If you have dry, sensitive skin, you'll notice that your skin tends to become irritated more frequently and feels tight or dehydrated. You may even experience cracking, flaking or bleeding in extreme cases. Most cases of sensitive, dry skin can be improved or alleviated using home remedies and lifestyle changes. You may need to consult your dermatologist if you have serious symptoms, such as bleeding.
Features
Sensitive, dry skin usually has a combination of several features. Sensitive skin can tingle or feel tight, react quickly to certain types of skin care products or look red and irritated. Additionally, sensitive skin is often dry and feels dehydrated. If your skin is also dry, you may have symptoms such as itchiness, roughness or the appearance of scales.
Causes
Dry, sensitive skin can be caused by a number of issues. Genetic factors generally play a role, although these factors can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as low humidity or cold or hot weather, using improper skin care products, irritation from bodily fluids such as sweat, exposure to harsh chemicals or drying soaps and medical disorders, such as irritant contact dermatitis, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Home Remedies
Dry, sensitive skin requires extra care and the use of specially formulated products made for your skin type. Wash your skin with lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water can dry your skin out and cause the loss of natural lubricating skin oils. Wash with a mild, non-drying and noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic soap or facial cleanser to minimize irritation and help hydrate your skin. Apply a noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic moisturizer to your skin after washing. Products labeled as hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic won't clog your pores or cause skin irritation.
Medical Treatment
If you experience severe redness, cracking, irritation or bleeding, you may require medical treatment. These symptoms can often be treated effectively by a dermatologist. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription cream or ointment to help alleviate your symptoms.
Warning
Severely dry or sensitive skin may be a sign of another underlying skin disorder. Dry or irritated skin can be an indication of a skin condition known as atopic dermatitis, or eczema. Obtain a proper diagnosis from your doctor to rule out other medical conditions and to discuss the appropriate method of treatment.
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