6 Signs You Have Sensitive Skin & The Best Natural Remedies

Ultimately, however, it is one of the most common skin types. In fact, some 60-70% of women identify as having sensitive skin1 according to recent surveys. Here, dermatologists break down the telltale signs of sensitive skin plus share some of the best natural remedies to soothe and protect. 

In fact, the complexities of sensitive skin are so profound that there's really no scientific consensus2 on its true definition. The one throughline that ties it all together—and that all derms can agree on—is that those with sensitive skin have a compromised skin barrier. These 5 five signs will help you figure out if your skin may fall under this broad umbrella: 

One way to avoid this is to always perform a patch-test before investing your hope (and money) into a new skin care or cosmetics product. "You never know what your trigger is going to be, so you might have to experiment," says board-certified and holistic dermatologist Alan Dattner, M.D.

Since the skin barrier in sensitive skin types is already compromised on some level, it's crucial the cleanser you choose doesn't cause further damage. In other words: You want a wash that rids your skin of dirt, buildup, pollutants, and excess oil without drying it out. Your best bet is to reach for an oil, gel, or cream-based cleanser—ideally one that's also free of parabens, sulfates, and strong acids, as these are also known triggers for sensitive skin. Additionally, you should find one that supports the barrier with biome-friendly products, fatty acids, lipids, and antioxidants.

Though a change in environment or climate may be out of your control, what you can try to control is how your skin will react (using the below natural remedies is a good start).  

Another well-known trigger for sensitive skin types: Added fragrances in cosmetics products. These are added into products for no other benefit than "for the experience or smell of the product," Patel explains, so sensitive skin types are better off without using products that contain added fragrance. 

"The skin and the gut are the two largest immune organs of the body," Patel explains, so "changing your diet changes your immune response [and the] sensitivity of your skin." Generally, some of the most common food triggers for sensitive skin are also those that provoke general inflammation5. These include refined sugar (and alcohol, which has high levels of sugar), processed and fried foods, saturated fat, gluten, dairy, and spicy foods. 

Unfortunately, this can create quite the issues for treating it. Many with acne-prone skin reach for harsh acids, potent actives, and astringent formulas—which is the exact opposite of what sensitive skin needs. If this is your skin type, be sure to help balance the skin with anti-inflammatory topics.

For mild flare-ups, however, the following natural remedies may offer some quick relief. For long-term relief, read up on natural remedies for redness and skin inflammation, as well as improving skin barrier function.

As basic as it sounds, applying a cool compress "decreases blood flow to the area and helps soothe the skin," Patel says. If you don't have a designated cold compress, make your own; put ice cubes in a plastic bag, then wrap it in cloth and apply onto the area. Or use that bag of frozen peas in the freezer. Either way, apply your cold compress of choice onto the affected area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, until the irritation subsides. 

"Some people find that cool milk mixed in oatmeal helps soothe the skin as well," Patel says. To make your own:

"Oatmeal is rich in vitamins, minerals, lipids, and antioxidants," says board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D. "The antioxidant properties come from the presence of different types of phenols including ferulic and caffeic acids. It is anti-inflammatory with itch-relieving benefits, which helps restore the skin barrier; it moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation to soothe irritated and itchy skin due to any cause."

Although some things about coconut oil for your face are controversial, others are not, including its well-established antimicrobial6 powers, which protect and strengthen the skin barrier from outside invaders. Apply onto areas of irritated skin as needed. Use pure, unrefined coconut oil and always apply onto freshly cleansed skin for best results. 

Raw Manuka honey is an all-around anti-inflammatory hero7: When applied to the skin, it repairs, hydrates, and fends off foreign invaders. To reap its topical benefits, try a manuka mask or look for skin care products that are formulated with the ingredient. 

As for a DIY mask, it can be as easy as applying a thin layer straight to a freshly washed face. For additional DIY masks, see our guide here.

Pre, pro, and postbiotics can help feed your skin microbiome. Since a compromised skin barrier comes in large part due to a damaged microbiome, helping diversify your good bacteria can help ease sensitive skin. "No new skin care product that comes to market can claim to benefit the skin without keeping the microbiome in mind, using ingredients that support a healthy microbiome and avoiding ingredients that disrupt or damage the microbiome," says board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D.

Taking care of sensitive skin is not easy—nor is identifying it, really. But pay attention to how your skin looks and feels throughout the day, as well as how it reacts to external and internal changes.