Is Reactive and Sensitive Skin Different?

With so many self-proclaimed skin-care experts on social media, certain terms get tossed around a lot. Everyone seems to claim they have sensitive skin—but can we all really have such weak skin barriers? Or is it actually reactive? And are the two really that different? Some doctors say yes, while others argue they’re essentially one and the same. Ahead, experts break down the difference between reactive and sensitive skin.

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What Is Reactive Skin?

“Reactive skin over-responds to specific triggers like certain skin-care ingredients, weather changes or stress. This usually presents as redness, stinging or breakouts that can appear suddenly but usually go away once the trigger is removed,” says Chapel Hill, NC dermatologist Sue Ellen Cox, MD. “This is more of a temporary response than an actual skin type.”

She notes that many people who think they have sensitive skin may just be reacting to products that aren’t right for them. Addressing reactive skin requires pinpointing and avoiding specific triggers and using soothing products as needed when a reaction occurs, says Dr. Cox.

What Is Sensitive Skin?

“Sensitive skin is a skin type that’s consistently prone to irritation, dryness or redness, often due to a naturally weaker skin barrier,” says Dr. Cox. “It tends to react even without clear triggers and requires ongoing care. Unlike reactive skin, the sensitivity is chronic rather than occasional.” Dr. Cox says sensitive skin requires daily use of calming, barrier-supporting products with minimal ingredients and no fragrance. The goal, for sensitive skin, is to strengthen it over time and avoid common irritants altogether, she says.

“If there is no obvious cause for the sensitivity, go to your dermatologist, but if you have a cause identified (allergy, eczema, etc) that can be treated with a corticosteroid,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. He created FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Balm ($23) after he experienced dry, cracked skin and lips while on Accutane, and recommends it for anyone with sensitive skin.

Is Reactive Skin and Sensitive Skin Really That Different?

For Dr. Cox, the basic difference lies in sensitive skin being a long-term condition, while reactive skin tends to flare up only occasionally in response to certain things. However, Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD notes that he sees the terms as one and the same.

“People with reactive or sensitive skin may have a variety of conditions, which makes it challenging to diagnose without the help of a board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Sensitivity or reactions can be a result of rosacea, a form of acne, an allergy or eczema, he says. Dr. Joel Schlessinger notes that a dermatologist will likely be able to identify the cause or suggest an allergy or patch test to get to the bottom of the irritation.

The TL;DR: Whether your skin is reactive, sensitive or sensitized, the solution starts the same way: simplify your routine, strengthen your barrier and see a dermatologist to identify what your skin is really trying to tell you.