Sensitive vs Sensitized Skin

3 minute read · 04/28/2025 16:08:12

Sensitive Skin vs. Sensitized Skin: Understanding the Difference

Have you ever been confused between the two?

Maybe you've heard of sensitive skin and decided you have it—but then, what is sensitized skin? Are they the same?

Not exactly. Though depending on the condition, they can look very similar.

In the last blog, "What Is My Skin Type?", we covered the five skin types: normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive.

(If you haven’t read it yet, I highly suggest you check it out—it's very good, if I do say so myself!)

I explained that sensitive skin is a genetically inherited skin type. You are born with it.

If you have sensitive skin, chances are that one of your parents, siblings, grandparents, great-uncle Joe, or cousin Leah has it too.

Common examples include:

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff and Cradle Cap)
Psoriasis Vulgaris (Psoriasis)
Acne Vulgaris (Acne)
Rosacea

Sensitized skin is different.

Unlike sensitive skin, sensitized skin is a condition—meaning it’s temporary, depending on the skin’s current state.

3 Examples:

You spend a day at the beach, forget to reapply your sunscreen, and get a sunburn. Your skin will feel sensitive and need time to recover. During the healing period, your skin is sensitized. Once it recovers, the sensitivity goes away.
After receiving a chemical peel, your esthetician will advise you on a proper post-care regimen. During the healing process, your skin will be sensitized, following the manufacturers recovery timeline.
Using the wrong skincare can also sensitize your skin

> If you have dry skin but use products designed for oily skin, you could strip too much oil from your barrier, leading to extreme dryness and dehydration (your skin may feel both dry and flaky).

> On the other hand, if you have oily skin and use heavy balms, comedogenic oils, and thick cold creams twice a day, you can exacerbate oil production, leading to painful cystic breakouts.

In all cases, the skin becomes sensitized—but with proper homecare, it can recover.

Key Differences

Sensitive Skin (Type)

Genetically Inherited

Lifelong management

Common examples: Eczema and Rosacea

Sensitized Skin (Condition)

Environmentally or chemically triggered

Temporary with recovery

Common causes: sunburn and the wrong products

Treatment Recommendations

Both sensitive and sensitized skin may share similar recommendations for treatments and homecare.

At Huemetics Artistry, services are always customized based on each client's specific needs. Clients should apply physical sunscreens (SPF that contains zinc and or titanium dioxide) daily. Physical sunscreens are the most gentle on the skin.

Note: Clients must not have any open or broken skin in the area to be serviced.

Facial Services:

Recommended Skincare Products:

Need Help?

If you think you may have sensitive or sensitized skin and need further guidance, schedule an extensive consultation.

Available for both studio and virtual appointments.

Let’s get your skin back to feeling calm, resilient, and radiant!

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