What’s in the article:
- What is sensitive skin?
- 7 Causes of sensitive skin reactions
- Sudden skin sensitivity, what to do?
- Facts overview
- Choosing the right skincare for sensitive skin
- Men's sensitive skincare routine
- Summary
- FAQs
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin affects people of all genders, with 50-60% of men reporting some degree of sensitive skin. Characterised by heightened reactivity to various external and internal factors, sensitive skin may react adversely to certain skincare products, environmental factors, or even emotional stressors. Paying attention to these signs can help to identify sensitive skin and choose appropriate care products to incorporate into a sensitive skin care routine.
WHY DOES MY SKIN FEEL SENSITIVE?
7 Causes of sensitive skin reactions in men
While the underlying causes of sensitive skin reactions can be complex and vary, several key factors can contribute, and some external factors, such as facial shaving, are more common for men.
- Genetics:
Family history can influence things like allergies and the skin's ability to retain moisture, making some individuals more susceptible to skin sensitivities. - Skin Barrier Dysfunction:
The skin's outermost layer functions as a barrier that protects against environmental stressors and maintains moisture balance. In people with sensitive skin, the skin’s protective barrier may be compromised or weakened, allowing irritants, allergens, and microbes to penetrate more easily. - Environmental Factors:
Exposure to harsh weather conditions, pollution, UV radiation, and indoor heating or air conditioning can dry the skin and exacerbate sensitive skin symptoms. - Allergens and Irritants:
Sensitive skin can react to certain substances in skincare products, cosmetics, cleaners, and clothing. Chemicals such as certain preservatives, dyes, or fragrances can sometimes trigger skin reactions, as well as irritants such as harsh detergents and drying alcohol (ethanol). - Underlying Skin Conditions:
Certain skin conditions can contribute to heightened skin sensitivity. If you suspect an underlying condition may be causing skin sensitivity, be sure to consult with a dermatologist or physician for advice. - Shaving:
For men with sensitive skin, shaving can be a source of discomfort and lead to irritation. Five primary signs of shave irritation include burning, micro cuts, dryness, tightness, and stubble itch. - Lifestyle Factors:
Certain lifestyle factors, such as stress, inadequate sleep, dietary choices, and smoking, could also impact skin health and exacerbate sensitivity.
Sudden skin sensitivity? Here’s what to do
Experiencing sudden sensitivity in the skin can be concerning and uncomfortable, but you can help to manage it by:
- Identifying and avoiding sensitive skin triggers: Once you identify a potential trigger, avoid further exposure to it to prevent exacerbating the sensitivity.
- Using gentle skincare products appropriate for sensitive skin: Switch to skincare and shaving products specifically designed for sensitive skin.
If your sudden sensitivity persists or worsens despite these measures, it's important to consult with a dermatologist or physician for advice and potential treatment options.
FACTS OVERVIEW
Sensitive skin in men
Prevalence: Sensitive skin affects a significant portion of the population, with 50-60% of men reporting some level of skin sensitivity.
Signs: Dryness, itching from dryness, and skin discomfort upon exposure to certain triggers can be an indication of sensitive skin.
Triggers: Various factors such as allergens, some skincare products, weather conditions, life stages, and underlying skin conditions can lead to sensitive skin.
Management: The best men’s skin care for sensitive skin often involves using gentle skincare and shaving products, avoiding known triggers, managing underlying skin conditions, and incorporating lifestyle changes.
Choosing the right men’s skin care products for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you should make sure you use particularly mild and gentle skin care and shaving products. Here are some tips to help you know what to keep in mind when choosing the right sensitive skin care products for you:
Hypoallergenic formulas:
Opt for creams and moisturizers labeled as hypoallergenic, as they are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritation.;
Texture and consistency:
For the face, choose a cream specially formulated for sensitive skin with a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs easily into the skin.
Patch tests:
Before applying a new cream or moisturizer to your entire face or a large area of your skin, perform a patch test on a small area of skin (generally at the elbow crease) to check its effect on your skin.
Consult a dermatologist:
If you're unsure about which products are suitable for your sensitive skin, consider consulting with a dermatologist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and specific concerns.
Men’s skin care routine for sensitive skin
The body’s skin can be sensitive for various reasons. Environmental factors such as cold or heat, as well as internal processes such as hormonal changes, are known causes.
Men with sensitive skin often face unique challenges when it comes to facial care and shaving, as traditional skincare products may cause reactions and shaving itself may cause irritations like burning, micro-cuts, dryness, tightness, and stubble itch. Creating a men’s sensitive skin care routine incorporating the following steps can help manage the effects of sensitive skin.
