What is sensitized skin?
Not to be confused with sensitive skin, which can react similarly but is not the same, sensitized skin can be triggered by all sorts of reasons that damage or compromise your skin barrier and/or microbiome.
Still not sure where your skin fits? We'll clear things up.

Why you might have sensitized skin:


Too harsh exfoliants – those physical scrubs that seem like they’re clearing every last bit of gunk? They’re stripping your skin of all the goodness too. Our advice: stick to gentle exfoliants like fruit extracts.
Exfoliating too much – you don’t need to use that scrub or exfoliant every day, it’s a 2-3 times a week kind of thing, or as and when you need it. Also, if your skin isn’t blemish prone or oily, you don’t need exfoliation at all.
Too harsh ingredients – seen a TikTok that told you retinol, vitamin C, AHAs or anti-ageing products are good for your skin? Not for teens. They strip and weaken the skin barrier and potentially worsen breakouts, instead of helping them.
Lifestyle – lack of sleep, lots of fried food, school stress can take their toll.
Environmental stress – spent too much time in the sun and got a little burnt? This can damage your skin barrier too. Extreme cold and even windburn can do this too.

Some signs to look out for to recognise sensitized skin:


Stinging or burning – especially when applying products that you’ve always used, but new products too
Redness + inflammation – that "flushed" look that doesn't go away quickly, and can feel a bit sore to the touch
Tightness + dehydration – your skin doesn’t hold onto moisture like it used to, it feels very dry and almost stripped of moisture or its usual glow
Flakiness + random dry spots – even when you use your usual moisturiser or extra hydration.

How to heal sensitized skin:


Quit the harsh actives – no more retinols or Vitamin C.
Back to basics – Cleanse, moisturise, protect. 3 steps is truly all you need. Plus the occasional boosters if you’re breaking out or feeling extra dry. This will help your skin get back into its natural cycles.
SPF every day – this is your non-negotiable, it’s your skin’s daily defence.
Nourish from within – if your body is getting a balance of all the right nutrients and vitamins, it’ll start to show in your skin too.
H2O – we’re sure you’ve heard this one before: stay hydrated! There are a whole list of reasons (we won’t go there rn) why water is beneficial – just know that your skin will reward you for keeping up with that 2L-a-day goal.