With so many 'trending' serums and actives in the market, we often try to test because our favorite influencers used them. But as soon as you put them on, your experience becomes nothing short of a nightmare! Instead of smooth, glowing skin, you start to get acne, rashes, and many things worse!

Many skincare enthusiasts pile up their experiences and claim to have sensitive skin because they have overused a product. But, to break your bubble- Sensitive Skin is a skin type, whereas Sensitized Skin is a skin condition. 

So, in the above scenario, the skin is sensitized by the overuse of exfoliants and actives. 

Sensitized skin is a temporary situation, while the sensitive skin pronounces the entire skincare routine and ingredients, like dry/oily skin types. 

So how do you tell the difference?

Sensitive skin is a skin type that is often irritated and reacts to exfoliants and actives. It could often lead to redness, flakiness, peeling, breaking out, or burning. 

Sensitized skin is a temporary or reactive result of the overuse of actives or exfoliants. It may cause by internal (food) or external (topical actives) agents. 

For eg, for people who are allergic to milk, their skin may temporarily flare up if they happen to consume any dairy product accidently. 

Following that, sensitized can also be accompanied with other allergy symptoms such as swollen or teary eyes, runny nose, etc., and hence one should keep a check on consumptions.

Sensitive skin can be easily inflamed, and irritation can be triggered by using harsh actives such as retinols and exfoliants such as glycolic acid., as well as other filler chemicals such as preservatives or perfumes.

How can you look after Sensitive or Sensitized Skin?

Use gentle products that contain ingredients that repair skin's barrier. Ingredients such as ceramides, humectants, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol are proven to be effective.
TNW’s Face Moisturizer for Dry and Sensitive Skin and TNW’s Hydro boost Toner Serum is considered most effective to repair a damaged skin barrier.

However, for sensitized skin, keep a check on what is causing the sensitivity. Avoid using that ingredient and use a nourishing ointment to help skin heal. Keep the skincare routine sweet and simple and visit a dermatologist if the condition worsens.

Skincare is like investment, and investment needs time to show results!