Redness and sensitivity are signs that your skin is irritated. This doesn't always mean you have sensitive skin type. Even people with oily, dry, or combination skin can experience redness, stinging, or burning sensations.
Common causes
These are some common reasons your skin might suddenly become red or sensitive:
- Allergic reactions to skincare, food, or something in your environment.
- Rosacea, a chronic condition that causes flushing and visible blood vessels. Rosacea can be triggered by heat, spicy foods, or alcohol.
- Heat or sunburns. Too much time in the sun can damage the sun and cause inflammation.
- Bacterial, fungal, or viral infectinos can also lead to redness and discomfort.
- A weakened skin barrier caused by over-exfoliating, using harsh skincare ingredients, or environmental stressors can damage the skin barrier and make it more reactive.
When to see a doctor
While most redness isn't dangerous and will go away on its own once the trigger is removed. You should see a doctor if there are accompanying symptoms such as pain, swelling, hot to touch, or if its spreading. This could be a sign of infection or something more serious.
