Reactive and Sensitive Skin: What It Is, Causes and Treatment

Reactive and sensitive skin is skin that responds excessively to various factors such as the weather, certain cosmetic ingredients or even stress. This response appears as sensitivity through redness, itching, burning, or a feeling of tightness. Caring for this type of skin requires a gentle routine and specific products that soothe and protect.

What is reactive skin?

It is a type of sensitive skin characterised by extreme sensitivity due to a weakened protective barrier. This means it tends to become irritated easily by factors that would not affect other skin types.

When they appear, the symptoms of reactive skin may include redness, tightness, burning and even itching.

Causes of reactive skin

Reactive skin can be caused by both internal and external factors:

• Environmental factors such as pollution, wind, exposure to UV rays or sudden changes in temperature can encourage irritation flare-ups.
• Cosmetics: Some cosmetic ingredients may be too harsh and irritating for reactive skin.
• Stress: Excessive stress can trigger the release of histamine and the dilation of blood vessels. 
• Certain foods such as alcohol or spicy foods.
• Water with a high mineral content.
• Friction from certain fabrics.
• Hormonal changes linked to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
• Lack of rest.

It is important to know that the causes of reactive skin can vary from one person to another, so it is vital to identify each person's specific triggers in order to avoid them.

Treatment for reactive skin: creams for the perfect routine

Here we offer some essential tips for a reactive skin routine, as well as the best creams for sensitive, reactive skin with redness, all of them available on our website:

Gentle cleansing

Cleansing is a crucial step, but for sensitive skin, it is essential to choose products that do not irritate or dehydrate it. Avène Tolerance Loción Limpiadora Gelificada is perfect for this type of skin. Its minimalist formula, free from fragrance and preservatives, cleanses effectively without the need to rinse, respecting the skin barrier and leaving a feeling of comfort.

Hydration and repair

To strengthen the skin and improve its tolerance to external factors, Skin Resist Sensage Sérum is an excellent option. This serum contains active ingredients that soothe the skin, reduce sensitivity and reinforce the skin barrier, providing immediate and long-lasting relief.

Targeted care

If your skin shows frequent redness, it is crucial to include a product that treats it effectively. La La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense is a cream specially formulated for skin prone to redness. It contains ingredients such as ambophenol, which helps reduce capillary reactivity, and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, known for its soothing properties.

Sun protection

Sun protection is essential, especially for sensitive and reactive skin, which can worsen with sun exposure. The cream for reactive and sensitive skinEucerin Sun Face Sensitive Protect offers high UVA/UVB protection and a formula specially developed to minimise the risk of irritation. Its lightweight texture is perfect for daily use, leaving the skin protected and soothed.

How to care for reactive skin: some tips

• Before applying a new cosmetic product all over the skin, apply a small amount to a small area first.
• Avoid products with fragrances and alcohol, as these are ingredients that can increase skin sensitivity.
• Use a daily sunscreen suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.
• Keep your beauty routine simple so as not to overload the skin.
• Constant hydration is key to keeping the skin barrier in optimal condition.

In short, for proper care of reactive and sensitive skin, it is important to choose specific products that are not harsh. If you have any questions, remember that you can consult our team of expert pharmacists specialising in dermocosmetics.