What is sensitive skin – and how do you recognize it?

Sensitive skin is not a skin disease in itself, but rather a state of heightened reactivity. Your skin reacts excessively to stimuli that other skin types tolerate without any problems: skincare products, temperature fluctuations, environmental influences, or even touch.

The insidious thing is that sensitive skin can affect anyone. You can have had problem-free skin for years and suddenly it reacts to everything. A study in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that approximately 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men report having sensitive skin – and the trend is rising.

The most common signs that your skin is sensitive:

Redness: Your skin reddens quickly – after cleansing, in cold weather, in heat, or after applying products.

Feeling of tightness: The skin often feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after washing.

Burning and stinging: Care products that others tolerate well cause an unpleasant burning or tingling sensation in you.

Dry, flaky patches: Sensitive facial skin tends to have dry areas, especially on the cheeks and around the nose.

Rapid irritations: New products, weather changes, or stress lead to immediate visible reactions.

Sensitive skin vs. irritated skin: The difference

The terms are often confused, but describe different states:

Sensitive skin is a persistent skin condition. The skin is generally more reactive than normal and requires special care. People with sensitive skin often have a genetically predisposed thinner or more permeable skin barrier.

Irritated skin is a temporary condition. The skin has been stressed by something specific – a new product, excessive exfoliation, environmental factors – and is reacting to it. Once the trigger is removed and the skin recovers, it returns to normal.

This means that all skin can be irritated, but not all skin is inherently sensitive. Conversely, if skin is sensitive, it is more easily irritated.

In both cases, the goal is the same: to soothe the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and avoid irritants.

Why does skin become sensitive? The causes

Sensitive skin always has a cause – often several. Science distinguishes between internal and external factors:

Internal factors

Genetics: Some people are born with a thinner skin barrier. In particular, people with very fair skin or a predisposition to atopic dermatitis, rosacea, or allergies often have naturally more sensitive skin.

Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations – during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause – can temporarily make the skin more sensitive. Estrogen affects collagen production and the skin barrier.

Age: As we age, the skin becomes thinner and sebum production decreases. This makes the skin barrier more vulnerable. Studies show that the skin barrier loses significant resilience from the age of 50.

Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which weakens the skin barrier and promotes inflammatory responses. The skin becomes more reactive.

External factors

Over-cleansing: Washing too frequently, using harsh cleansers, or using hot water removes the skin's protective lipids. The result: a weakened barrier and increased sensitivity.

Over-care: Paradoxically, too much skincare can also be harmful. Too many products, too many active ingredients, or too frequent product changes stress the skin.

Aggressive ingredients: Alcohol (denat.), heavily perfumed products, essential oils and certain preservatives can irritate the skin.

Environmental factors such as cold, wind, dry air from heating, air conditioning and air pollution put a strain on the skin barrier.

The science behind sensitive skin

What actually happens in sensitive skin? Research has identified several mechanisms:

Weakened skin barrier: In sensitive skin, the lipid layer between skin cells is often thinner or incomplete. Measurements show that sensitive skin has increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – moisture escapes more easily, and irritants penetrate more readily.

Overactive nerve endings: In sensitive skin, sensory nerve endings are often located closer to the surface. They react more quickly to stimuli and send warning signals such as burning or tingling. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology confirms the increased nerve fiber density in people with sensitive skin.

Increased susceptibility to inflammation: Sensitive skin is prone to excessive immune responses. Even harmless substances can trigger an inflammatory cascade.

Disrupted microbiome: Recent research shows that people with sensitive skin often have an altered skin microbiome. The balance of bacteria is disrupted, which further weakens the skin barrier.

Soothing irritated skin: Immediate relief measures

If your skin is acutely irritated – red, burning, uncomfortable – these immediate measures will help:

Stop using all active ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, acids, peels – anything that could put additional strain on the skin should be put on hold now.

Reduce to the bare minimum: cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection – your skin doesn't need anything more right now.

Cool the skin: A cool (not ice-cold!) washcloth or a soothing mist can relieve acute redness.

Avoid friction: Do not rub or scratch. Gently pat products on instead of rubbing them in.

No new products: Now is not the time for experimentation. Stick with what your skin knows and tolerates.

The Microbiome Balancing Face Mist (€49.90) can provide relief for acutely irritated facial skin. The triple hyaluronic acid provides immediate hydration, while Lactobacillus ferment lysate supports the skin microbiome and reduces redness. You can spray it on inflamed areas without further stressing the skin through rubbing.

