Skin care for sensitive skin: Use gentle products and avoid a multiple-step skincare routine

Skincare tips: Overloading sensitive skin with multiple products and too many active ingredients, like retinol and acids, can increase the risk of irritation. Stick to a simple, consistent routine (Image: Canva)

If your skin flares up at the slightest change in your skincare products, diet or even environment, you probably have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is more prone to irritation, redness, and breakouts, and even swelling up in some cases.

It is not hard to take care of your sensitive skin, just be sure you are choosing gentle, soothing products, simplifying your routine, and avoiding common irritants that harm your skin.

Although new and trending skincare products are tempting to use, be careful what you choose, and avoid overloading your skin with multiple products. Always do a patch test and introduce new products one at a time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to managing sensitive skin effectively.

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• Select a mild cleanser

Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. The Journal of Dermatological Treatment stresses that gentle cleanser helps to keep sensitive skin intact without disrupting the skin's barrier.

Find sulphate-free cleansers that contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, or glycerine. Micellar water is also an excellent makeup remover.

Pro tip: Wash your face with lukewarm water not hot water so as not to irritate your skin.

• Moisturise regularly

Sensitive skin gets dry and develops cracks, causing a weak skin barrier. Hydrating moisturising cream restores the moisture balance and heals the barrier.

Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dermatology found that ceramide moisturisers enhance skin barrier function and decrease sensitivity.

Pro tip: Apply moisturiser right after cleansing to seal in moisture.

• Avoid harsh exfoliants

Physical scrubs and harsh chemical exfoliants can irritate sensitive skin, leading to redness and discomfort. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises against abrasive scrubs for sensitive skin and recommends mild chemical exfoliants. Choose gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which are less likely to irritate. Limit exfoliation to once a week.

Pro tip: Always patch-test exfoliating products on a small area of skin before applying them to your face.

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• Use sunscreen daily

Sensitive skin is more prone to damage from UV rays, which can worsen redness and inflammation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against sunburn and premature ageing. Studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology emphasise the importance of daily sunscreen use for protecting sensitive skin.

Choose a mineral (physical) sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are less irritating than chemical sunscreens.

Pro tip: Look for sunscreens labelled as “non-comedogenic” and “fragrance-free” to minimize reactions.

• Simplify your skincare routine

Overloading sensitive skin with multiple products and too many active ingredients, like retinol and acids, can increase the risk of irritation. Stick to a simple, consistent routine.

Start with a cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Gradually introduce new products, one at a time, to monitor any reactions.

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• Avoid fragrances and irritants

Fragrances, alcohol, and harsh preservatives are common culprits behind sensitive skin flare-ups. Read labels carefully and choose products labelled “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” or “sensitive skin.”

Pro tip: Avoid products with menthol, eucalyptus, or artificial dyes, as they can trigger irritation.

• Spot-treat redness and irritation

Sensitive skin often develops redness or irritation from environmental triggers. Soothing treatments can help calm these symptoms. Look for products with calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, green tea extract, or niacinamide. A study in the Journal of Dermatological Science highlights the anti-inflammatory benefits of niacinamide for sensitive skin

Pro tip: Store calming gels or creams in the fridge for a cooling effect during flare-ups.

• Protect your skin from environmental stressors

Sensitive skin can react to pollution, wind, or extreme temperatures, leading to dryness and irritation. Wear a scarf or hat to protect your face from wind and cold and use air purifiers indoors to minimize exposure to allergens and pollutants.

Pro tip: A barrier cream can shield your skin from harsh environmental conditions.

Always patch-test new products, stay hydrated and eat skin-friendly foods rich in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and nuts. Include omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds) to reduce inflammation. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol, as they can exacerbate redness and irritation in sensitive skin.

By adopting these practices and protecting your skin from environmental stressors, you can maintain a calm, healthy complexion. Consistency and mindfulness are key to managing sensitive skin effectively.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.