Sensitive skin is caused by a weakened or compromised skin barrier, which makes the skin more susceptible to irritants, allergens, and environmental factors. In case of a sensitive skin, the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, loses its ability to effectively retain moisture and protect against external irritants. This can be due to a deficiency in essential lipids, proteins, or natural moisturising factors that maintain barrier function.

When the skin barrier is disrupted, it allows harmful substances to penetrate more easily, triggering an inflammatory response. This response involves the activation of immune cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to symptoms like redness, itching, and burning. Additionally, nerve endings in the skin become more reactive, which may amplify sensations of discomfort. This hypersensitivity can be further exacerbated by genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, and the use of harsh skincare products.

Sensitive skin, especially on your face, can show up in a lot of different ways, and it’s not always obvious at first glance. Here’s what you might notice:

• Visible symptoms:
  • Redness: your skin might look red, and sometimes it can be swollen too.
  • Rashes or hives: you might get itchy, red patches or even hives that swell up.
  • Dryness: your skin can get really dry, sometimes cracking, blistering, or even bleeding. It might also feel hard and leathery in some spots.
  • Scaling and peeling: you could see your skin flaking off, giving it a scaly look.
  • Bumps: little raised areas can pop up on your skin.
• How it typically feels:
  • Stinging: sometimes your skin just stings, especially when you use certain products.
  • Burning: there can be a burning sensation that’s hard to ignore.
  • Itching: your skin might feel constantly itchy, which can be really annoying.

If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to be cautious about what you’re putting on your face and maybe talk to a skincare expert for some personalised advice.

In Singapore, some people are more likely to have sensitive skin due to a mix of internal and external factors. Here's a look at who’s particularly susceptible:

• Women: women are generally more prone to sensitive skin than men. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can make skin more sensitive. Women also tend to react more to skincare and cosmetic products, especially those with fragrances or certain chemicals.
• People with allergies or skin conditions: if you have allergies, like to pollen, you’re more likely to have sensitive skin. People with conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne also often find their skin reacts more to irritants found in facial products.

• Environmental factors: your face is always out in the weather, and that can be a problem. Cold weather can mess with your skin’s protective layer, and pollution can create free radicals that weaken your skin’s defences. Plus, too much sun can dry out and irritate your skin.
• Stressed-out individuals: stress and lack of sleep are big triggers for sensitive skin. These issues often come with poor nutrition and low hydration, which can make your skin even more prone to dryness and irritation.
• Skincare product users: certain ingredients in skincare products, like surfactants, fragrances, colourants, and alcohol, can cause sensitivity. Washing your face too much with hot water or using harsh cleansers can strip your skin’s protective layer. Chemical peels, granular exfoliators, and even shaving can also lead to irritation.
• Smokers: smoking is linked to many skin issues, including sensitivity. The chemicals in cigarettes damage your skin’s cells and lower its immune response, making your skin more reactive.
• Those living in urban areas: people living in urban cities are more exposed to allergens and pollutants. Pollution can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, causing redness, sensitivity, and conditions like eczema or rosacea. If you already have skin issues, you might notice flare-ups because of the increased exposure to pollutants.

Diagnosing sensitive skin involves a few key steps. Here’s how skincare experts typically go about it:

• Patient history and questionnaires: the skin specialist will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including your personal and family history, daily habits, and the skincare products you use. They may also question if you experience stinging, burning, or itching sensations, or if your skin reacts quickly to cosmetics or changes in the environment.
• Diagnostic tests:
  • Sting test: this test involves applying a small amount of substance like 10% lactic acid to your skin and seeing how it reacts. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll probably feel a stinging or burning sensation.
  • Sensory perception threshold measurement: this measures how sensitive your skin is to certain substances, such as capsaicin. People with sensitive skin often feel these substances more intensely.
  • Irritant reactivity test: here, your skin is exposed to common irritants like sodium lauryl sulphate. The level of irritation helps the skincare expert understand how reactive your skin is.

These steps help skincare specialists diagnose sensitive skin on your face accurately, so they can recommend the best treatments to keep your skin comfortable and healthy.

While there are many options for treating sensitive skin in Singapore, including various over-the-counter products, the medi-facials at Harmony Therapeutics stand out for their effectiveness and safety. Here’s how the facials can specifically help with sensitive skin:

• Regenerativ Facial Treatment: sensitive skin often deals with dryness and irritation, especially as we age. The Regenerative Facial uses ultrasound waves to deliver hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen-rich DMAE gel deep into your skin. This process not only hydrates but also soothes and calms the skin, reducing sensitivity. The final touch of a collagen sheet mask leaves your skin feeling nourished and less reactive.
• Vitality Facial: sensitive skin can really benefit from the deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation provided by the Vitality Facial. Using the AQUAPURE system, this treatment removes impurities and evenly distributes active ingredients, maintaining hydration and reducing irritation. It’s a perfect option for those with sensitive skin who need a gentle yet effective facial to keep their skin fresh and hydrated.
• Restorative Facial: the Restorative Facial is designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin. After a gentle deep cleanse using the AQUAPURE system, active ingredients are infused into the skin through electroporation. This method ensures that the skin absorbs the benefits without irritation. The double mask technique locks in hydration and repairs the skin, making it less prone to irritation and more resilient. It’s perfect for restoring the health and comfort of sensitive skin.

Each of these treatments at Harmony Therapeutics is tailored to be gentle on sensitive skin while addressing specific concerns. By choosing the right medi-facial, you can manage your sensitive skin effectively, reduce irritation, and achieve healthier, more comfortable skin.
For more information and personalised skincare advice, get in touch with our experts today.