Sensitive skin is becoming increasingly more of a problem, with 50% of women in the US, Europe and Japan reporting having some form of sensitive skin. However, many of these people do not realize that what they actually have is sensitized skin, which is actually something quite different. OROGOLD takes you through the differences between sensitive skin and sensitized skin, to help you to better understand the type of your own.
Genetic Vs Environment
The main difference between sensitive skin and sensitized skin is that sensitive skin is a skin type that you are born with, and is due to genetics, while sensitized skin can occur at any age, and is mostly caused by environmental factors. Those who are born with sensitive skin will have skin that is more delicate, with a thin epidermis and blood vessels located much closer to the surface of the skin, which is why it can often seem red. This is due to a defect in the outer protective layer of the skin, which doesn’t block irritants and allergens from entering the skin, therefore causing a reaction.
Environmental Factors
Although environmental factors can exacerbate sensitive skin problems, they are not the primary cause of them. However, sensitized skin is caused solely by environmental factors, including pollution, stress, diet, hormonal fluctuations and smoking. While sensitive skin is a condition that usually affects those with fairer skin, sensitized skin, as it is caused by the environment rather than genetics, can affect people of any skin tone and age.
Cosmetic Products
Cosmetics can have a huge impact on skin, both positive as well as negative. While those with sensitive skin are likely to have been aware of it throughout their lives, those with sensitized skin may find that they are suddenly experiencing skin reactions to certain products. Constantly changing your skin care products can also cause your skin to become sensitive to certain ingredients. If you want to incorporate a new product into your routine, OROGOLD strongly advises that you test it on your skin first, whether you have sensitive skin or sensitized skin.
Microclimate
While the harsh outdoor environment may lead to your skin being affected by pollution, the other microclimates that you expose your skin to can also have an effect. On a winter’s day, when you go into a dry, heated room after being in cold winds, this can play havoc on your skin, as can going in and out of a hot, humid environment into a dry, air-conditioned environment. Since this cannot be avoided, OROGOLD recommends adapting your skin care routine based on the different microclimates that your skin faces.
While sensitive skin and sensitized skin can both be extremely frustrating, sensitized skin is only temporary, and, once you have found the cause of it, you will be able to better protect your skin. For both sensitive and sensitized skin, OROGOLD recommends using the most natural, gentle skin care products possible, or finding a skin care range that has been developed to be gentle on sensitive skin.
