Understanding Sensitive Skin: Common Myths & Essential Care Tips

Sensitive skin is one of the skin types, a widespread dermatological concern. Even though it's common, most people have misconceptions about it and so fail to care for their skin properly. This guide by a leading dermatologist in Delhi on sensitive skin debunks common myths, clearly explains it, and even provides expert-backed care tips to help people with sensitive skin confidently and effectively manage their skin.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a state of the skin where the skin shows a high, often unpredictable reaction or response to stress, topical products, and weather. It should not be confused with a skin disease.

Causes of Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is usually an outcome of a weak or overstimulated barrier that allows skin irritants to easily pass through the skin layers and trigger an intense, inflammatory reaction. Its contributing factors include:

• External/Environmental factors- UV/wind/pollution/ extreme weather exposure; friction from certain fabrics and jewelry; and frequent use of dyes, fragrances, chemicals in products that come in skin contact
• Intrinsic/Biological factors- Hormonal disturbances; aging; unhealthy diet; certain medications use; insufficient water intake; certain allergies; stress; and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, or allergic contact dermatitis.

Common Myths About Sensitive Skin

Myth 1: Sensitive Skin is Dry Skin.

Fact: Dermatologists categorize skin based on the skin’s level of reactivity as normal or sensitive. Sensitive skin can be dry, oily, or combination skin with a compromised barrier.

Myth 2: Natural Skincare Products Guarantee Safety for Sensitive Skin.

Fact: Natural/herbal skincare products may have skin-irritating or allergy-causing ingredients like citrus extracts, essential oils, botanicals, or fragrance blends. Thus, not every herbal product or product with natural ingredients will be safe or better than alternative products.

Myth 3: Burning or Stinging Sensation on trying a New Product Indicates the Product is working.

Fact: Burning or stinging sensation is a typical sign of skin’s reactivity, an irritation. It means that skin is sensitive to the new product’s ingredients, and so it is advised to choose a product wisely, such that it is comfortable on the skin and at the same time effective.  

Myth 4: No Need to Use Active Ingredients on Sensitive Skin.

Fact: Sensitive skin requires mild activities like hyaluronic acid, ce-ramic acid, nia-cinamide, and aze-laic acid in the right strengths to keep the skin barrier healthily functioning. These actives must be looked for in the skincare products and be appropriately used.

Myth 5: Sensitive Skin is Allergic Skin.

Fact: An Allergic reaction that shows up on the skin is a response of the immune system against an allergen. To check for a skin allergy, patch testing is done with potential allergens. Whereas, a sensitive skin is the reaction of the skin caused by weakening of the barrier that allows easy penetration of the skin irritants and not true allergens.

How to Care for Sensitive Skin?

Dermatologist Tips for Sensitive Skin Care

• Choose skincare products that are labelled safe for use on sensitive skin. Avoid products having common irritants like sulphates, alcohol, dyes, and synthetic fragrances
• Follow a minimalist routine with cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Add skincare products gradually, if required
• Protect and care for the skin well with changes in seasons to protect the skin from weather extremes like hot and humid, and cold and dry weather
• Focus on strengthening the skin barrier with products containing squ-alene, pant-henol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niaci-namide
• Do a patch test of the new product on the skin behind the ear or on the jawline to avoid full-face reactions
• Wear gloves or cover the skin when working with chemicals or any product with irritating ingredients
• Exfoliate gently once a week with mild chemical exfoliation or a gentle scrub
• Use a non-foaming mild cleanser with normal or lukewarm water
• Keep the skin sun-protected when outdoors.

Sensitive Skincare Routine

A skincare routine for sensitive skin should be simple and emphasize cleansing, hydration, and UV protection.

Morning routine should include the following steps:

1. Cleansing- Use of a mild, soap and fragrance-free cleanser with normal or lukewarm water to prepare the skin for better absorption of skincare products
2. Serum Application- Use of a less-fragranced, natural serum with hydrating, soothing, and barrier-strengthening ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides
3. Moisturizing- Use of a lightweight, mild-scented, oil-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer with hydrating and barrier-protecting ingredients
4. UV protection- Use of hydrating, minerals-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or above to shield skin from direct UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Look for sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Evening routine should include the following:

1. Double Cleansing- Use of a micellar water and then a mild, soap and fragrance-free cleanser with normal or lukewarm water to make the skin free of dirt, impurities, and makeup
2. Serum Application- Use of a less-fragranced, natural serum with hydrating, soothing, and barrier-strengthening ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides
3. Moisturizing- Use of a lightweight, mild-scented, oil-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer with hydrating and barrier-protecting ingredients to lock in hydration in the skin and allow skin to repair during sleep at night.

Get a Thoughtful, Sensitive Skincare with the Best Dermatologist in Delhi

Delhi Wellness Clinic, the best skin clinic in Delhi, has highly reputed skincare experts. With the clinic-provided best-suited skincare routine, recommended skincare products, professional guidance, and advanced, in-clinic targeted therapies, one can enjoy calm, healthy, and balanced skin at all times!

FAQs on Sensitive Skin and Its Care

How do I know if my skin is sensitive?

A sensitive skin easily becomes red and dry, and the person with this type of skin often experiences a burning/stinging sensation or breakouts when exposed to cold/hot temperatures or pollution, or after use of a new product.

Is exfoliation safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, if done gently with a mild scrub or exfoliant, only once a week.

Is a natural/herbal product best for sensitive skin?

Not always. In general, dermatologists recommend the use of products labelled as suitable for sensitive skin. It must not contain alcohol, harsh chemicals, comedogenic ingredients, or fragrances.

Can diet and lifestyle affect sensitive skin?

Yes, a stressful, unhealthy routine, hormonal disturbances, and intake of alcohol, processed, and spicy foods all can aggravate sensitivity. To keep skin calm, dermatologists advise staying hydrated, stress-free, and having a balanced diet.

When to see a dermatologist for sensitive skin?

Seeing a dermatologist for sensitive skincare guidance and care is generally advised if skin sensitivity is extreme or persistent. There are severe rashes or inflammation, or frequent breakouts.

Struggling with skin sensitivity? Get the best skin consultation by speaking to skin doctors in Delhi at Delhi Wellness Clinic today.