Managing skin sensitivity: Causes and treatment for sensitive skin -

Sensitive skin is not a skin type - it is a condition. This means that no matter what your type is, you might have sensitive skin if your skin is hyper-reactive and flares up unpredictably.

While some are born with sensitive skin, it is a condition that can also develop due to a weakened skin barrier, sun damage, poor diet, and dehydration. Thankfully, it's easily reversible!

Let’s understand what sensitive skin is, its causes, tips, and the best skincare routine to avoid triggers.

What is sensitive skin, and what are its causes?

Sensitive skin is a condition where the skin becomes easily irritated by factors such as certain skincare ingredients, environmental changes, temperature shifts, or even stress. It often leads to

symptoms like redness, itching, dryness, or a burning sensation, and requires gentle, soothing care to maintain its health and comfort.

 Here are the top causes of sensitive skin:

1. Harsh Skincare Products - Ingredients like alcohol, artificial fragrance, sulfates, or strong acids can strip the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation.
2. Environmental Factors - Pollution, extreme weather, heat, cold, or sudden climate changes can weaken skin resilience.
3. Over-Exfoliation - Excessive use of scrubs or chemical exfoliants can damage the skin barrier, making it more reactive.
4. Underlying Skin Conditions - Issues like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis often cause heightened skin sensitivity.
5. Allergic Reactions - Sensitivity to certain ingredients, preservatives, or even laundry detergents can trigger redness and itching.
6. Hormonal Changes - Fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can increase skin reactivity.
7. Stress & Lack of Sleep - Both can lower skin’s defense system, making it more prone to irritation.
8. Poor Diet or Dehydration– Lack of essential nutrients and water affects skin health and tolerance.

Skincare routine for sensitive skin: -

Morning:

1. Gentle Cleanser – Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin.
2. Soothing Toner – Choose alcohol-free formulas with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
3. Lightweight Serum – Opt for hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier.
4. Moisturizer – Use a rich, non-comedogenic moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect against irritants.
5. Sunscreen – Apply mineral-based SPF 30+ with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection.

Night:

1. Gentle Cleanser – Repeat your morning cleanser to wash off sunscreen and impurities.
2. Repair Serum – Use calming, barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides or Centella Asiatica
3. Night Cream – Apply a soothing, deeply nourishing cream to help skin recover overnight.

Lifestyle tips to manage sensitive skin:

1. Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare and cosmetics.
2. Avoid over-washing or using hot water on your face.
3. Protect skin from sun with SPF 50 daily.
4. Wear soft, breathable fabrics to reduce irritation.
5. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
6. Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
7. Avoid sudden changes in temperature when possible.
8. Patch-test new products before regular use.