Skin Care For Every Skin Type

4. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is more reactive to external irritants than other skin types. Certain skincare ingredients or environmental factors may trigger flare-ups that cause redness with an itching, stinging, or burning sensation. Although the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) regards sensitive skin as a stand-alone type, it can also be a subcategory of other skin types. It’s possible to have sensitive dry skin, sensitive oily skin, or sensitive combination skin.

You may have sensitive skin if: You’ve learned the hard way to be very careful about the products you use, lest your skin either break out in an itchy rash or feel like it's on fire. Even the wrong laundry detergent can set your skin off. See page 9 for how to care for this skin type.