I. Definition of Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a skin condition characterized by a tendency to experience discomfort—such as redness, swelling, itching, stinging, or tightness—when exposed to external irritants. It is also associated with a weakened skin barrier and a reduced ability to adapt to changes in the external environment.

II. Common Signs of Sensitive Skin

(I) Appearance

1. Frequent redness, which becomes particularly pronounced after exposure to cold or heat, emotional excitement, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

2. Visible broken capillaries (spider veins), typically appearing on the cheeks or other areas.

3. The skin surface may appear dry or flaky, or exhibit tiny rashes.

(II) Sensations

1. Prone to stinging, itching, burning, or tightness when using skincare products, coming into contact with cosmetics, or facing environmental irritants (such as cold wind, hot air, or dust).

2. High sensitivity to temperature fluctuations; for instance, moving from indoors to outdoors or entering an air-conditioned room may trigger an immediate uncomfortable reaction.

III. Methods for Identifying Sensitive Skin

(I) Self-Observation

1. Observe your skin condition daily: Pay attention to whether you frequently experience the aforementioned symptoms like redness, stinging, or itching. If these symptoms occur often without an obvious trigger, it may indicate sensitive skin.

2. Monitor your skin's reaction to environmental changes: Observe whether your skin becomes uncomfortable during seasonal transitions, sudden temperature shifts, or changes in humidity. For example, skin might easily become dry and tight in winter or prone to allergic reactions in spring.

3. Note the impact of diet on your skin: Certain foods—such as spicy dishes, seafood, or alcohol—can irritate the skin. If you experience redness, itching, or other issues after consuming these foods, it may indicate that your skin is relatively sensitive.

(II) Skincare Product Test

1. When switching to a new skincare product, first apply a small amount to the skin behind your ear or on the inner arm and observe the area for 24–48 hours. If reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, or stinging occur, your skin may be sensitive to that product, suggesting you might have sensitive skin.

2. Observe reactions to your usual skincare products: If you suddenly experience skin discomfort after long-term use of a specific product, your skin barrier may be damaged, leading to increased sensitivity. Alternatively, if your skin easily becomes irritated when using potent products (such as those containing high concentrations of acids, alcohol, or fragrances), this may also indicate sensitive skin.

(III) Professional Diagnosis

If you remain unsure whether you have sensitive skin after self-observation and product testing, or if your skin issues are severe, it is recommended to consult a professional dermatologist. Doctors can use specialized diagnostic tools—such as dermoscopes or moisture analyzers—to assess your skin barrier function, vascular condition, and sebum secretion, thereby providing an accurate diagnosis.

IV. Distinguishing Sensitive Skin from Other Skin Conditions

(I) Difference from Allergic Reactions

An allergic reaction is the body's immune response to specific allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods). It typically manifests as a sudden onset of symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, and rashes; these symptoms are often severe but tend to subside gradually once exposure to the allergen ceases. In contrast, sensitive skin is a state of heightened skin reactivity; it is not necessarily linked to a specific allergen, symptoms tend to persist longer, and the skin is more easily affected by a wide range of factors.

(II) Distinction from Rosacea

Rosacea primarily manifests as recurrent redness, erythema, papules, and pustules in the central areas of the face (such as the tip and wings of the nose, and the cheeks), often accompanied by telangiectasia (visible blood vessels). Its etiology is complex, involving factors such as genetics, abnormalities in neurovascular regulation, and *Demodex* mite infections. In contrast, sensitive skin is characterized mainly by symptoms of sensitivity, typically without the prominent papules or pustules seen in rosacea.

V. Precautions

1. When determining whether you have sensitive skin, consider the possibility of other skin conditions. If skin issues persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.

2. Do not conclude that you have sensitive skin based on a single symptom; a comprehensive assessment of multiple factors is required.

3. Skin conditions vary from person to person, so assessments may differ. If you are unsure about your skin condition, it is best to consult a professional dermatologist.

Using the methods above, you can make a preliminary assessment of whether you have sensitive skin. If you confirm that you do, choose gentle, non-irritating skincare products for your daily routine—such as the Novi Orea Daily Maintenance & Repair series—and avoid over-cleansing or excessive exfoliation. Prioritize moisturizing and sun protection to maintain skin health.

The information above covers how to identify sensitive skin. If you are unsure about your skin condition, feel free to consult "Novi Orea" at any time!