Sensitive skin is one of the most common concerns we see — and one of the most misunderstood. It’s estimated that around half of people describe their skin as sensitive, yet the causes vary enormously from one person to the next, which is exactly why a tailored approach matters so much.

At its simplest, sensitive skin is skin that reacts more easily than most. That might show up as redness, stinging, burning, itching, dryness or a feeling of tightness — often triggered by skincare products, fragrance, weather, heat, hormones or stress. For some people it’s an occasional flare; for others it’s a daily reality that dictates what they can and can’t use.

It’s also worth understanding the difference between two things that often get confused. Some people have genuinely sensitive skin, which tends to be a long-term trait, while others develop sensitised skin — where the skin’s protective barrier has become compromised over time, often by over-exfoliating, harsh products or too many active ingredients at once. The good news is that sensitised skin can usually be calmed and restored with the right care.

Whichever applies to you, the barrier is the key. When the skin’s natural barrier is healthy, it holds moisture in and keeps irritants out; when it’s weakened, everything feels more reactive. So our focus is always on strengthening and supporting that barrier rather than overwhelming it — building comfort and resilience gently, over time.

At Helen Hunt Medical Aesthetics, we’ll take the time to understand what your skin is reacting to and how it behaves day to day. From there, we’ll recommend soothing, barrier-supporting treatments and a simple, well-chosen skincare routine designed to calm reactivity and help your skin feel comfortable and settled again. An initial skin consultation is the best place to start.