On the journey of skincare, sensitive skin is like "Schrödinger's cat"—despite your diligent efforts, your skin condition seems to worsen. The key lies in failing to distinguish the specific type of sensitive skin! Today, Novi Orea breaks down the "trigger mechanisms" and "repair strategies" for three types of sensitive skin!

I. Oily-Sensitive Skin

(I) Causes

Overactive sebaceous glands

Genetic factors or hormonal imbalances—such as excessive androgen secretion—increase sebaceous gland activity, leading to heavy oil production. Excess oil clogs pores and creates an environment where bacteria thrive.

2. Compromised skin barrier function

Over-cleansing, frequent exfoliation, or long-term use of products containing alcohol or irritants can damage the skin's surface lipid film, weakening the barrier. This allows external irritants to penetrate easily, triggering sensitivity. Simultaneously, increased moisture loss disrupts the skin's oil-water balance, further stimulating oil production.

3. Environmental and lifestyle factors

High-temperature environments stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Diets high in sugar and fat affect the endocrine system, exacerbating oil secretion. Chronic sleep deprivation and high stress levels can also disrupt endocrine function, contributing to the development of oily-sensitive skin.

(II) Skincare Priorities

Oil control and balancing oil and moisture

Opt for skincare products containing oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid or witch hazel. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and removes excess dead skin cells, reducing oil buildup within the pores; witch hazel helps tighten pores and inhibit oil secretion. At the same time, focus on hydration by using products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Maintaining this balance prevents the skin from producing excess oil as a compensatory response to dehydration.

2. Repair the skin barrier

Use products containing ingredients such as collagen, ceramides, and squalane. Collagen stimulates fibroblast activity, accelerating cell renewal and tissue repair; ceramides are a crucial component of the skin barrier, enhancing the skin's moisture-retention capacity and resilience; squalane, which resembles the skin's natural oils, offers excellent permeability and moisturizing properties, helping to repair a damaged skin barrier. Avoid cleansers with overly harsh cleansing power; instead, opt for gentle amino acid-based facial cleansers.

3. Pay attention to diet and lifestyle habits

Reduce the intake of high-sugar, high-oil, and spicy foods, and consume more vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits. Maintain a regular daily routine and avoid staying up late. Learn to manage mental stress by regulating emotions through activities like exercise or meditation.

II. Acne-prone, sensitive skin

(I) Causes

1. *Cutibacterium acnes* infection

When pores become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, *Cutibacterium acnes* proliferates rapidly, triggering an inflammatory response and leading to acne breakouts. This inflammation renders the skin sensitive, causing it to react more intensely to external irritants.

2. Skin inflammation and barrier damage

During acne formation, the skin undergoes an inflammatory response, and inflammatory mediators damage the skin barrier. Furthermore, improper practices—such as squeezing pimples or using harsh acne-fighting products—exacerbate barrier damage, creating a vicious cycle of "acne – inflammation – barrier damage – sensitivity."

3. Endocrine and dietary factors: Elevated androgen levels during puberty and hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle can increase sebum production, triggering acne. High-sugar diets cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, stimulating insulin secretion; this, in turn, raises androgen levels, promotes sebum production and follicular hyperkeratosis, and worsens both acne and skin sensitivity.

(II) Key Skincare Focus

Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Care

For daily care, choose products containing anti-inflammatory and reparative ingredients—such as collagen, *Centella asiatica* extract, and bisabolol—to reduce inflammatory responses and alleviate symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain. For mild acne, topical medications containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin can be used for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, use these medications under a doctor's guidance to avoid skin irritation caused by self-medication.

2. Barrier Repair and Gentle Acne Treatment

While treating acne, prioritize repairing the skin barrier. Avoid acne products containing irritating ingredients like alcohol or high concentrations of acids, as these can aggravate skin sensitivity. For severe acne, seek medical attention promptly and consider treatments such as oral medication or laser therapy.

3. Regulating Endocrine Function and Diet

Maintain a healthy endocrine balance; for acne-prone, sensitive skin caused by hormonal imbalances, seek endocrine regulation under a doctor's supervision. Regarding diet, strictly limit the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods while increasing the consumption of dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and endocrine function.

III. Dry, Sensitive Skin

(I) Causes

Weakened Skin Barrier Function

Causes include a naturally thin stratum corneum or a gradual weakening of the skin barrier function due to aging—which slows skin metabolism and reduces the stratum corneum's water content. Additionally, habits such as frequently washing the face with hot water or over-cleansing can strip away the skin's natural moisturizing factors, impairing its ability to retain moisture and leading to dryness and sensitivity.

2. External Environmental Irritants

Dry climates and low-humidity environments accelerate moisture loss; prolonged exposure to air-conditioned or heated rooms can also cause the skin to become dry. UV radiation damages skin cells and compromises the skin barrier, exacerbating symptoms of dryness and sensitivity.

3. Influence of internal factors

Certain conditions, such as ichthyosis or atopic dermatitis, can cause the skin to become dry and sensitive; nutritional deficiencies—such as a lack of Vitamin A or Vitamin E—can also impair the skin's normal metabolism and moisture-retention capabilities.

(II) Key skincare priorities

Intensify moisturization and moisture retention

Select skincare products with potent moisturizing capabilities—specifically those containing occlusive ingredients like petrolatum (Vaseline) or lanolin—to form a protective film on the skin's surface and minimize water loss. Complement these with products containing humectants (moisture-attracting ingredients) such as hyaluronic acid or collagen to boost the water content of the stratum corneum. Apply moisturizer promptly after bathing or washing your face to ensure the skin remains protected while still damp.

2. Repair the skin barrier

Use skincare products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and cholesterol to replenish essential moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Avoid products with irritating ingredients such as fragrances or preservatives; instead, opt for gentle, non-irritating formulations.

3. Improve the environment and nutritional intake

Use a humidifier to increase air moisture in dry environments. When outdoors, take sun protection measures to prevent direct UV exposure. Dietary choices also play a role: consuming foods rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E (such as animal liver, nuts, and vegetable oils) as well as collagen-rich foods can help improve the skin's moisture-retention function and overall health.

Regardless of the specific type of sensitive skin, the core of daily skincare is "repairing the barrier" and "avoiding irritants." If you are unsure of your skin type, temporarily discontinue all "active" or specialized skincare products. Stick to a simple routine of "plain water cleansing plus medical-grade repair dressings," then consult a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis and follow a professional treatment plan.

Today, we discussed the causes of various types of sensitive skin and the key points of daily care. In the next episode, we will focus on targeted medical aesthetic treatments to help you bid farewell to sensitive skin for good and restore a healthy complexion! See you next time!