What Is Sensitive Skin? Causes and Care Tips

Meaning 1：Sensitive skin (Sensitive skin)

Sensitive skin 🔊

/ˈsensɪtɪv skɪn/

Skin that easily gets red, itchy, or uncomfortable when it touches certain things like strong soap or rough fabric.

Woman carefully reading hypoallergenic and fragrance-free labels on skincare products at a pharmacy counter.

Sensitive skin 🔊

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/ˈsensɪtɪv skɪn/

Skin that reacts easily to external irritants such as strong soaps, fragrances, or rough fabrics, often causing redness, itching, or discomfort.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

'Sensitive' from Latin 'sentire' (to feel) + '-ive'; 'skin' from Old English 'scinn' (hide).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine your skin is a 'sensitive alarm' that alerts you to harsh chemicals or rough fabrics.

📖 Example

When shopping for face wash, I always look for products labeled 'for sensitive skin' because regular ones make my face feel tight and red. 🔊 When shopping for face wash, I always look for products labeled 'for sensitive skin' because regular ones make my face feel tight and red.

🔗 Collocations

sensitive skin care – Routine or products designed to soothe and protect sensitive skin.

sensitive skin formula – Products (e.g., soap or lotion) formulated without harsh chemicals or fragrances.

sensitive skin type – A classification of skin that is prone to irritation and allergic reactions.

🔄 Synonyms

reactive skin (n.) – Skin that responds strongly to stimuli like weather or products.

delicate skin (n.) – Skin that is easily damaged or irritated.

irritable skin (n.) – Skin that is prone to inflammation and discomfort.

🚫 Antonyms

resilient skin (n.) – Skin that can withstand harsh conditions without irritation.

tough skin (n.) – Skin that is strong and less reactive to external factors.

🌱 Derivatives

sensitivity (n.) – The quality of being sensitive, especially to skin irritants.

sensitize (v.) – To cause someone or something to become sensitive to a substance.

hypersensitive (adj.) – Extremely sensitive, often used to describe skin that reacts to even mild stimuli.

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'sensitive skin' gained traction in the 1980s as dermatology and cosmetics brands like Cetaphil marketed products for reactive skin, now a recognized condition.