Caring for sensitive skin can be quite challenging. It’s like dealing with a fussy child – sometimes it’s calm and cooperative, and other times it throws a tantrum. We’ve all experienced skin sensitivity at some point, triggered by various factors like cold weather or strong skincare ingredients. But when sensitivity becomes a constant issue, it’s crucial to find the right skincare routine, including a skin care routine for men, to calm the irritation
Discovering the most suitable products to soothe sensitivity varies from person to person. What works for your friend might not work for you. The good news is that many brands have solutions for your skin concerns, including skin care for dry skin and skin care for oily skin. So, before anything else, it’s important to gather useful tips and trustworthy skincare products. That’s why we’ve consulted Dr. Anjali Mahto, a dermatologist at Self, to share her guidelines for sensitive skin. These are rules you should follow precisely, just like following etiquette such as standing on the left side of an escalator or not staring at strangers on the London underground
What does it mean to have sensitive skin? Are we stating something obvious? Not quite. It turns out that sensitive skin involves more than just redness and irritation. First of all, if you’re dealing with sensitivity, you’re not alone. According to Dr. Mahto, about 40% of the population, especially women, face issues with skin sensitivity. She clarifies that sensitive skin is more about how your skin feels than what it looks like. Sensitivity primarily affects the skin on your face and is characterized by sensations like burning, stinging, tightness, pain, or itching. When these symptoms occur, the skin might also appear red. This is especially relevant for teenage skin care.
What leads to sensitive skin? Sensitive skin is quite responsive and can be set off by factors that you might not have control over. These could include things like pollution, UV rays, temperature changes, or shifts in stress, hormones, or sleep patterns. Another common factor is the products you use on your skin. The ingredients in your cleanser and moisturizer might cause irritation – fragrances, dyes, and soaps are often to blame.
“While we know what might trigger sensitive skin, we don’t fully understand its exact cause. However, it’s believed that sensitive skin can occur due to disruptions in the functioning of your skin barrier,” explains Dr. Mahto. It’s also suggested that sensitivity might develop when the nerves on the outermost layer of your skin get irritated, which can happen when the skin’s protective barrier is compromised.
“When you have sensitive skin, it’s important to figure out if there might be an underlying skin issue causing redness and irritation, like rosacea, eczema, or allergies,” says Dr. Mahto. “The treatments for these conditions differ from those for sensitive skin, so getting the right diagnosis is crucial,” she adds. Dr. Mahto recommends that if you’ve noticed prolonged sensitivity and redness lasting more than two weeks, you should consult your GP or dermatologist to rule out any underlying causes.
What’s the difference between sensitive skin and a damaged skin barrier? To simplify, sensitive skin is a type of skin, whereas a damaged skin barrier (or sensitized skin) is a temporary condition, often due to excessive exfoliation or using strong active ingredients too quickly. This distinction is important in skin care for combination skin. ‘People who have damaged their skin barrier will notice that with the right routine, it will return to normal after a while,’ explains Dr. Mahto. ‘However, if you have sensitive skin, ongoing sensitivity is likely to persist,’ she adds
How to care for sensitive skin? Keep it simple. Put aside your many oils, acids, and peels and create a three-step routine to make your skin barrier stronger. You only need a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer (and don’t forget SPF – we’ll talk about that later). Think about adding emollients like squalane and shea butter to keep moisture in, and ceramides – they’re like the glue that holds your skin cells together – to support your skin barrier.
“Make sure you use products without fragrances or perfumes, and avoid using things like scrubs or cleansing brushes that physically exfoliate the skin, as these can make irritation worse,” advises Dr. Mahto. “Also, stay away from ingredients like witch hazel, essential oils, camphor, and menthol, as these can increase inflammation,” she adds.
If you enjoy using acid exfoliants, it might be a good idea to hold off on those bottles, as they could make your skin more sensitive. Ingredients like retinol and AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are often on the list of things to avoid. However, that doesn’t mean you have to completely give up on them – just make sure the products you choose are designed to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
“And for my last tip, if your skin reacts to almost everything, consider doing a home patch test before trying a new product,” suggests Dr. Mahto. “Apply a small amount of the product to your clean upper-inner forearm and leave it on for 24 hours (don’t wash the area!). If there’s no irritation, it should be safe to use in the future,” she adds. Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t as thorough as an allergy test you’d get at a dermatologist’s office.
Should I opt for skincare labeled ‘hypoallergenic’? Dr. Mahto recommends being cautious about products labeled ‘hypoallergenic’ since this term doesn’t necessarily mean it’s perfect for sensitive skin. “The term doesn’t hold much meaning and is only there to suggest that the product might cause fewer allergic reactions than one without the label,” she explains. In reality, there aren’t strict standards or official tests that a product must pass before using this label. “Unfortunately, it’s mainly used to give a false sense of the product’s stability and safety,” says Dr. Mahto.
So, now that you’re informed about the best ways to care for sensitive skin, it’s time to find the right skincare products for you. From cleansers to moisturizers and serums, we’ve gathered our favorite gentle formulas that are better at protecting your skin than Rose was at saving Jack (that door was big enough). And there are even a few expert recommendations from Dr. Mahto as well.
Top Picks for Gentle Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin…
Top Cleansers
Every skincare routine needs a proper cleanse to remove impurities and dirt that can clog pores. The best options for sensitive skin will create a gentle lather and effectively remove excess residue without drying out your skin.
As you aim for super-clean skin, you might be tempted to choose a harsh formula. But this could harm your skin’s protective layer. So, avoid foaming cleansers, as they often have a higher pH that can lead to irritation. Instead, go for a gentle cream or gel cleanser with soothing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
Top Serum Choices
Serums provide a concentrated blend of ingredients to address various skin issues, such as pigmentation, fine lines, and dryness. If you have sensitive skin, you can’t just grab any serum – it requires some extra thought.
Choose a serum with hydrating components instead of acids or exfoliants. With sensitive skin, your main goal is to protect and moisturize your skin’s barrier. Look for ingredients that strengthen it, like hyaluronic acid, lipids, peptides, and squalane.
Top Moisturizer Picks Complete your routine with a moisturizer to keep your skin well-hydrated and to lock in the benefits of your serum. For those with sensitive skin, dealing with tightness and dryness is common. Therefore, choose a moisturizer that offers deep hydration without blocking your pores.
During the day, go for a gel-like moisturizer that’s free from fragrances and oils. At night, opt for a thicker formula, ideally with ceramides, to strengthen your skin barrier while you sleep.
Best Sunscreen for You
We can’t stress it enough – applying SPF is the most important step in your skincare routine, regardless of your age or skin type. A high-SPF sunscreen not only shields your skin from UV damage but also helps slow down the aging process.
For sensitive skin, it’s advisable to use a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide instead of chemical ingredients. These mineral sunscreens stay on the surface of your skin to deflect UV rays. Apply a blob about the size of two fingers as the final step in your skincare routine – and don’t skip it, even if the sun isn’t out.