1. Cleanse:
Start your sensitive skincare routine with a facial cleanser and a cleansing body wash formulated for sensitive skin to thoroughly cleanse skin to remove dirt and excess oil without drying out the skin
Men's face wash for sensitive skin
Take care of your skin with NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Wash. This moisturizing face wash is specially formulated for men with sensitive skin and is enriched with Vitamin E, and soothing Chamomile extract. This sensitive face cleanser gently cleanses to remove dirt and excess oils to leave skin looking clean and healthy while feeling fresh and comfortable. You can feel good about using this NIVEA face wash for men since it is soap free and dye free with no drying alcohol, making it a suitable daily cleanser for sensitive skin.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Wash
Men’s sensitive skin body wash
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Body Wash is specifically developed for sensitive skin with soothing Bamboo Extract and Almond Oil. The formula gently cleanses skin and leaves skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. It's free of soap and drying alcohol. The light scent with citrus notes provides a revitalizing shower experience. This can also be used as a shampoo for shower efficiency.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Body Wash
2. Shave:
Wet shaving is more gentle on sensitive skin compared to dry shaving, therefore it's important to thoroughly wet your face before beginning to shave.
Next, apply a shaving foam or gel formulated for men with sensitive skin, such as NIVEA MEN Sensitive Shave Foam or NIVEA MEN Sensitive Shave Gel to the area you want to shave.
Men’s shaving gel for sensitive skin
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Shave Gel is specially formulated for men with sensitive skin, to soothe skin and help protect against shaving irritation. NIVEA Sensitive Shave Gel for Men is enriched with Vitamin E and Chamomile extract to care for your skin while you shave. Great as an alternative to shaving cream, this shave gel helps to fight the five signs of shave irritation: burning, micro cuts, dryness, tightness and stubble itch, for visibly healthy-looking skin. Featuring Skin Guard technology, this sensitive shave gel improves razor glide to help protect against nicks and cuts.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Shave Gel
Consider shaving in the direction of your hair growth, as shaving against it may cause shave irritation and increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
3. Post-shave:
After shaving, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Dry your skin by patting it gently with a towel, avoiding rubbing as this can further irritate the skin, and then apply a post-shave balm.
Men’s post-shave balm for sensitive skin
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post-Shave Balm is enriched with Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, and soothing natural Chamomile extract to help calm and hydrate sensitive skin. This fast-absorbing, non-sticky and non-greasy formula helps provide your skin with an intensive, long-lasting hydration for ultimate skin comfort. This aftershave is free of drying alcohols and parabens, and fights the five signs of shave irritation: burning, micro cuts, dryness, tightness and stubble itch.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post-Shave Balm
4. Moisturize:
After shaving and applying your post-shave balm, use a gentle face lotion on your face and neck to help moisturize the skin. As sensitive skin can be more prone to sun damage, using a daytime facial moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF sunscreen has the added benefit of helping to protect sensitive skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Men’s facial moisturizer for sensitive skin
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Lotion With Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen has a light, hydrating formula that not only moisturizes skin, but also helps protect skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays with Broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen. This soothing formula, enriched with Chamomile extract, instantly soothes skin from shave irritation, while keeping it moisturized for 24 hours*. Its fast absorbing, non-greasy, non-sticky formula helps improve skin's defense against dryness, for resilient and healthy-looking skin. When used as directed and with other sun protection measures, this sunscreen face lotion also helps prevent sunburn (see Directions on Product). Skin compatibility dermatologically tested by men with sensitive skin. Use and reapply as directed.
*For sun protection, use and reapply as directed.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Lotion
Summary
Sensitive skin is characterized by an increased sensitivity to external and internal factors. It's important to understand and effectively care for sensitive skin to help preserve its healthy appearance. Sensitive skin presents itself through various signs such as dry, itchy or easily irritated skin. It may react adversely to certain skincare products, environmental factors, or even emotional stressors. Managing sensitive skin typically involves using gentle products, avoiding triggers, managing underlying conditions, and making lifestyle changes .
FAQs
What causes sensitive skin reactions?
Sensitive skin reactions can be caused by various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, skin care products, hormonal changes, underlying skin conditions, shaving, and lifestyle factors.
How should I care for sensitive skin?
To care for sensitive skin, you should:
- Use gentle skin care products, avoiding some ingredients
- Avoid environmental triggers likely to cause the skin to react;
- Help protect the skin from UV rays with a moisturizer containing broad spectrum SPF sunscreen; and adopt a healthy lifestyle with stress management and adequate hydration.
Can I use exfoliants if I have sensitive skin?
Exfoliants can be harsh on sensitive skin and may cause irritation. It's essential to proceed with caution and choose gentle exfoliants with mild ingredients or consult with a dermatologist before incorporating these products into your skincare routine.
How to care for sensitive skin on the face for men?
Since many men shave their faces, using shaving products specifically formulated for sensitive skin is important. Moisturize regularly and help protect skin from the sun with broad-spectrum sunscreen, and other sun protection measures
How to know if you have sensitive skin?
If you frequently experience itching or discomfort after using skincare products or being exposed to certain factors like frequent washing, certain environmental triggers or weather conditions, you may have sensitive skin. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact a dermatologist for further guidance.
