Dry sensitive skin Understanding its causes, and how to help protect it

Body skin can become sensitive for many reasons, ranging from environmental factors such as fluctuation in temperature to internal triggers such as hormonal change. While some people are predisposed to dry, sensitive skin, it is highly unpredictable and outbreaks can appear at any time in an individual’s life. It can also appear anywhere on the body. Dry sensitive skin is not a disease, and having ‘sensitive skin’ is perfectly normal. While there is no real cure for dry sensitive skin, understanding its causes and symptoms can help manage the condition.

The resulting symptoms include:

• scaly skin
• irritated, itchy skin
• dry skin
• dry, rough skin

accompanied by sensations such as:

• itchiness
• tingling
• burning and a feeling of tightness

If symptoms are not dealt with, they can lead to skin becoming extremely dry and rough anywhere on the body. Even large areas of skin like arms, legs, shoulders, elbows, calves and knees are susceptible. Sensitivity can be triggered by hot showers, harsh body products, sun exposure, sweating and air conditioning.

Some areas are more prone to dryness and sensitivity than others. These include the back of the hands, since this area has less of the natural oils needed to maintain skin’s barrier. Regular washing with alkaline soap and hot water can also disturb the skin's pH levels and strip skin of needed oils, impairing the skin's barrier. A weakened barrier can ultimately lead to increased chance of skin sensitivity, contact dermatitis, dry and rough skin.

Dry skin can range in symptoms, from roughness to flaky, scaly skin. It is generally accompanied by itchiness. As with dry sensitive skin, dry skin can appear anywhere on the body, but is particularly common on hands, feet, knees and elbows. It is caused by a deficit of moisture-binding substances or ‘Natural Moisturizing Factors’ (NMFs), especially Urea.

Dry skin can also become sensitive, as with other skin conditions.

Skin has a number of natural systems in place to protect it and keep it healthy. On its surface is a 'hydrolipid film' composed of water, fatty acids and lipids. This has a pH of approximately 5, which is slightly acidic, helping to protect skin against external factors. The hydrolipid film neutralizes alkaline substances and helps maintain skin’s natural acidic balance.

The hydrolipid film lies on top of the uppermost layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum. This is made up of lipids and cells, which together form a permeable barrier. It also has an average pH of 5 which supports:

• normal skin scaling, or desquamation
• skin moisture levels
• skin's barrier function

This is particularly the case where skin is thinner than elsewhere on the body, for example on the back of the hands. A reduced number of sebaceous glands provide less sweat and lipids that go to make up the hydrolipid film. Exposure to a wide range of stimuli means that hands can dry out very quickly and become highly sensitive.

In addition to the triggers that cause skin to become sensitive, there are many stimuli that can exacerbate the condition. This can make it difficult to isolate a single determining factor behind sensitive skin.

The unpredictability of dry sensitive skin means that in many cases solutions are about prevention rather than cure.

Protecting skin from the sun’s rays. It is best to avoid the sun between 10am and 3pm, and wear protective clothing. This is particularly the case with children under the age of 3. Choose a sunscreen that is free of irritants, such as perfumes, and apply it generously, 15 minutes before going outside, then reapply every two hours.

Adjust daily cleansing routines by limiting time spent in the shower or bath and use warm rather than hot water. Avoid body scrubs and pat, rather than rub, skin dry.

Choose clothes made with natural fabrics, rather than synthetics.

Covering up can also help keep hands protected from substances that can harm skin – consider using gloves when encountering surfactants, detergents, hot water and other irritants.

Research suggests that a varied diet, rich in antioxidant foods, can help keep skin healthy. This could include yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, green leafy vegetables, fish – especially salmon, and nuts. Read more about factors that influence skin.