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Expand your offerings safely with Advanced Esthetics Insurance at ascpskincare.com 37 RECOGNIZING COMMON SYMPTOMS Both sensitive and sensitized skin share many overlapping symptoms that reflect underlying barrier disruption and heightened inflammatory response. Common symptoms include: • Persistent redness, dryness, and tightness • Visible irritation • Sensations of stinging, burning, or itching when exposed to skin care products, environmental changes, or even changes in hydration • Blotchy or uneven skin, with increased warmth or flushing due to vasodilation and compromised microcirculation In more reactive cases, clients may experience flaking, rough texture, or delayed healing, indicating deeper impairment of the stratum corneum. Because both conditions involve an overactive neurosensory system and reduced barrier integrity, even mild stimuli—temperature shifts, fragrance, or strong actives—can trigger visible and sensory discomfort. SETTING REALISTIC, ACHIEVABLE GOALS, AND CLIENT EDUCATION When treating reactive skin, patience and precision are essential. The professional's role is to guide the client toward realistic expectations, improvement through healing rather than rapid correction. Beginning goals should focus on calming inflammation, restoring hydration, and reestablishing lipids, increasing permeability and immune activation. As the barrier weakens, inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins are released, heightening reactivity and discomfort. Sensitized skin represents a state of barrier dysfunction and immune overactivity, rather than a hereditary trait. When the skin's natural defenses are restored through hydration, lipid replenishment, and reduced inflammation, sensitized skin can often return to a balanced, healthy state. While both conditions present similar symptoms of redness, itching, stinging, dryness, and inflammation, understanding their root causes allows professionals to create more effective and individualized treatment strategies. It's also important to note that certain medications can significantly impact skin health, often leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, or reactivity. Common examples include retinoids, antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines, and certain acne or blood pressure medications. These can alter the skin's moisture balance and barrier function. Some drugs increase photosensitivity, making the skin more vulnerable to UV damage, while others slow cellular turnover or disrupt the microbiome. These internal changes can manifest as redness, irritation, or delayed healing. For clients on medication, a barrier-focused skin care approach is essential to maintain comfort and protect overall skin integrity. Sensitized skin represents a state of barrier dysfunction and immune overactivity rather than a hereditary trait.