuli. However, if your skin is sensitive due to being red and inflamed, you should see a doctor to make sure there is no infection or other medical issue to explain it.

Learn more

Was this helpful?

1 quote-marks

What is the best moisturizer for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, you need a moisturizer formulated for this skin type free of common “nasties” such as fragrance, colorant, lanolin and alcohol, and with soothing ingredients such as Neurosensine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Finally, it should also contain prebiotic ingredients to rebalance your skin’s microbiome, aka. its friendly bacteria.

Learn more

Was this helpful?

TRUE
OR FALSE

SPICY FOOD CAN
TRIGGER SKIN SENSITIVTY. .

TRUE

If the walls of your blood vessels have become fragile, certain external factors like eating spices, drinking alcohol, hot baths, or too much central heating can trigger flushing and skin sensitivity
Learn More

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES MAKE
GOOD TREATMENTS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN.

FALSE

Though tasty, the contents of your fridge or kitchen cupboards are actually more likely to harm yoursensitive skin. “Natural” or DIY home remedies such as honey, oatmeal, avocadoand chocolate masks are best avoided as they could contain potential allergens and irritants. Instead, look out for expert skincare and solutions.
Learn More

HOW I FEEL IN MYSELF
CAN AFFECT MY SENSITIVE SKIN.

TRUE

Stress and intenseemotion cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate, triggering flushing andsensations of discomfort. Many people find mindfulness or similar relaxationtechniques a valuable ally to keep their sensitive skin in the Zen zone. This approach works best when combined with expert sensitive skincare such as the TOLERIANE range.
Learn More

SENSITIVE SKIN NECESSARILY
LOOKS DIFFERENT.

FALSE

One of the frustrating things about sensitive skin is that however annoying your symptoms may be, doctors will often say the skin is “normal” since it shows no visible signs. But clued-in dermatologists will recognise the features of sensitive skin and recommend specific treatments for sensitized or hypersensitive skin.
Learn More

DIAGNOSING 
SENSITIVE SKIN

So, how is sensitive skin identified? It is essentially a “diagnosis of exclusion” meaning the dermatologist diagnoses sensitive skin after ruling out other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, based on the patient’s complaints of unpleasant signs in everyday situations. It is also possible to test for sensitive skin by applying a dilute acid solution to skin and seeing whether this reproduces the same symptoms.

HOW TO PREVENT 
SENSITIVE SKIN

The dermatological causes of sensitive skin are an impaired surface barrier function plus hypersensitive nerve endings in the skin. Sensitive skin may also have an unbalanced “microbiome” - the population of friendly and less friendly bacteria that live on its surface.

"To prevent sensitive skin manifestations, your approach should be three-fold:  - restore skin’s protective barrier - intensely soothe skin, and  - rebalance the microbiome (don’t worry, we’ll tell you how)."

In this subsection, you’ll find in-depth information on the internal and external causes of sensitive skin, ranging from too-hot showers to the wrong cosmetics choices to spicy food and stress.

We also offer lifestyle tips on how to minimise sensitive reactions plus suitable skincare routines to reduce skin’s sensitivity day by day.

You’ll also learn how sensitive skin can truly impact wellbeing (and how to take action), and how sensitive skin varies at different times of life, by season and even the time of day.

WHICH COSMETIC PRODUCTS SHOULD PEOPLE
WITH SENSITIVE SKIN AVOID?

Find out wich cosmetic products you should stay away from when you have an allergy-prone or sensitive skin.

Patients with sensitive skin do not always find it easy to choose the right cosmetic product. This is where a dermatologist can help by offering advice. They will recommend products which are formulated for adapted to and tested on sensitive skin i.e. products containing few preservatives which are surfactant-free, and alcohol-free and have a simple formula. We also know - and the dermatologist should explain this - that people with sensitive skin should avoid aggressive active ingredients such as the fruit acids which are used to treat acne or are found in anti-ageing preparations. Retinol also should be avoided because it will cause irritation. Unless prescribed specifically in a formulation suitable for sensitive skin. Finally, treatments suitable for sensitive skin types will combine a simple –and therefore irritant-free –dermatologically-tested formulation with the latest active ingredients such as neurosensine, which calm inflammation burning sensations and skin irritation.

OUR SAFETY
COMMITMENTS

Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.

laroche posay safety commitment product allergy tested model close up

100% PRODUCTS
ALLERGY TESTED

See More
One Prerequisite = Zero Allergic reactions
If we detect a single case, we go back to the labs and reformulate
laroche posay safety commitment formula protection product head

FORMULA PROTECTION
OVER TIME

See More
We select the most protective packaging associated with only the necessary preservatives, to guarantee intact tolerance and efficacy over time.
laroche posay safety commitment essential active dose product head

JUST THE ESSENTIAL,
AT THE RIGHT ACTIVE DOSE

See More
Developed in collaboration with dermatologist and toxicologist, our products contain only the necessary ingredients, at the right active dose.
laroche posay safety commitment sensitive skin model baby

TESTED
ON VERY SENSITIVE
 SKIN

See More
Our products' tolerance is verified on the most sensitive skin: reactive, allergic, acne-prone, atopic, damaged or weakened by cancer treatments.

DEAR
READERS

The information displayed here is intended for general educational purposes only and should not in any case be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any medical question.