Sensitive Skin: What It Really Means (And What You Can Do About It)
Many people believe they have sensitive skin — but what does that actually mean? Is it a skin type, a temporary condition, or something more complex?
At Platinum Cosmetics, we work with all skin types, conditions, and concerns, including sensitive, reactive, and sensitised skin. If you’ve ever experienced redness, stinging, itching, or flushing, it’s worth understanding whether your skin is truly sensitive — or just behaving that way due to an underlying issue.
Here’s what you need to know about sensitive skin, how it differs from sensitised skin, and what treatments and skincare options we recommend.
Is Sensitive Skin a Skin Type?
Yes — true sensitive skin is a skin type. People with this skin type are genetically predisposed to be more reactive to stimuli like temperature, products, or environmental triggers. They often experience:
Persistent redness or flushing
Visible capillaries
Burning or stinging sensations
A tendency to react quickly to new products
Conditions such as rosacea, eczema or dermatitis
Sensitive skin types have a naturally thinner skin barrier and often produce less sebum, which leaves the skin more exposed to external irritants.
What Is Sensitised Skin?
Sensitised skin is a skin condition — not a skin type — and it’s becoming more common due to harsh skincare routines, environmental stressors, and lifestyle habits.
Sensitised skin happens when your barrier function is compromised, often due to:
Over-exfoliating
Excessive use of active ingredients (e.g. AHAs, retinol, vitamin C)
Environmental stress like wind or pollution
Dehydration or poor barrier repair
Medical treatments or medications
Sudden changes in climate or humidity
The good news? Sensitised skin is usually temporary and reversible with the right care and treatments.
How to Tell the Difference
A true sensitive skin type is typically reactive all the time, regardless of what’s applied. Sensitised skin, on the other hand, develops reactivity due to a specific trigger — like starting a new serum or using a harsh exfoliant — and will often improve once the trigger is removed.
A professional skin consultation at our Port Melbourne clinic is the best way to assess which one you’re experiencing and create a plan that supports skin repair and recovery.
Skincare for Sensitive or Sensitised Skin
At Platinum Cosmetics, we only recommend evidence-based skincare that respects the skin barrier and supports long-term skin health. If your skin is sensitive or sensitised, our top priorities are hydration, barrier repair, and calming inflammation.
Some of our favourite options include:
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel – an oil-free, botanical-based serum that hydrates while soothing redness and irritation
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 – a rich barrier-repairing moisturiser that replenishes essential lipids
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser – designed to remove makeup and impurities without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier
You can explore our Skin Care collection online or speak to our team for personalised guidance.
In-Clinic Treatments for Sensitive Skin
When treating sensitive or sensitised skin, the goal is to reduce inflammation, rebuild the barrier, and restore a healthy balance.
At our Port Melbourne clinic, we offer a range of facials and gentle laser treatments suitable for sensitive skin types, including:
Calming and hydrating facials designed to reduce redness and discomfort
LED light therapy, which helps regulate inflammation and promote healing
Laser Genesis with Fotona, which supports skin rejuvenation without compromising the barrier
Microneedling with growth factor or peptide serums, only once the skin is stable and no longer inflamed
Our approach is always cautious, layered, and tailored — with the aim of improving skin health, not just surface appearance.
Common Triggers to Avoid
If your skin is reactive or easily irritated, here are some common culprits that could be making it worse:
Fragranced products
Alcohol-based toners
Scrubs or grainy exfoliants
Harsh actives (like high-strength retinol or glycolic acid)
Hot showers or extreme temperature changes
Instead, opt for gentle, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as panthenol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica.
When to See a Dermal Clinician
If your skin is persistently reactive, red, or uncomfortable, a consultation with a qualified Dermal Clinician can help you rule out underlying issues like rosacea, dermatitis, or barrier dysfunction. It also ensures that you’re not accidentally using products that are making the problem worse.
Our team specialises in helping clients build a calm, resilient skin barrier — even if your skin has been through a lot.
Final Thoughts
Sensitive skin requires understanding, not over-treatment. At Platinum Cosmetics, we believe in treating the root cause, not just the symptoms — and that starts with personalised care and education.
Learn more about our facials, explore our full range of SkinCeuticals products, or book a consultation with one of our Dermal Clinicians to begin your journey toward calmer, healthier skin.
We’re here to help you feel confident in your skin — no matter how sensitive it may be.