Skin becomes sensitive, weak, and fragile when its barrier function (stratum corneum), natural cellular activities, and regenerative processes are compromised by external and internal factors.

ensitive skin is best described as skin that has low tolerance, demonstrates high reactivity, breaks out in rashes, and gets blotchy in response to external factors, such as weather
or products.

CAUSES OF SKIN SENSITIVITY
Common skin disorders that result in skin sensitivity and irritation are dryness; thinness; and imbalances such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Sensitivity can also be a side effect of cancer and cancer treatments.

Dryness – Dry skin occurs due to a reduction of natural oil production by the sebaceous glands and its ability to moisturize itself. It is most likely caused by hormonal imbalance, aging, dry climate, excessive sun exposure, indoor heating, air conditioning, smoking, pharmaceutical drugs, diet, dehydration, and cosmetic chemical ingredients and procedures. Excessive dryness of the skin is usually accompanied by an outbreak of rash, flakiness, and redness.

Thinness – Fundamentally, a person's genes determine the thickness of their skin. However, abnormal thinning of the skin is mainly due to aging, pharmaceutical drugs, overexposure to the sun, and excessive use of cosmetic products and procedures such as retinol, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and scrubs. All skin types are prone to becoming thin. People with very thin skin experience sensitivity and irritation due to the fact that their skin's blood vessels and nerve endings are closer to the surface.

Rosacea – Rosacea is best described as inflammation of the capillaries or blood vessels of the dermis. It can cause redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin; pimples and acne-like breakouts; roughness and dryness; and even red, watery eyes. It typically appears between the ages of 35 and 45. Poor diet, processed foods, allergies, infections, excessive alcohol consumption, pharmaceutical drugs, poor immune system, and stress can play a key role in its development. A healthy diet without sugars, grains, and processed or allergenic foods is best for people with rosacea skin conditions.

Eczema – Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. It is mostly found in children, but adults can experience it as well. At any age, eczema makes the skin more prone to dryness and irritation. Eczema symptoms include red, itchy, dry, and flaky skin. It mostly appears on the elbows or behind the knees. It can also appear on other areas, such as the cheeks, chin, scalp, and chest. Eczema could be caused by allergic reactions to foods, cosmetics, and household products; hay fever; asthma; hot or cold temperature; stress; or hormonal changes.

Psoriasis – Psoriasis is a chronic disorder attributed to immune system dysfunction that causes interruption to the life cycle of skin cells. Rapid build-up of cells on the surface of the skin will form thick, silvery and red patches that are dry, itchy, and, occasionally, painful. It typically appears on the elbows, knees, and scalp, but sometimes occurs on the torso, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Medical research indicates that psoriasis is a hereditary condition. Psoriasis can worsen when the body is exposed to infections, stress, changes in climate, and some medications.

Cancer and Cancer Treatments – Cancer and conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, medication, and radiation therapy can have a profoundly adverse impact on the skin. Potential side effects include redness, tenderness, itchiness, or even skin breakdown. Moreover, the stress that is associated with the disease and the treatment plans can exacerbate the negative impact on the skin.

RECOMMENDED DAILY FACIAL CARE
Regardless of the cause, sensitive skin needs to be treated with extra care in the morning and night. The first step is to wash the face with a mild, non-synthetic, and non-sulfate cleanser. Proper cleansing not only removes dirt and makeup, but also eliminates dead cells while strengthening weak sebaceous glands. Following the cleansing, using a natural, hydrating toner that contains herbal extracts and flower hydrosols refreshes the skin. While the skin is wet with the toner, applying a wholesome moisturizer that is infused with soothing and rejuvenating botanical extracts is essential. Lightly massaging the skin with calming herbal oil serums or adding them to the moisturizer, especially at night, provides more emollient and comforting effects.

Botanical Solution
Products that are mild, gentle, pure, simple, and absolutely free of any trace of synthetic (petrochemicals) and harsh chemical ingredients are highly recommended for sensitive and distressed skin conditions. Mother Nature and ancient herbal sciences are shown to offer the best solution for sensitive and irritated skin symptoms. Products that contain organic herbal extracts can soothe, calm, and regenerate the skin while providing anti-itching, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The best and most effective botanicals for fragile and distressed skin conditions are extracts of comfrey, chamomile, calendula, licorice, frankincense, lavender, neem, brahmi, gotu kola, aloe vera, plantain, witch hazel, marshmallow, and echinacea and oils of sesame, jojoba, tamanu, baobab, babassu, black cumin seed, sea buckthorn, safflower, sunflower, coconut, hemp, evening primrose, and olive.

References
1 Barrymore, J. (n.d.). Causes of Thin Skin - Thin Skin Overview. cancerresearchuk.org
2 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (1998). Psoriasis
3 Mercola, J. (2009, August 1). A Misunderstood Skin Condition Sweeping the Baby Boom Generation
4 National Eczema Society. (n.d.). National Eczema Society
5 National Rosacea Society. (1996). Home of the National Rosacea Society
6 Zamosky, L. (n.d.). Do you really have sensitive skin?