Skin Hypersensitivity - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

The immune system plays a vital role in keeping all body tissues healthy. It reacts to invaders like microorganisms, foreign substances, or cancer cells, triggering inflammation to attack them.

Normally, the immune system's response protects the body and helps it heal. However, sometimes the immune system overreacts or mistakenly targets healthy tissues, leading to intense inflammation and damage. These abnormal immune responses are known as hypersensitivity reactions.

Some hypersensitivity reactions are called allergies, especially when they occur after exposure to substances that are usually harmless to most people.

Symptoms of Skin Hypersensitivity and Pathophysiology

Hypersensitive skin is defined as skin that overreacts to various aggressive factors that are usually well-tolerated by normal skin. An more extreme and common form of sensitive skin, hypersensitive skin is characterized by unpleasant sensations and visible reactions when affected individuals come into contact with generally harmless internal or external stressors such as extreme temperatures, chemicals, or UV rays. These sensations and their intensity vary from person to person, which can make diagnosis challenging.

People with hypersensitive skin may experience a variety of symptoms, including redness, tightness, stinging, itching, feelings of discomfort, and irritation.

There are three signs and symptoms commonly experienced by affected individuals:

• an impaired skin barrier,
• highly reactive sensory fibers in the epidermis,
• redness often caused by inflammation.

Causes of Skin Hypersensitivity

Several factors can contribute to increased skin sensitivity.

• Impaired Skin Barrier

An impaired skin barrier leads to increased transepidermal water loss, making the skin more prone to irritants.

The skin becomes more permeable to irritants and allergens.

 

• Over-reactivity of the Nervous System

Overactive or overstimulated sensory fibers in the epidermis react more quickly and much more strongly than those in normal skin. These sensory fibers trigger unpleasant skin sensations that have been described as, among others, stinging, burning, or tightness of the facial skin or scalp, none of which show visible symptoms.
In more severe cases, these non-visible symptoms may be accompanied by dryness, breakouts, or redness.

• Genetic Factors

Genetic predispositions can make some individuals more likely to develop hypersensitive skin. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, or rosacea, can be inherited and make the skin more reactive.

• Exposure to Irritants and Allergens

Using skincare products that contain irritating or allergenic ingredients can also trigger skin reactions in people with hypersensitive skin. Preservatives, fragrances, dyes, and harsh cleansing agents are among the main culprits. Therefore, it is crucial for those with sensitive skin to choose products specifically formulated for their skin type.

• Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions such as wind, cold, sun, pollution, or hard water can worsen skin sensitivity and trigger skin reactions in people with hypersensitive skin.

• Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or the menstrual cycle, can also affect skin sensitivity and trigger skin reactions in some people.

While it's possible to have dry skin or acne as a result of hypersensitive skin, unless it's accompanied by unpleasant sensations, the skin is not considered hypersensitive. Similarly, redness can lead to skin prone to visible small blood vessels and eventually rosacea when experienced alongside these sensations, but redness is not exclusive to hypersensitive skin.

 

Difference between sensitive and hypersensitive skin?

The difference between sensitive and hypersensitive skin lies in the intensity and frequency of skin reactions, as well as the variety of triggers that cause these reactions.

Sensitive Skin:

• Sensitive skin has a lower tolerance threshold to environmental factors such as wind, sun, cold, and pollution compared to "normal" skin. Therefore, it reacts more easily to certain environmental factors.
• People with sensitive skin may experience occasional discomfort, such as redness, tightness, or itching, in response to certain products or environmental conditions.
• Skin reactions in people with sensitive skin can be mild to moderate and can be alleviated with appropriate skincare.

Hypersensitive Skin:

• Hypersensitive skin reacts excessively and more frequently to a wide range of stimuli, including cosmetic products, chemicals, stress, hormonal changes, and environmental conditions.
• Skin reactions in people with hypersensitive skin are more severe and can include redness, tingling, burning sensations, intense itching, irritation, and even rashes.
• People with hypersensitive skin may experience constant discomfort or acute symptoms even in the absence of an obvious trigger.

In summary, the main difference between sensitive and hypersensitive skin lies in the severity and frequency of skin reactions, as well as the range of stimuli that trigger these reactions. While sensitive skin may react occasionally to certain factors, hypersensitive skin reacts more intensely and persistently to a variety of stimuli, often requiring a gentler and more attentive approach to skincare.

Treating Hypersensitive Skin

Treating hypersensitive skin involves several approaches.

First, it's essential to identify and avoid potential triggers such as irritating cosmetic products or harsh environmental factors. Opt for a skincare routine with gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic products.

Skincare for sensitive skin should focus on strengthening the skin barrier to reduce skin reactivity. Moisturizers rich in soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, oat, shea butter, or argan oil can help calm and hydrate the skin.

Regular use of gentle skincare products, such as no-rinse cleansing lotions or micellar waters, can help remove impurities without irritating the skin.

Cleanse your face morning and evening with gentle cleansers free from harsh surfactants that can disrupt the skin's natural balance.

Serums with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or vitamins can also help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

Next, apply a soothing moisturizer to strengthen your skin's barrier and protect it from external aggressors.

Use makeup products specifically formulated for sensitive skin, free from fragrances and allergens. Choose a light foundation or a BB cream to cover imperfections without clogging pores.

Don't forget to apply a high SPF sunscreen every day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors.

In conclusion, skin hypersensitivity is a common condition that can be managed with the right skincare and appropriate treatment. By identifying and avoiding potential triggers, strengthening the skin barrier, and adopting a gentle, non-aggressive skincare routine, it's possible to reduce symptoms and improve overall skin health. Don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist if you have concerns or questions about your hypersensitive skin.

This skin professional can assess your condition and prescribe suitable treatments, such as anti-inflammatory creams, topical corticosteroids, or oral medications, depending on the severity of your skin hypersensitivity.