Did you know, around 37% women and 27% men in India suffer from some degree of sensitive skin?[1] Sensitive skin, as most of us might think, is not a skin problem but a skin type which could also be a sign of an underlying health condition. You can even blame it on common skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis or rosacea. It is caused mainly due to an allergic reaction to makeup, chemicals, extreme weather or strong fragrances and may manifest as itchy, burning, red, dry, scaling, stinging or peeling skin.
As sensitive skin is more common than you think, here are a few simple ways to fight sensitive skin.
1. Cut down on your shower time
Did you know taking showers for a long time can actually make your skin more vulnerable to irritation and dryness as it exposes your skin to the harsh chemicals and weather. Avoid hot showers and baths and stick to using warm water for baths. Also, it is wise to limit the shower time to not more than 10 minutes to prevent the skin from becoming dry and more sensitive to the harsh weather outside.
2. Pick the right moisturizer
If you have sensitive skin, you are more likely to experience irritation, redness, itchiness and rashes. To deal with it, picking the right moisturizer is the key as it helps to lock the moisture and maximizes hydration.
Read labels well to opt for mild, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic products. Avoid products having acidic molecules or harsh chemicals. Also, when looking for a moisturizer, tailor your search as per your skin type and pick the product that suits you best. For example, pick the ones that have non-greasy texture and contain humectants & emollients which hydrate the skin and soften the skin.
3. Wash face, but don’t scrub hard
Most of us have a misconception that scrubbing the face makes it clean and clear but this is not the case, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is because it will only be more vulnerable to irritation, red and dry skin by ripping off the dead skin cells along with moisture and the upper layer of the skin. However, gentle scrubbing can help get rid of the oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, without making your skin dry. Unlike soap-based cleansers, pick foam-based cleansers as they not only make the skin soft and supple but also cleanse the skin without changing the pH of the skin.
The best way to clean your face is to wash it with lukewarm water and preferably cleanser suitable for sensitive skin. Also, dab your skin dry with a towel and not rub your skin vigorously as it can make it worse.
4. Steer clear from scented products
Say no to scented skincare products or perfumes with strong fragrances as these usually contain harsh chemicals which can further irritate your sensitive skin and may make it worse. Also, these chemicals, in the long run, might strip oil from the skin, further making it dry and increasing the risk of redness, irritation and inflammation. The rule applies for all skincare products including cosmetics, oils, soaps, facewash, etc.
5. Dress up right!
When it comes to taking care of sensitive skin, it is equally important to pick the right clothes and cover yourself the right way in addition to using the right skincare products. Opt for cotton clothes as these are light and soft and help your skin to breathe. Do not choose woolen or rough clothes as these can cause irritation and itchiness and increase the risk of an allergic reaction. Also, using a soft scarf to cover your face on hot/cold days and covering your hands with gloves when it is cold outside can help deal with sensitive skin.
Tips to choose the right products for your skin
1. Always read the labels for words such as “for sensitive skin” before buying any skincare products.
2. Do check the products for the ingredients you are allergic to as this can help prevent flare-ups, if any due to the ingredients.
3. Stay away from products which come with warnings like “not suitable for sensitive skin” or “may cause skin irritation”.
4. If you are buying a new skincare product, do test it out on a small area first, like a patch test, and wait for 72 hours before concluding if it works for you or not.
You can treat sensitive skin at home by following these simple steps. The key is to check the products that work for your skin and avoid the ones that irritate your skin. However, if your skin is extremely sensitive or if you have regular skin reactions leading to irritation or rashes, then it is wise to consult a doctor.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article powered by Cetaphil. The information provided in this article in the form of text, tips, suggestions, and products comprises general advice for consumers. Tata 1mg does not endorse any brands and is not responsible for their efficacy.
References:
1. Brenaut E, Misery L, Taieb C. Sensitive Skin in the Indian Population: An Epidemiological Approach. Front Med (Lausanne). 2019 Feb 20;6:29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6391320/
2. Duarte I, Silveira JEPS, Hafner MFS, Toyota R, Pedroso DMM. Sensitive skin: review of an ascending concept. An Bras Dermatol. 2017 Jul-Aug;92(4):521-525. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5595600/