Sensitive skin can be frustrating to manage. The slightest product or environmental factor can trigger redness, stinging, and irritation. If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be gentle with your complexion. With the right skincare regimen, you can keep your skin calm, comfortable, and healthy.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is skin that is quick to react to topical products, environmental elements, stress, and other factors. It lacks the normal resiliency and protective mechanisms that help keep most complexions balanced. As a result, individuals with sensitive skin tend to experience more redness, dryness, and irritation in response to skincare ingredients, weather, and lifestyle factors.
Having a good skincare routine tailored to sensitive skin is crucial for keeping complexions soothed. Harsh ingredients, over-exfoliation, and disregard for your skin’s needs can lead to impairment of the protective skin barrier. A compromised barrier allows external irritants to penetrate and trigger inflammation. By being gentle with your sensitive skin, you can maintain its health and keep it calm.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin has multiple possible causes:
- Genetics: You may have inherited sensitive skin from your parents. Certain genetic factors can make you predisposed to reactivity.
- Weakened skin barrier: Disruption of the lipid barrier on the skin’s surface makes it more permeable to irritants. This barrier can become impaired from harsh products, over-exfoliation, environmental damage, and certain health conditions.
- Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation in the skin can manifest as sensitivity. This can arise from autoimmune reactions, allergies, skin conditions, and other factors that activate the immune system.
- Nerve and blood vessel abnormalities: Sensitive skin may stem from over-reactive nerve fibers and blood vessels in the skin. This leads to a lower threshold for triggering sensations of pain, itching, and burning.
- Hormones: Hormone fluctuations related to stress, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger sensitivity.
- Weather and environmental factors: Heat, cold, wind, and pollution can cause sensitivity reactions.
- Medications: Certain medications like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and steroids can induce sensitivity as side effects.
Signs of Sensitive Skin
How do you know if you have sensitive skin? There are a few key signs:
- Flushing, redness, dilated capillaries
- Acne, rashes, and bumps
- Itching, stinging, and burning sensations
- Tight, dry skin
- Increased reactivity to skincare products
People with sensitive skin often have lower tolerance for topical products and find that many formulations cause irritation, breakouts, rashes, and redness. Pay attention to how your skin reacts after applying different skincare, cosmetic, hair care, and body care products. Adverse reactions may indicate sensitivity.
Why Sensitive Skin Needs Special Care
When you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be selective with the products you use and gentle with your skin care routine. Harsh ingredients and abrasive treatments can impair your skin’s protective barrier and trigger inflammation. This leads to more sensitivity and potential skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.
By using gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments formulated for sensitivity, you can maintain your skin’s health. Be sure to avoid known irritants. Additionally, protective steps like sunscreen and antioxidants are essential for sensitive complexions. With the right regimen, you can keep your skin calm, comfortable, and nourished.
Steps for Building a Gentle Skincare Routine
Follow these tips when putting together a skincare routine for your sensitive skin:
1. Choose Gentle Cleansers
Harsh surfactant-based cleansers can strip sensitive skin of natural oils and disturb the skin barrier. Instead, opt for gentle, non-foaming cleansers that soothe as they cleanse. Look for formulas with skin-loving ingredients like:
- Aloe vera
- Oats
- Green tea
- Chamomile
- Hyaluronic acid
- Jojoba oil
Avoid products with harsh detergents, alcohols, and fragrances. Double cleansing with an oil or balm cleanser followed by a gentle water-based cleanser is an excellent approach.
2. Apply Soothing Toners
Hydrating, pH-balancing toners help sensitized skin. Choose alcohol-free, fragrance-free formulas with skin-replenishing ingredients like:
- Aloe vera
- Honey
- Rose water
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
Avoid toners with potentially irritating ingredients like witch hazel, menthol, and high amounts of botanical extracts.
3. Use Gentle Exfoliation
While sensitive skin should avoid harsh scrubs, gentle chemical exfoliation 1-2 times per week helps stimulate cell turnover and unclog pores. Look for exfoliants like:
- Lactic acid
- Gluconolactone
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs)
- Enzymes like papaya, pumpkin, and bromelain
Always start slowly with lower percentages and frequencies when introducing new exfoliating products.
4. Choose Soothing Serums
Serums deliver concentrated doses of nourishing ingredients to the skin. For sensitive types, opt for formulas with calming, restoring complexes that won’t sting or irritate. Beneficial ingredients include:
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe vera
- Allantoin
- Bisabolol
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Green tea
- Chamomile
- Niacinamide
Avoid potent anti-aging serums with retinol, AHAs, or vitamin C until your skin acclimates.
