The reactivity of the skin is manifested with redness, dryness, irritation and other discomforts that can be confused with various skin conditions. What does this problem consist of? How is it treated?
The reactivity of the skin is a more or less common problem, which has to do with an excessive sensitivity to different factors. This condition manifests itself through redness, dryness, shine or irritation that appear suddenly, many times without the cause being known.
This phenomenon is more common in women, and it is estimated that one in three can present it . Some of them have symptoms so frequent that they end up interpreting them as "normal", even though they are not. In fact, many dermatologists also have trouble classifying this skin type.
Skin reactivity is spoken with various expressions such as "sensitive skin", "intolerant skin" or "irritable skin", among others, but these names are not precise. It is not a disease as such, but it is a problem that causes discomfort and affects appearance. What is it associated with? What are the cares to control your symptoms?

What is skin reactivity?

Until recently, there was talk, above all, of " sensitive skin ". However, dermatologists believe that it is more accurate to talk about skin reactivity. This is defined as a type of skin in which uncomfortable sensations occur, such as burning, itching, pain or stinging, due to an agent that would not have to cause that reaction.
In particular, there is only skin reactivity when no pathology is present that can explain the changes in the skin . In this case, there are no allergies  to a particular substance, nor is there an aggressive agent, such as an irritating soap, for example, that can explain the symptoms.
Another characteristic of this condition is that, generally, it occurs intermittently, that is, that the symptoms appear and disappear. Often its trigger is the use of cosmetics .


The reactivity of the skin is a condition that is characterized by causing irritation, redness, itching, among other discomforts, upon exposure to certain factors.

It may interest you: How to remove dead skin?

The causes of reactive skin

Even science does not understand the reasons why reactive skin exists. However, there are three hypotheses that could explain this phenomenon. We detail them below.
  • Epidermal hypothesis . It argues that the skin barrier, located in the epidermis, is defective. Therefore, it fails to adequately protect against different external agents.
  • Biochemical hypothesis . He points out that in these cases there are anomalies in channels called TRP ( transient receptor potential channels ) . These are located in the outermost part of the epidermal cells and in the nerve endings.
  • Neurogenic hypothesis . It indicates that people with reactive skin have fewer intraepidermal nerve fibers. Likewise, they present a greater release of inflammatory mediators .
On the other hand, it has been established that there are some agents that, in particular, are triggers for skin reactivity. Among these we find the following:
  • Misuse of cosmetics.
  • Continuous exposure to certain chemicals.
  • Environmental pollution.
  • Heat or radiation treatments.
  • Extreme temperatures.
  • Some medications.
  • Stress.
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Low humidity.
  • Alcohol.
  • Spicy or highly spicy foods.


The misuse of cosmetics, exposure to certain chemicals, stress, among other factors, can be triggers for skin reactivity.

Care to avoid skin reactivity

People who have this condition must be very careful with the products that are applied. The most recommended is a consultation in dermatology so that the professional indicates which are the specific products, according to the particular case.
It is important to make some adjustments to the beauty routine, such as optimizing the cleansing and hydration of the skin. It is also essential to use sunscreen and make touch-ups every two to three hours.
On the other hand, you should avoid cosmetics that include compounds with irritating potential , such as propylene glycol, TCA or AHA, alcohol, among others. Moisturizers with retinoids and hydroxy acids are not recommended, nor are anti-aging products and strong exfoliants.
For cleansing and hydration, it is suggested to use lotions and milks, instead of other products. They should be applied through touches, not friction.

Skin reactivity: what should be clear?

