9 Derm-Approved Tips for Calming Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you know it’s no fun. It might seem like anything and everything you attempt to put on (or near) your face can end in a breakout, rash or some other type of irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you’re far from alone, however, your sensitivity could be caused by a myriad of different factors, from environmental pollutants, stress and allergies to over-use of products, hormones and genetic factors.

“‘Sensitive’ is a broad term that is often a meaningless description as it is confusing conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, with a true allergy or allergic sensitivity,” says Joel Schlessinger, MD, dermatologist and RealSelf contributor. “The most common cause of redness is a weakened skin barrier, which inevitably results in bumps, rashes, extreme dryness, itchiness or redness.”

If you find yourself with any of these symptoms, it’s time to see a dermatologist, as this is the best way to determine the source of the sensitivity and the best way to treat it. In the meantime, you can follow these dermatologist-approved solutions for calming sensitive skin.

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