Why does your skin become more sensitive?

The skin barrier forms a natural protective layer

The outermost layer of the skin is known as the skin barrier, and it forms a natural protective layer for your face. This skin barrier helps to hold on to moisture and protects against external influences. When this protective layer weakens, irritants can penetrate more easily and the skin loses moisture more quickly. This often results in sensitive skin that reacts more readily to products, weather conditions or even tap water. A disrupted skin barrier is one of the most common causes of skin sensitivity. In Redness, flaking and a burning sensation are signs of a disrupted skin barrier you can read how to recognise this.

Hormones have more influence than many people think

Hormonal changes can have a considerable influence on the condition of your skin. As hormone levels change, the natural production of sebum often declines as well. As a result, the skin holds on to moisture less well and becomes more sensitive to external influences.
During the menopause in particular, many women notice that their skin becomes drier, more reactive and more sensitive. The skin can redden more quickly, feel tighter or suddenly react to products that previously caused no problems. You can read more about this in How your skin changes during the menopause.

Stress shows in your skin

Your skin is in constant contact with the rest of your body. When you experience stress over a longer period, this affects your skin too. Stress can slow the natural recovery process and make the skin react more sensitively to everyday triggers. Many people also experience more redness, irritation or a tight feeling during busy periods. Although stress is usually not the only cause, it can make existing sensitivity worse.

The weather affects how sensitive your skin is

Many people notice that their skin becomes more sensitive in certain seasons. Cold, wind and dry air can cause the skin to lose more moisture. This makes the skin feel dry, tight or irritated more quickly. Air conditioning and central heating can also contribute to a weaker skin barrier. When the skin continually loses moisture, the likelihood of sensitivity increases. This is why many people experience more problems in winter than at other times of the year.

Age changes the way your skin reacts

As we grow older, the skin changes. Collagen production declines, the skin renews itself more slowly and the natural protective layer becomes more vulnerable. As a result, skin that gave few problems for years can suddenly become more sensitive. Recovery also often takes longer than it used to. That does not mean skin sensitivity is inevitable, but it does mean your skin’s needs can change as you grow older.

Sensitivity often develops through a combination of factors

In practice there is rarely one clear cause to point to. Different factors often reinforce one another. An example we see regularly in our boutiques is skin that has become a little drier through hormonal changes. Stress, cold weather and an overly active skincare routine then weaken the skin barrier further. The skin reacts more sensitively than before, without one clear cause to point to. It is precisely for this reason that it is important to consider the complete picture, not only the concern that is visible.

What can you do when your skin becomes more sensitive?

When your skin becomes more sensitive, it usually helps to look first at which factors may be contributing to the concerns. You can then work step by step on repairing and supporting the skin barrier. This often means:

– Fewer triggers for the skin
– A calm and consistent routine
– Sufficient hydration
– Protection against the weather
– Limiting excessive use of active ingredients
This gives the skin the chance to become stronger and more resilient again. You can find practical tips for this in tips for calming and repairing sensitive skin [Tips for calming and repairing sensitive skin].

Which products often suit sensitive skin well?

Sensitive skin usually benefits from products that support the skin barrier and help hold on to moisture. Many people therefore choose:

– repairing serums
• hydrating serums
• facial creams for daily use
The most important thing remains that products match the condition of your skin and do not contain unnecessarily large amounts of active ingredients.

When a treatment can be a welcome addition

Sometimes the skin continues to react sensitively despite an adjusted routine. Professional face treatments can then help to give the skin extra support. For sensitive skin, Natura Bissé Reset Neuro Relax is often chosen. This treatment focuses on comfort, recovery and supporting skin that reacts quickly to external triggers. During a skin analysis we look at the possible causes of the sensitivity and which approach suits it best.

Frequently asked questions about sensitive skin

Can skin become sensitive later in life?
Yes. Hormonal changes, age, stress and changes in the skin barrier can all make skin more sensitive than it used to be.

Why does my skin suddenly react to products I have always used?
Often the skin barrier is temporarily weakened, which makes the skin react more sensitively to ingredients that previously caused no problems.

Does stress make sensitive skin worse?
Yes. Stress can affect the skin’s natural recovery process and make existing sensitivity worse.

Is sensitive skin the same as a disrupted skin barrier?
No. A disrupted skin barrier is one of the possible causes of sensitive skin, but not every sensitive skin has the same cause.