Sensitive, Sensitized, or Reactive Skin? Here's How to Tell the Difference

July 22, 2025

Not All Skin Sensitivity Is the Same

If your skin stings, flushes, itches, or breaks out after applying a product, you’re not alone. But are you dealing with sensitive, sensitized, or reactive skin? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different conditions—and understanding the difference is the first step to treating your skin with care.

Sensitive Skin: The Skin You Were Born With

Sensitive skin is typically a genetic trait. It’s part of your skin type, not just a temporary condition. People with sensitive skin often have a thinner, more delicate skin barrier that reacts more easily to environmental stress, fragrances, or certain active ingredients. Symptoms include redness, dryness, stinging, and a general intolerance to many products. If this sounds familiar, choose gentle products that support barrier repair and hydration—like MyCHELLE’s Deep Repair Cream.

Sensitized Skin: Skin That’s Been Overwhelmed

Sensitized skin isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something that develops, often from overexposure to harsh ingredients, over-exfoliating, pollution, sun damage, or stress. Your skin becomes inflamed and more reactive than usual. The good news? Sensitized skin can be soothed and restored with the right care. Avoid actives like strong acids or retinoids temporarily, and focus on calming, replenishing formulas like MyCHELLE’s Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum.

Reactive Skin: Skin That’s Easily Triggered

Reactive skin goes a step beyond sensitive or sensitized — it’s more unpredictable. This type of skin can respond strongly to temperature changes, certain ingredients, or even emotional stress. Reactions may include hives, intense flushing, or inflammation. If your skin reacts dramatically and frequently, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist to rule out underlying conditions like rosacea or allergies. Stick with minimalist routines and PATCH TEST EVERYTHING. Sometimes hormones play an important role in making the skin more reactive, so once they are balanced again, the skin can go back to normal. Patience is key.

How to Care for Each Skin Type

Sensitive: Stick to gentle and/or hypoallergenic formulas and avoid common irritants. Hydrate generously and avoid aggressive exfoliation.
Sensitized: Press pause on actives and exfoliants. Focus on barrier-repairing and soothing products to reset your skin.
Reactive: Keep routines minimal and consistent. Use only gentle, calming products and monitor triggers carefully.

Bottom Line

Your skin's reactions hold clues to its true needs. By learning whether your skin is sensitive, sensitized, or reactive, you can take smarter steps to calm, protect, and strengthen it—with clean, science-backed solutions from MyCHELLE.