5. Apply Gentle Moisturizers
Hydration is key for sensitive, reactive skin. Use gentle creams and lotions with skin-replenishing ingredients like:
- Shea butter
- Avocado oil
- Safflower oil
- Jojoba oil
- Squalane
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Colloidal oatmeal
Thinner gels and lightweight lotions are ideal for oilier complexions. Heavier creams suit drier sensitive skin types.
6. Always Patch Test
To avoid adverse reactions, do a patch test before applying any new product all over your face. Apply a small amount on your inner arm for a few days to check for irritation before incorporating the product into your routine.
7. Take it Slow
When trying new products, gradually introduce them into your regimen 2-3 times per week rather than daily application right away. Pay attention to your skin’s responses.
8. Protect with SPF
Sun protection is non-negotiable for sensitive skin. Use a mineral sunscreen with inactive ingredients your skin tolerates. Avoid chemical filters if you have reactivity.
9. Simplify Your Routine
Too many products can overwhelm sensitive skin and do more harm than good. Stick to a simple, back-to-basics regimen with just a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF.
Ingredients to Use and Avoid
Carefully choosing the right ingredients for your skincare products is key for sensitive skin. Here are some formulas to embrace and nix:
Ingredients to Look For
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe vera
- Oats
- Chamomile
- Green tea
- Allantoin
- Niacinamide
- Jojoba oil
- Avocado oil
- Squalane
- Shea butter
- Glycerin
Ingredients to Avoid
- Fragrances
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Essential oils
- Dyes
- Alcohols
- Witch hazel
- Masking fragrances
- Botanical extracts
- Exfoliating acids
- Retinol
- Benzoyl peroxide
Focus on simple, skin-replenishing, botanically-derived ingredients. Avoid anything with potential to irritate.
SPF: A Must for Sensitive Skin
Daily broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable for sensitive skin. UV exposure can trigger sensitivity reactions and exacerbate problems like redness and dryness. It also leads to collagen breakdown and pigmentation issues down the road.
When selecting sunscreen for sensitive skin, mineral formulas with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide safe, effective protection that sits atop the skin rather than being absorbed. Avoid chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate if your skin reacts.
Look for mineral sunscreens with skin-soothing extras like:
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Aloe vera
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Green tea
- Licorice root extract
- Feverfew
Avoid sunscreens with irritants like fragrances, alcohol, and dyes. Non-nano or micro-sized mineral particles are ideal for sensitive skin. They are less likely to penetrate and cause irritation.
Double check the inactive ingredients on any sunscreen you use. Silicones, preservatives, emulsifiers, and other secondary formulas can sneak in sensitivity triggers.
Apply sunscreen as the last step of your AM skincare routine. Use a shot glass full to cover all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours of sun exposure. Sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding peak sun hours augment sunscreen for sensitive skin. Don’t forget your eye area, lips, ears, and neck!
Lifestyle Tips for Sensitive Skin
Your skincare regimen isn’t the only thing that needs an upgrade when you have reactive skin. Certain lifestyle habits and daily practices can help maintain calm, comfortable skin:
1. Avoid hot showers. Scalding water compromises the skin barrier, leaving sensitive complexions irritated. Stick to lukewarm water and limit shower lengths to 5-10 minutes.
2. Use gentle cleansers. Skip bar soaps, loofahs, and abrasive scrubs. Opt for soap-free cleansers to prevent stripping sensitive skin.
3. Humidify indoor air. Running a humidifier prevents moisture loss that exacerbates sensitivity. Aim to keep indoor humidity around 40-50%.
4. Wear sun protection. UV exposure is a primary sensitivity trigger. Wear broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, plus protective clothing and hats.
5. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated combats sensitivity and keeps skinbarrier intact. Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
6. Manage stress. Stress hormones like cortisol can worsen sensitivity. Make time to relax with yoga, meditation, or soothing hobbies.
7. Eat skin-friendly foods. A diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats helps fortify sensitive skin. Load up on greens, berries, salmon, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
8. Exercise moderately. Regular exercise improves circulation and skin cell turnover, but overdoing it can cause irritation. 20-30 minutes of moderate activity 3-4 times a week is ideal.
9. Get enough sleep. Not getting your 7-9 hours leads to increased cortisol and inflammation. Maintain a consistent sleep routine to promote skin health.
