Skincare products for sensitive skin: How to pick the right one

Does your skin start itching, irritating, or feeling dry right after using a new skincare product or being exposed to environmental triggers? If so, you may have sensitive skin. This skin type tends to react more easily to allergens, chemicals and fragrances. People with sensitive skin often experience discomfort, including redness, burning, stinging sensations, or dryness, especially when using harsh soaps, skincare treatments, or during weather fluctuations. With so many potential triggers, choosing the right products for sensitive skin can feel overwhelming. If you are dealing with symptoms like dry patches, irritation, or other discomforts, this guide is for you. It offers expert-backed advice on how to select gentle, effective products for sensitive skin that will help soothe and protect your skin. By following the right skincare routine, you can manage sensitivities and achieve a healthy, balanced complexion.

What is sensitive skin?

Before understanding how to choose the right products for sensitive skin, it is essential to get a better knowledge of this skin type. Dr Anshuman Manaswi, Chief Aesthetic Surgeon says, “People with sensitive skin may experience discomfort, dryness, redness, itching, irritation or other adverse reactions more easily than those with normal or less reactive skin.” Some common symptoms of this skin type include dryness, stinging, burning sensations and visible redness. It can result from various factors like genetics, skin conditions or external triggers. The Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia define sensitive skin as a sensory reaction, which gets triggered by contactors and environmental factors.

What are the causes of sensitive skin?

To choose the right products for sensitive skin and manage the associated issues, it is important to understand the underlying causes. Genetics can play a big role in this as some people are naturally predisposed to skin that reacts more easily. Besides this, skin conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis can also make skin more sensitive. The Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology states that environmental factors like sun exposure, low temperatures, wind, humidity and urban heat can trigger the symptoms of sensitive skin. Additionally, stress, hormonal changes and dietary factors can also lead to irritation and discomfort. “Weakened skin barrier and overuse of skincare products of harsh treatments can cause reactions,” says Dr Anshuman Manaswi.

Also Read: 7 DIY face masks for sensitive skin

What are the characteristics of sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is often characterized by stinging, burning and itching sensations, as per the Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia. This skin type often appears dry or flaky and may develop rash-like patches or bumps. People with sensitive skin have weaker skin protective barriers that make them more prone to inflammation and irritation. “Common characteristics of sensitive skin include redness, swelling, itching, stinging or burning sensations, irritation from products, rashes, bumps, dryness, and heightened sensitivity to environmental factors,” adds the expert.

Key ingredients to look for in products for sensitive skin

1. Aloe vera: It may soothe and reduce redness. The Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences states that it can improve wound healing, prevent ulcers and improve skin health.
2. Chamomile: It may help to calm inflammation and relieve discomfort. The Pharmacology Online states that chamomile can treat skin conditions like pityriasis alba lesion similar to eczema, contact dermatitis, and wound healing.
3. Hyaluronic acid: As per the Dermatology Therapy, hyaluronic acid can boost skin hydration without clogging pores.
4. Ceramides: It can strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss. The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology states that ceramide can improve disturbed skin conditions and maintain the water permeability barrier function of the skin.
5. Cica (Centella Asiatica): It may reduce redness, and inflammation, and support skin repair. The Skinmed Journal states that Cica can treat wounds, atopic dermatitis, scars and other skin conditions.

“People with sensitive skin also use ingredients like niacinamide to reduce redness, colloidal oatmeal to relieve itchiness, squalene to mimic the skin’s natural oils and vitamin E to protect e skin,” says Dr Anshuman Manaswi.

What ingredients should be avoided in products for sensitive skin?

When choosing products for sensitive skin, it is important to avoid ingredients that can cause irritation, dryness or allergic reactions. Key ingredients that you must steer clear of include fragrances as they can cause redness, alcohols, which can strip the skin’s natural moisture, and harsh exfoliants which can cause microtears and parabens that can disrupt the skin’s barrier and lead to inflammation. Besides this, also avoid artificial dyes and essential oils as they can exacerbate sensitivity and lead to adverse reactions.

“When trying out a new product, you can test it on a small area of your skin, like the inside of your elbow or behind your ear. You should test the product daily for at least 72 hours to check for a reaction. If you have a history of previous reaction or allergy to a particular ingredient, avoid testing products at home,” adds Dr Anshuman Manaswi.

How to choose products for sensitive skin?

Now that you have a better understanding of sensitive skin, it is time to understand what kind of products work well with sensitive skin.

1. Best face wash for sensitive skin

When choosing products for sensitive skin like face washes, opt for a gentle fragrance-free, cream-based or gel formula, suggests the expert. Look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera to maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

2. Best toners for sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin should look for alcohol-free, hydrating and calming toners, says the expert. They can hydrate and balance the skin due to the presence of ingredients like rose water, aloe vera or chamomile. Avoid products for sensitive skin that contain salicylic acid or witch hazel.

3. Best serum for sensitive skin

Opt for serums that contain soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or Centella Asiatica. Additionally, avoid products for sensitive skin with alcohol or high concentrations of active ingredients like retinol.

4. Best moisturisers for sensitive skin

Moisturising is an important part of skincare routine, irrespective of skin type. Therefore, opt for hydrating and non-comedogenic moisturisers for sensitive skin with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and oat extract.

5. Best sunscreens for sensitive skin

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen for sensitive skin. Look for non-comedogenic formulas that can offer SPF 30 or higher and avoid chemical sunscreens with ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone. “Mineral sunscreens are a better choice for sensitive skin,” adds the expert.

6. Best scrubs for sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin should limit the usage of scrubs. But if needed, use gentle exfoliator like lactic acid, suggests Dr Anshuman Manaswi.

What is a healthy skincare routine for sensitive skin?

After getting your hands on the right products for sensitive skin, it is essential to follow a healthy skincare routine as well. Dr Anshuman Manaswi suggests a few tips to enhance your skincare routine:

1. Start by washing your face with a gentle and fragrance-free cleanser.
2. Then apply an alcohol-free toner with hydrating and calming ingredients.
3. Apply products for sensitive skin like serums to relieve tightness, strengthens the skin barrier and improves texture.
4. Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
5. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent UV-induced skin damage.

1. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, makeup and pollutants.
2. Use a soothing serum and avoid actives like retinol.
3. Apply a rich and hydrating moisturizer to restore the skin’s barrier overnight.

“Limit exfoliations to once a week if required. Only mild exfoliants like lactic acid may be used. Introduce products slowly, avoid over-loading products,” adds the expert.

What are some common misconceptions about sensitive skin?

1. Misconception: Only people with dry skin have sensitive skin

Reality: Oily, combination or dry skin, any of these can be sensitive. Oily skin can be sensitive due due acne treatments.

2. Misconception: Natural products are safe for sensitive skin

Reality: Not all-natural products are gentle on the skin. Essential oils, some botanical extracts can irritate sensitive skin. So, look for “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free” labels instead.

3. Misconception: Sensitive skin means allergic skin

Reality: While sensitive skin reacts to irritants or environmental changes, allergic skin involves the body immune response and both can be distinguished by a professional with the help of tests.

4. Misconception: Sensitive skin can be cured permanently

Reality: Sensitive skin as a condition stays for a lifetime for many, but the symptoms can be managed by proper skin care and lifestyle changes.

Here are some suggestions to help you enhance your skincare routine:

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Adding the right products for sensitive skin in your daily routine can improve and maintain your skin’s overall health!