Skin sensitivity is a leading skin concern throughout the modern world with more than half of women claiming to have sensitive skin. Generally, what people mean by having sensitive skin is that they react to skin care products. Other triggers include environmental exposures, heat, friction, food and medications. Most people have experienced a skin reaction to a product or ingredient at one point or another, but individuals who suffer with persistent issues are classified as having sensitive skin. Truly reactive skin is easily aggravated, and is described as environmentally sensitised or vaso-reactive. Sensitivity is generally the result of an impaired barrier function, which results in nerve endings being more prone to irritation, and a hyperactive immune response. How the skin responds to triggers can include symptoms of swelling/oedema, redness, blemishes, stinging or tingling, itching and dry, scaly patches. How do you know if you have sensitive or reactive skin?