Dry and sensitive skin: What is delicate skin, and what can you do?

"Delicate skin" is a phrase you come across constantly in skincare. But what exactly does it mean to have delicate skin, and how do you know that you have it? This guide explains what sensitive skin is, what typically triggers reactions, and how you can build a mild, moisturising routine that suits your skin.

What is sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is not a clinical diagnosis, but a term for skin that is easily irritated, by sun, wind, cold or products such as creams and perfumes. The symptoms are typically redness, a stinging sensation, itching and general discomfort after the skin has been in contact with a particular substance or environment. Sensitive skin is often thin or has a fine structure, where the blood vessels lie close to the surface, which makes the skin particularly susceptible to external influences.

How to recognise delicate skin

Typical signs that the skin is sensitive:

• It tightens or stings after washing
• It turns red with heat, cold or touch
• It reacts to new products with itching or bumps
• It often feels dry and fine in structure

What makes skin dry and sensitive?

Dry and sensitive skin often go together: When the skin lacks moisture and fat, its protective barrier is weakened, and then it reacts more easily. The most common causes are:

• Weather and climate - cold, wind, sun and dry indoor air
• Harsh cleansing - hot water and strong soap
• Fragrance and strong products
• Age and heredity

Watch out for fragrance and unnecessary substances

Many people are not aware of how much fragrance we expose the skin to daily. Fragrance hides in make-up, soap, cleaning agents and laundry detergent. The constant exposure can over time give a troublesome fragrance allergy with itchy rash, bumps and blisters. Note that natural products claiming to be fragrance-free are often just free of synthetic fragrance, they can still contain essential oils, which can make the skin react. ByLykke's products are free of fragrance and essential oils and contain only one preservative system.

A mild routine for dry and sensitive skin

1. Cleanse gently morning and evening with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free product.
2. Give moisture with a fragrance-free cream while the skin is still slightly damp.
3. Be consistent - it is the daily, gentle care that makes the difference.
4. Introduce new products one at a time, so you can sense what the skin likes.

ByLykke's care products for sensitive skin

ByLykke Original Skin Creme, Repair and Serum are well-chosen care for particularly sensitive skin on the face or body, because the products are free of essential oils, synthetic fragrance and several combinations of preservatives. The key ingredient is Colostrum Complex, made from the first milk after the cow has calved, a natural, nourishing raw material with 90 different nutrients. Together with organic oils from the first pressing, the products give the skin moisture and a soft feel.

The amount of first milk is 15 % in Creme and Lotion and 10 % in Repair. The lotion absorbs quickly and is suitable for larger areas of skin and oily skin. The creams are ideal for smaller areas and dry skin. Repair is recommended for combination skin with an oily T-zone. You can use Creme and Repair as day care and Original Creme as night cream.

A customer tells

Katrine says: "I have long had an imbalance in the form of sensitive and very dry skin. I have been through medical treatment and various dermatologists and creams, and it just got drier and more irritated. In the end I turned to the natural approach, and when I gave ByLykke a chance, my skin finally became soft and moisturised again, and therefore less red and irritated."

Frequently asked questions

Are dry skin and sensitive skin the same?
Not quite. Dry skin lacks moisture and fat, while sensitive skin reacts easily. The two often go together, though, and both benefit from a mild, moisturising routine.

How often should I apply cream?
Morning and evening and as needed, preferably while the skin is slightly damp, so the moisture is held better.

What should I avoid with sensitive skin?
Fragrance, essential oils, alcohol, harsh scrubs and too many active products at once.

Note: ByLykke's products are cosmetic skincare, not medicines. They are not intended to treat, relieve or prevent disease.