Dry Skin v. Sensitive Skin: How to Treat Your Skin Type

Nearly everyone has dry or sensitive skin at some point in their lives, although these problems tend to plague women more than men--possibly due to hormonal fluctuations and the fact that women tend to use more cosmetics on their faces than men do. How do you know whether your skin problems stem from ordinary dryness or a sensitivity to agents unknown? The symptoms can be quite similar, but the remedies involved can be completely different. Often, what a woman thinks is dry skin can actually be the result of the skin's reaction to an irritant. How to tell the difference?

According to About.com, dry skin will feel taut after you wash your face and you may have red areas and fine wrinkles as well as some flakiness. On the other hand, sensitive skin is usually thinner, with visible broken capillaries and a tendency to flush. Having had both of these skin problems, I would like to expand these definitions a bit.

Dry skin is usually worse in the winter and virtually disappears during the warm, humid summer months. Flakiness can be controlled by gentle exfoliation and moisturizing. Uncomplicated dry skin nearly always abates if you consistently use a moisturizer.

Sensitive skin also feels tight, irritated and sometimes itchy. It does tend to be redder than non-sensitive skin, probably due to the constant irritation. Sensitive skin also tend to be blotchy. As if all this wasn't enough, the top layer of skin is often flaky. Unlike with dry skin, exfoliating scrubs only seem to make the problem worse. Moisturizing helps only as long as the product is on the skin--as soon as it is washed off, the flakiness returns. Summer's humidity doesn't reduce the symptoms of sensitive skin, either.

Anything that comes into contact with your skin can cause skin inflammation. Humans can develop allergies to things very suddenly, as well, so don't assume that if you haven't been using any new products that a sensitivity to something you have been using for some time is not the cause of your problem.

The first place to look is your makeup drawer. Old makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so you might want to start fresh. Perfumes, dyes and additives such as talc can all cause problems, as can products labeled "hypoallergenic". Natural makeup may be a bit pricey, but will be well worth the expense.

Changing your moisturizer is next on the list. If you have been using a heavy, oil-based product, try a scent-free water-based lotion. There are many products geared toward sensitive skin these days, and some use plant extracts such as rose hip seed oil and feverfew to reduce redness and blotchiness. Look for a lotion that has as few ingredients as possible and that uses natural preservatives like vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract rather than the more common parabens.

Try using a super-fatted soap such as Basis or a creamy soap like Dove to wash your face. Also, treated municipal water can be irritating, as well--try rinsing your face with distilled water for a while to see if your skin improves.

Something that people don't often consider is what they use to wash their clothing. Laundry detergents can have irritating scents, dyes and other additives that leave a residue on your washcloths, towels and bedding. Try a dye- and scent-free brand, preferably vegetable rather than petroleum based. Not only will it be better for your skin, but you'll be doing the environment a favor, too!

Sun sensitivity is something that can also develop as we get older, particularly with menopausal women.  I never had a problem with sun exposure until a couple of years ago; now, even minimal exposure makes my face very red and splotchy. Protecting your face from the sun is very important, so find a good sun block that doesn't irritate your skin and wear it whenever you go outdoors. If you really can't find one that is gentle enough, try spreading a dab of 40% zinc oxide ointment on your face, then apply your makeup as usual (it won't show).