Do I Have Sensitive Skin?

Napapansin mo bang namumula agad ang balat mo kapag may bago kang skincare product? O kaya naman, mabilis itong matuyo kapag sobrang init o malamig ang panahon? If that’s happening, you may have sensitive skin.

Finding products that work for sensitive skin can sometimes feel like trial and error, but understanding your skin is the first step toward keeping it healthy. Kapag alam mo kung bakit nagre-react ang balat mo, mas madali kang makakapili ng skincare routine na babagay sa iyo.

Ano ang Sensitive Skin?

Board-certified dermatologist and TikTok ‘Derma Mama’ Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang notes that a “damaged skin barrier results in sensitive skin.”

“The skin is the 1st line of defense against external stressors,” she says. “Once there’s damage, it can lead to skin concerns like increased sensitivity, which can eventually result in flare-ups of skin concerns like eczema or even acne.

Kapag humina o nasira ang skin barrier, mas madaling mawalan ng moisture ang balat at mas nagiging sensitibo ito. It becomes more permeable so that outside substances may irritate the skin. This may lead to uncomfortable symptoms like burning, itching, or tingling sensations in the skin.

Maraming rason kung bakit maaaring humina ang skin barrier. Ayon kay Dr. Jarische, “Having sensitive skin can be influenced by a lot of factors. Genetics, especially if one has a history of atopy or asthma, hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, and even skincare products that are harsh on the skin, can trigger skin sensitivity. It’s really important to identify the trigger to manage and to prevent this.”

Dr. Jarische adds that “Daily activities and work-related habits have an impact as well on triggering sensitive skin. For example, physical activities can increase exposure to heat, friction, and sweat, predisposing one to have increased sensitivity.”

Sensitive Skin Checklist

Here is a quick checklist of other common signs to help you determine if you have sensitive skin.

Nagre-react ba ang balat mo sa bagong products?

Kung nakakaramdam ka ng hapdi, sting, o burning sensation pagkatapos gumamit ng bagong skincare o makeup, posibleng senyales ito na mahina ang iyong skin barrier at madaling mairita ang balat.

Madali bang naapektuhan ng panahon ang balat mo?

Kung mabilis mamula o matuyo ang balat mo kapag malamig, mainit, o mahangin ang panahon, maaaring mas sensitibo ang skin barrier mo kaysa sa normal.

Madalas bang mamula o mangati ang balat mo?

Kung nakakaranas ka ng pamumula, pagbabalat, pangangati, o maliliit na butlig kahit wala kang kilalang allergy o ibang malinaw na dahilan, maaaring indikasyon din ito ng sensitive skin.

Paano Alagaan ang Sensitive Skin

Kapag sensitive ang balat mo, mahalagang pumili ng skincare products na tumutulong na protektahan at palakasin ang iyong skin barrier. Using the wrong products can cause more irritation and further damage to your delicate skin.

Simplify your skincare routine 

“As a derm, my cardinal rule for people with sensitive skin is to keep it simple,” Dr. Jarische says. “Avoid overdoing your skincare routine. The risks of trying out a lot of ingredients and products can pose as external stressors that can trigger skin sensitivity. It’s important to find the right routine to suit each specific skin type.”

Magsimula sa isang mild cleanser or soap for sensitive skin, na hindi nagtatanggal ng natural oils ng balat. Pagkatapos, mag-apply ng moisturizer para makatulong mag-lock in ng hydration.

Choose ingredients that help repair your skin barrier.

Basahin ang ingredients ng iyong skincare products. Maghanap ng formulations na may ceramides, na tumutulong palakasin at ayusin ang skin barrier para mas mahusay nitong mapanatili ang moisture. Avoid harsh alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and strong exfoliants.

Dr. Jarische adds, “Skincare ingredients that are know to calm irritation include centella asiatica, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. It’s also important to look at the overall product formulation to choose the right one to incorporate in your routine.”

For Your Sensitive Skin

If you’re looking for a moisturizer or lotion for sensitive skin, you may consider Vaseline Pro Derma Ultra Moisturising Barrier Repair Cream. It even comes in a Fragrance-Free variant.

It features 4x Barrier Repair Tech, combining 5% Pro-Ceramide Complex, 4D Hyaluronic Acid, Prebiotic Essence, and Small Molecular Collagen to both support skin barrier repair and strengthen the skin barrier.

It also provides up to 72 hours of deep moisture, helping boost skin moisture and improving your skin’s moisture-locking ability.

Despite its rich moisturizing formula, its Snow Melt Technology allows it to melt at about 37 °C  skin temperature, making it lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy.

“There are ingredients and product formulations to help soothe and manage sensitive skin,” Dr. Jarische says. “As a rule of thumb, it is also helpful to do patch test first for new skincare and even bodycare products that you plan to use.”

“Avoid losing hope if you have sensitive skin. There are always ingredients and products that are made suitable for you! Of course, best to consult your dermatologists as well for proper guidance!”

Remember, healthy skin starts with a healthy skin barrier. By keeping your routine simple and choosing products that support barrier repair, you can help reduce dryness, irritation, and redness over time.