Mar 14, 2020 Dr. Preeti Talwar Skincare
A recent survey conducted by dermatologists practicing in the Indian subcontinent reveals that the skin type of approximately 36.7 percent of women and 27.9 percent of men is sensitive. With technological advancement and increased awareness, more men and women have reached a realization that their skin is of the sensitive type.
Dermatologists reveal that having sensitive skin is not a disease but rather a skin condition that leads to skin disorders like eczema characterized by skin inflammation, itchiness, and dryness. Rosacea is a skin concern characterized by red skin, swelling, and visible blood vessels, and psoriasis is characterized by rashes, dry, and scaly skin.
Why do we have sensitive skin?
Dermatologists confirm that one’s skin can turn sensitive due to changes in weather conditions like extreme heat, cold, or harsh winds, and exposure to excessive pollution. In addition to environmental factors, gender, age, and genetic makeup of a person can also contribute to skin being sensitive.
How to know if we have sensitive skin?
Recognizing sensitive skin, and cause of the sensitivity can prove to be tricky. Thus, the best way to find out whether your skin is genetically sensitive or have become sensitive due to extreme changes in the weather is to get it checked by a dermatologist. Dermatologists reveal that people having sensitive skin experience a few common skin conditions like-
1. Redness: The most easily observable sign that may indicate skin sensitivity is when the skin gets red patches from a gentle pinch or a short trip out in the sun.
2. Itchiness: Sensitive skin can cause your skin to itch a lot. Itchiness can occur due to close contact of the skin with any foreign substance like metal, clothing material, or even skincare products.
3. Dryness: Sensitive skin tends to become very dry and flaky more often than not. Experiencing skin dryness in patches may be a sign of skin sensitivity.
4. Allergic reactions: If coming in close contact with any particular foreign material makes your skin allergic, your skin is probably sensitive to that metal or skincare ingredient.
5. Sunburn: When your skin is sensitive, it will experience more sunburns than a person with normal, dry, oily, or combination skin type. Sensitive skin tends to be highly vulnerable to the sun, even for short periods and is a skin type that is more likely to get hyperpigmentation.
6. Breakouts: Frequent breakouts are not restricted to oily skin types. If your skin is dry and flaky or reacts with a particular comedogenic skincare product, then acne breakouts will occur.
How do we deal with sensitive skin?
Treating sensitive skin can often prove to be overwhelming. It is advised to get a skin test done before experimenting with different skincare products that might or might not suit your skin. Dermatologists recommend the following actions to take while dealing with sensitive skin-
1. Test out new products on your skin: Patch test a new product on a small part of your skin before including it in your daily skincare routine. Since it takes a while for the skin to react positively with a new product or regime, give yourself a week to see the desired results. If you get a slight tingling sensation that subsides in two days, then you are not sensitive to the product. But if your skin looks angry from the first use, then it is best to discontinue or consult with a dermatologist.
2. Avoid scrubbing your skin roughly: Scrubbing sensitive skin harshly can cause red patches and itching. The best alternative to scrubbing will be to gently cleanse your skin with a gel or foam cleanser containing mild granulated scrub beads.
3. Hydrate your skin adequately: Replenish moisture to the skin frequently (twice a day) as sensitive skin tends to lose moisture quickly. Use humectants that take moisture from the air to keep the skin hydrated, smooth, and supple. Dry skin irritates sensitive skin causing frequent breakouts.
4. Avoid chemical skincare products: It is better to make informed decisions before buying any skincare product. Read labels to see if the ingredients suit your skin type. Refrain from using any scented skincare containing dyes and use acidic ingredients only under dermatologist supervision.
5. Choose products with natural ingredients: Skincare products with natural ingredients have often proved to be safe when it comes to application on sensitive skin. Plant-based ingredients, packed with nutrients such as Aloe, Chamomile, Evening Primrose, Rose, and Argan oil has anti-allergenic properties that have a calming effect on all skin types. Similarly, products containing hyaluronic acid and azelaic acid hydrate dry patches without having any adverse effect on sensitive skin.
6. Avoid excessive use of hot water: Application of steaming hot water for baths can make your sensitive skin highly prone to losing moisture and natural oils. Hot water makes the skin dry, thus elevating your skin sensitivity.
7. Always apply sun-screen lotion: For people with sensitive skin, excessive exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause them severe sunburns. Using an ample amount of sunscreen will protect your skin from being vulnerable to the sun. Choose a sunscreen lotion with broad-spectrum sun protection or 30 SPF containing Zinc Oxide and titanium oxide as active ingredients since these ingredients are very gentle and mild on sensitive skin.