The right care for sensitive skin: step by step

When it comes to sensitive skin, less is more. Every additional product is a potential irritant. Here's a minimalist yet effective skincare routine for sensitive skin:

In the morning

Step 1: Gentle cleansing

Cleanse your face with lukewarm water or a very mild, pH-neutral cleanser (pH 5-5.5). Avoid foaming cleansers – the foam is created by surfactants that can damage the skin barrier. Milk or gel cleansers are gentler.

Step 2: Soothing Serum

A light serum with moisturizing and soothing ingredients prepares the skin for further care. The Bioactive Prebiotic Gel Serum (€69.90) combines dual hyaluronic acid with Lactobacillus ferment lysate – it simultaneously hydrates and strengthens the skin microbiome, which is often out of balance in sensitive skin.

Step 3: Moisturizer for sensitive skin

A rich, non-comedogenic cream seals in moisture and protects the skin barrier. When choosing a face cream for sensitive skin, look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or niacinamide.

Step 4: Sunscreen

Non-negotiable – even for sensitive skin. UV radiation further weakens the skin barrier. Choose a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), which is often better tolerated than chemical filters.

At evening

Step 1: Gentle cleansing

Remove makeup and sunscreen thoroughly, but without rubbing. Oil-based cleansers are often gentler on the skin than micellar water, which contains surfactants.

Step 2: Serum

The Bioactive Prebiotic Gel Serum supports nighttime regeneration and strengthens the microbiome.

Step 3: Nighttime care

A rich night cream for sensitive skin provides intensive moisture to the skin overnight and supports barrier regeneration.

The best active ingredients for sensitive skin

Not all active ingredients are suitable for sensitive skin. These ingredients have been scientifically proven to be well-tolerated and effective:

Hyaluronic acid: Binds moisture without irritating the skin. Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, in particular, penetrates deeply and plumps the skin from within.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness, and is well-tolerated even by very sensitive skin. Studies show that niacinamide increases ceramide production by up to 34%.

Ceramides: Fill gaps in the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Essential for the care of sensitive skin.

Panthenol (provitamin B5): Soothes, hydrates, and promotes skin regeneration. Ideal for irritated skin.

Prebiotics and postbiotics: They support the skin microbiome and thus indirectly strengthen the skin barrier. According to studies, Lactobacillus ferment lysate can reduce redness by up to 70%.

Squalane: A light oil similar to skin and very well tolerated. Protects against moisture loss without clogging.

Allantoin: Soothes irritated skin and promotes cell regeneration.

You should avoid these ingredients.

If your skin is sensitive or irritated, avoid these potential irritants:

Alcohol (Alcohol Denat.): Dries out the skin and weakens the skin barrier. Caution: Fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol or cetearyl alcohol, on the other hand, are nourishing and harmless.

Fragrances/Perfume: One of the most common triggers for skin reactions. Even "natural" fragrances like essential oils can cause irritation.

Essential oils: lavender, tea tree oil, peppermint – they smell good, but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Strong acids: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid and other acids in high concentrations can attack the barrier.

Retinol (temporarily): If your skin is acutely irritated, you should pause using retinol. You can slowly reintroduce it later.

Aggressive surfactants: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) can damage the skin barrier.

Sensitive facial skin: Special challenges

Sensitive facial skin has special requirements. Facial skin is thinner than body skin, constantly exposed to the environment, and must look good at the same time.

Typical problem areas for sensitive facial skin:

Cheeks: Often the first area to show redness. The skin is particularly thin here.

Nostrils: Prone to dryness and flaking.

Eye area: The thinnest skin on the face – needs particularly gentle care.

Chin: Often affected in cases of hormonally related sensitivity.

Strict rules apply to facial care for sensitive skin: no experiments, no harsh ingredients, no excessive cleansing. A minimalist approach is best here.

The Microbiome Balancing Face Mist is ideal for irritated facial skin – you can spray it on anytime without stressing sensitive skin through rubbing. It can also be used over makeup.

Irritated facial skin: causes and solutions

Irritated facial skin can have many causes. Here are the most common ones – and what you can do about them:

After too much exfoliation: Skin is red, burning, and may even be flaky. Solution: Stop all active exfoliants and focus only on moisturizing and barrier care. This can take 1-2 weeks.