Reactive skin treatment is complex, as is diagnosis. The first thing, then, is to rule out other possible conditions and then establish the products that most benefit each individual patient. Similarly, the ones that affect you the most.
Sometimes the doctor uses medications that are often used to treat atopic dermatitis and have been shown to be effective for some cases of reactive skin. In any case, the most important thing is that those who have this problem keep the skin hydrated , not only applying moisturizer, but consuming plenty of water.
Beauty and personal care causes Skin reactivity

Skin reactivity: causes and care

The reactivity of the skin is manifested with redness, dryness, irritation and other discomforts that can be confused with various skin conditions. What does this problem consist of? How is it treated?
The reactivity of the skin is a more or less common problem, which has to do with an excessive sensitivity to different factors. This condition manifests itself through redness, dryness, shine or irritation that appear suddenly, many times without the cause being known.
This phenomenon is more common in women, and it is estimated that one in three can present it . Some of them have symptoms so frequent that they end up interpreting them as "normal", even though they are not. In fact, many dermatologists also have trouble classifying this skin type.
Skin reactivity is spoken with various expressions such as "sensitive skin", "intolerant skin" or "irritable skin", among others, but these names are not precise. It is not a disease as such, but it is a problem that causes discomfort and affects appearance. What is it associated with? What are the cares to control your symptoms?

What is skin reactivity?

Until recently, there was talk, above all, of " sensitive skin ". However, dermatologists believe that it is more accurate to talk about skin reactivity. This is defined as a type of skin in which uncomfortable sensations occur, such as burning, itching, pain or stinging, due to an agent that would not have to cause that reaction.
In particular, there is only skin reactivity when no pathology is present that can explain the changes in the skin . In this case, there are no allergies  to a particular substance, nor is there an aggressive agent, such as an irritating soap, for example, that can explain the symptoms.
Another characteristic of this condition is that, generally, it occurs intermittently, that is, that the symptoms appear and disappear. Often its trigger is the use of cosmetics .


The reactivity of the skin is a condition that is characterized by causing irritation, redness, itching, among other discomforts, upon exposure to certain factors.

It may interest you: How to remove dead skin?

The causes of reactive skin

Even science does not understand the reasons why reactive skin exists. However, there are three hypotheses that could explain this phenomenon. We detail them below.
  • Epidermal hypothesis . It argues that the skin barrier, located in the epidermis, is defective. Therefore, it fails to adequately protect against different external agents.
  • Biochemical hypothesis . He points out that in these cases there are anomalies in channels called TRP ( transient receptor potential channels ) . These are located in the outermost part of the epidermal cells and in the nerve endings.
  • Neurogenic hypothesis . It indicates that people with reactive skin have fewer intraepidermal nerve fibers. Likewise, they present a greater release of inflammatory mediators .
On the other hand, it has been established that there are some agents that, in particular, are triggers for skin reactivity. Among these we find the following:
  • Misuse of cosmetics.
  • Continuous exposure to certain chemicals.
  • Environmental pollution.
  • Heat or radiation treatments.
  • Extreme temperatures.
  • Some medications.
  • Stress.
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Low humidity.
  • Alcohol.
  • Spicy or highly spicy foods.


The misuse of cosmetics, exposure to certain chemicals, stress, among other factors, can be triggers for skin reactivity.

Care to avoid skin reactivity

People who have this condition must be very careful with the products that are applied. The most recommended is a consultation in dermatology so that the professional indicates which are the specific products, according to the particular case.
It is important to make some adjustments to the beauty routine, such as optimizing the cleansing and hydration of the skin. It is also essential to use sunscreen and make touch-ups every two to three hours.
On the other hand, you should avoid cosmetics that include compounds with irritating potential , such as propylene glycol, TCA or AHA, alcohol, among others. Moisturizers with retinoids and hydroxy acids are not recommended, nor are anti-aging products and strong exfoliants.
For cleansing and hydration, it is suggested to use lotions and milks, instead of other products. They should be applied through touches, not friction.

Skin reactivity: what should be clear?

Reactive skin treatment is complex, as is diagnosis. The first thing, then, is to rule out other possible conditions and then establish the products that most benefit each individual patient. Similarly, the ones that affect you the most.
Sometimes the doctor uses medications that are often used to treat atopic dermatitis and have been shown to be effective for some cases of reactive skin. In any case, the most important thing is that those who have this problem keep the skin hydrated , not only applying moisturizer, but consuming plenty of water.

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