10. Avoid irritants. Cigarette smoke, pollution, harsh detergents, and synthetic fabrics containing dyes or chemicals can trigger sensitivity. Say no to sensitizers!
Treating Underlying Conditions
In some cases, sensitive skin arises from an underlying skin condition that requires targeted treatment. Common culprits include:
Eczema
Eczema is characterized by severely dry, itchy, inflamed skin. Gentle cleansers, regular moisturization, and anti-itch creams with colloidal oatmeal help manage flare-ups. Staying cool and reducing sweat can help minimize outbreaks.
Rosacea
Rosacea causes facial redness, flushing, acne-like bumps, and visible blood vessels. Avoiding triggers like sun, spicy foods, alcohol, and temperature extremes are key. Green tea, azelaic acid, and gentle skincare help minimize rosacea flares. Lasers and light therapy may be required for severe, bumpy rosacea.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash triggered by skin contact with irritants or allergens. Identifying and avoiding the culprit allergen is crucial. Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines treat contact dermatitis flare-ups and itching.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis leads to red, scaly, itchy patches that can burn. Topical treatments containing salicylic acid or corticosteroids, vitamin D creams, retinoids, and moisturizers maintain control. Phototherapy may be required for moderate to severe cases.
If you suspect an underlying condition, see your doctor or dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Controlling flares and irritation is key for improving sensitive skin.
When to See a Dermatologist
Most sensitive skin can be managed with over-the-counter products and gentle care. But if your sensitive skin doesn’t improve with a routine overhaul, see a board-certified dermatologist for help getting to the root of the problem.
Signs it’s time to make an appointment:
- Sensitive skin that continues worsening
- Frequent rashes, redness, and irritation
- Ongoing acne-like breakouts
- Extreme dryness/oiliness not controlled by products
- Suspected underlying condition like eczema or rosacea
- No improvement after 3-6 months of sensitive skin care
A dermatologist has powerful prescription treatments available for stubborn sensitive skin issues:
- Topical creams – Steroid creams, Eucrisa, Elidel, and Vaniqa help treat severe eczema, dermatitis, redness, and itching when OTC options fail.
- Oral medications – For severe rosacea, pills like Oracea, Soolantra, and low-dose antibiotics reduce bumps and pustules.
- Phototherapy – Light treatments help treat unresponsive dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.
- Allergy testing – Patch testing identifies specific allergens triggering contact dermatitis. Allergy shots can treat severe environmental or product allergies.
- Procedures – Laser treatments, peels, and skin needling help restore healthy skin in severe dermatitis and rosacea.
Don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist if your sensitive skin isn’t improving with self-care. With prescription therapies and procedures, significant relief is possible.
Caring for Your Emotional Health
In addition to physical discomfort, sensitive skin can take a toll on your self-image and quality of life. Dealing with constant redness, breakouts, dryness, and irritation is frustrating. And the need to avoid so many foods, products, and activities makes sensitive skin feel limiting.
If your sensitive skin has you feeling down, try these practices:
- Talk to friends/loved ones – Discussing your struggles can help you feel supported. Knowing others relate is comforting.
- Join a support group – Connecting with other sensitive skin sufferers makes you realize you aren’t alone. Online forums provide solidarity.
- Stick to a routine – Getting symptoms under better control through a steady regimen promotes confidence.
- Keep a symptom journal – Tracking flare-ups and identifying triggers puts you in charge. This feeling of control is empowering.
- Find fulfilling hobbies – Pursuing activities you love helps you focus less on your skin struggles.
- Practice self-care – Relaxation techniques like meditation, Epsom salt baths, gentle yoga, and massage reduce stress for clearer skin and mind.
- See a therapist – If your self-esteem is severely impacted, consider consulting a therapist to improve your mindset and coping skills.
Having sensitive skin isn’t your fault. Be patient, actively work to improve it, and don’t forget to nurture your emotional health on difficult skin days.
The Takeaway on Caring for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, being gentle, mindful, and consistent with your skincare routine and lifestyle habits is key. Avoiding irritating ingredients, protecting your skin barrier, and handling skin delicately keeps sensitive complexions calm. See a dermatologist if OTC measures still leave your skin inflamed and uncomfortable.
While having sensitive skin may require more care and caution, it is possible to find an effective regimen that keeps your complexion soothed. With diligent trial and error, factoring in triggers, and being loving towards your skin, you can discover the ideal sensitive skin care routine for you.