Reaction to a new product: Stop using the product. Return to your basic routine. The skin usually recovers within a few days.

Weather-related (cold, wind): In winter, the air is dry, and the constant switching between cold and heated environments stresses the skin. Solution: Richer skincare, less frequent washing.

After medical treatments: Lasers, microneedling, or prescription creams can temporarily irritate the skin. Follow your doctor's instructions and use ultra-gentle skincare.

Stress-related: Psychological stress often manifests on the skin. Studies show that stress slows down barrier regeneration by up to 30%.

Sensitive skin and the microbiome

An often overlooked factor in sensitive skin is the skin microbiome – the community of bacteria that live on your skin.

Research shows that people with sensitive skin often have an altered microbiome. The diversity of bacteria is reduced, and certain protective strains are missing.

The problem: When the microbiome is out of balance, the skin barrier also suffers. The beneficial bacteria normally produce substances that regulate the pH level and keep harmful germs in check.

The solution: Prebiotic and postbiotic skincare can support the microbiome and thus reduce skin sensitivity. The Bioactive Prebiotic Gel Serum contains Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, which has been proven to strengthen the skin microbiome and reduce redness.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sensitive and irritated skin

Can sensitive skin return to normal?

It depends on the cause. If the sensitivity is caused by external factors (over-cleansing, harsh products), the skin can recover with the right care. Genetically determined sensitivity persists but can be managed well.

Is sensitive skin the same as allergic skin?

No. Sensitive skin generally reacts hypersensitively to various stimuli. An allergy is a specific immune reaction to certain substances. You can have both, but they are different conditions.

Which cream is suitable for sensitive skin?

The best cream for sensitive skin contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or panthenol – and avoids fragrances, alcohol, and harsh preservatives. Fewer ingredients are often better.

Can I use retinol if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, but be careful. Start with a very low concentration, use it only 1-2 times per week, and gradually increase the frequency. Applying a strong barrier serum before and after will help minimize irritation.

Why is my skin suddenly sensitive?

Possible causes: Over-exfoliation, too many active ingredients, hormonal changes, stress, changes in weather, new medications, or a weakened skin barrier. Identify the trigger and eliminate it.

How long does it take for irritated skin to calm down?

For mild irritations: 2-5 days with proper care. For more severe damage (e.g., after over-exfoliation): 1-4 weeks. The skin barrier needs time to regenerate.

Is sensitive skin always dry?

No. There is also sensitive oily skin or sensitive combination skin. Sensitivity refers to reactivity, not oil content.

Summary: How to care for sensitive and irritated skin

Sensitive skin doesn't need a complicated routine – it needs the right routine. Here are the key points:

Less is more: Reduce your routine to the essentials. Every product is a potential trigger.

Gentle cleansing: Lukewarm water, pH-neutral cleansers, no rubbing. Cleansing is often the biggest mistake when dealing with sensitive skin.

Strengthen the barrier: Focus on ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which repair and strengthen the skin barrier.

Supporting the microbiome: Prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients such as Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate help to restore the microbial balance.

Avoid irritants: Alcohol, fragrances, strong acids and aggressive surfactants have no place in the care of sensitive skin.

Be patient: An irritated skin barrier needs time to recover. Don't expect miracles overnight.

With the right care for sensitive skin – and products like the Bioactive Prebiotic Gel Serum and the Microbiome Balancing Face Mist – you can soothe your skin, strengthen its barrier and make it less sensitive in the long term.

Sources

1. Farage MA, et al. (2017). Sensitive skin in the American population. British Journal of Dermatology . PubMed

2. Luebberding S, et al. (2013). Age-related changes in skin barrier function. Skin Research and Technology . PubMed

3. Fluhr JW, et al. (2008). Transepidermal water loss reflects permeability barrier status. Journal of Investigative Dermatology . PubMed

4. Stand S, et al. (2009). Neurophysiology of sensitive skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology . PubMed

5. Byrd AL, et al. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology . PubMed

6. Tanno O, et al. (2000). Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides. British Journal of Dermatology . PubMed

7. Kober MM, Bowe WP. (2019). The effect of probiotics on immune regulation and skin. International Journal of Women's Dermatology . PubMed

8. Garg A, et al. (2001). Psychological stress perturbs epidermal barrier homeostasis. Archives of Dermatology . PubMed