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Your skin is an amazing organ, because it keeps your insides in, while keeping environmental toxins, pollution, and stressors out. At least when your skin is working like it should. Sometimes, though, your skin can become overly sensitive, and even your normal skin care routine can lead to increased dryness, flaking, and irritation.

What are some reasons for an increase in skin sensitivity? Let's look at some possible causes:

Your genetics. Some people are predisposed to greater sensitivity just because of their particular DNA makeup. This is seen most often in people with eczema (atopic dermatitis) and in those with seborrheic dermatitis.

Your gender. Women are more likely to have sensitive skin compared to men. Skin sensitivity may change over the month, according to changes in hormones related to the menstrual cycle.

Your ethnicity. Some ethnic groups are prone to naturally more sensitive skin.

Your skin care regimen. The ideal skin care regimen will leave your skin soft and smooth. If you use cleansers which are too harsh, your skin will feel dry and taut, opening the door to greater sensitivity.

Your cosmetics. Some cosmetics contain multiple potential skin irritants (fragrance, color, minerals, lanolin, mineral oil), any of which, alone, can lead to skin sensitivity. When combined together, they are even more likely to irritate.

Your diet. What you eat has direct impact on the health and functioning of your skin. If you eat too little fat, your skin will not be able to maintain its normal lipid layer, which will result in dry skin. If you are deficient in any of the skin-boosting vitamins, you can experience greater skin irritation.

So what can you do to combat these six factors and adequately care for your sensitive skin?

Use a shielding lotion. These provide a barrier between your skin and the environment. In essence, they provide the environmental protection your skin would provide for you, if it could.

Do not go for the burn. If you apply something to your skin, and it stings, tingles, or burns, wash it off, immediately. Tingling or burning can further irritate already sensitive skin.

Avoid known skin irritants. Aim to keep your skin care ingredients simple and definable. Look for products which contain about ten or fewer ingredients. Avoid products with too many preservatives.

Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This helps seal in the water from your shower or bath.

Drink up. Be sure to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of pure, clear water. You can improve your skin sensitivity from the inside out.

Add new products sparingly. Give your skin a chance to get used to anything new, and when you find a regimen that works, stick with it. Too many regimen changes can lead to increased dryness, flaking, and irritation.

While you may not be able to control all the reasons for your sensitive skin, you do have options in how to care for it.