Sensitive skin requires special care. Prone to redness, irritation, and dryness, it can react easily to ingredients, environmental changes, or even stress. Managing sensitive skin can be challenging, but with the right routine, you can keep it calm, hydrated, and resilient. Dr Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, shares his top tips on how to care for sensitive skin, choose gentle products, and avoid common triggers.
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What Causes Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin can stem from a variety of factors, such as genetics, a weakened skin barrier, environmental stressors, or even certain skincare ingredients. Those with sensitive skin often experience burning, itching, or redness after using new products or being exposed to extreme weather conditions. Understanding your triggers and building a gentle skincare routine is key to managing and preventing flare-ups.
1. Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products
Fragrances and harsh chemicals are common culprits behind skin irritation. Products labelled “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” or “formulated for sensitive skin” are generally safer choices, as they’re less likely to cause reactions.
- Ingredients to Avoid: Artificial fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, and essential oils can irritate sensitive skin.
- Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin: Aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, and oatmeal are known for their soothing properties.
Tip: Always read labels carefully, as many products marketed as “natural” can still contain irritating ingredients.
2. Simplify Your Skincare Routine
A simple, streamlined routine can prevent overloading sensitive skin with too many ingredients. Stick to the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a calming moisturiser, and sunscreen. Avoid using too many active ingredients or exfoliants, as they can compromise the skin’s barrier.
Basic Routine for Sensitive Skin:
- Cleanser: Use a mild, hydrating cleanser.
- Moisturiser: Choose a fragrance-free moisturiser with soothing ingredients.
- Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Tip: Resist the urge to try too many new products at once. Focus on building a consistent, minimalist routine that your skin can tolerate.
3. Patch Test New Products
Always patch test new products before applying them to your entire face. Sensitive skin can react unexpectedly, so testing first can help you avoid a full-face reaction.
- How to Patch Test: Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area, like behind your ear or on your wrist, and wait 24 hours. If there’s no reaction, it’s likely safe to use.
Tip: If your skin is extremely sensitive, wait 48 hours before fully incorporating a new product into your routine.
4. Use Lukewarm Water to Cleanse
Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased sensitivity. Opt for lukewarm water when cleansing your face, and avoid long, hot showers.
- Why Lukewarm Water Works: Lukewarm water is gentle on the skin and helps maintain the skin barrier, reducing the risk of irritation.
Tip: Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing, as rubbing can cause redness and irritation.
5. Hydrate with a Calming Moisturiser
Moisturising is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which is especially important for sensitive skin. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser that provides hydration and soothes any redness or irritation.
- Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin Moisturisers: Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.
Tip: Apply moisturiser twice a day to keep your skin well-hydrated. For extra hydration, apply it while your skin is still slightly damp after cleansing.
6. Protect with Mineral Sunscreen
Sensitive skin often reacts to chemical sunscreens, so opting for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be gentler. Mineral sunscreens physically block UV rays rather than absorbing them, which reduces the risk of irritation.
- What to Look For: Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Tip: Look for sunscreens labeled “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogging pores, especially if your sensitive skin is also acne-prone.
7. Avoid Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating can be harsh on sensitive skin, as it removes the top layer of skin cells and can weaken the skin barrier. If you choose to exfoliate, do so sparingly and stick to mild, chemical exfoliants.
- Best Exfoliants for Sensitive Skin: Gentle acids like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are less likely to irritate than stronger acids like glycolic acid.
Tip: Limit exfoliation to once a week or less, and skip exfoliants altogether if your skin is feeling extra sensitive.
8. Watch Out for Environmental Triggers
Environmental factors like cold weather, wind, pollution, and extreme heat can all irritate sensitive skin. Be mindful of these triggers and take steps to protect your skin when exposed to harsh conditions.
- How to Protect Sensitive Skin: Wear a scarf or hat in cold weather, use a humidifier indoors, and always cleanse your skin after being exposed to pollution.
Tip: If you live in an area with high pollution, double cleansing can help remove pollutants that contribute to irritation.
9. Avoid Harsh Makeup Products
Certain makeup products, especially those with fragrances or alcohol, can exacerbate sensitive skin. Opt for hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic makeup that is formulated for sensitive skin.
- What to Look For: Look for makeup that is fragrance-free, non-irritating, and tested for sensitive skin.
Tip: Avoid waterproof makeup if possible, as it requires stronger products to remove, which can irritate sensitive skin.
10. Keep Your Skin Barrier Strong
A healthy skin barrier is crucial for managing sensitive skin, as it protects against environmental stressors and retains moisture. Ingredients that repair and protect the barrier, like ceramides and fatty acids, can help make sensitive skin more resilient.
- How to Strengthen the Skin Barrier: Use gentle, hydrating products and avoid stripping ingredients that can compromise the barrier.
Tip: Be consistent with moisturising and avoid over-washing your face to keep your skin barrier intact.
Conclusion
Managing sensitive skin requires patience, gentle care, and a commitment to products that support your skin’s health. By using fragrance-free products, moisturising regularly, and protecting your skin from the elements, you can reduce irritation and maintain a healthy, balanced complexion. For personalised advice on caring for sensitive skin, Dr Tom Goyer is here to help. For more expert skincare tips, visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog.