Skin Care: Top 5 FAQs on Sensitive Skin

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If most cleansers and lotions leave your skin red, irritated and itchy, you have sensitive skin. Typically, sensitive skin is characterized by easy and quick inflammations and an itchy feeling. Common causes are genetics, hormonal imbalances, or environmental factors such as air or water pollution. Also, overusing anti-age serums, very hot showers, and the wrong skin products can also cause skin disorders like rosacea and eczema. Here are the top 5 FAQs on sensitive skin. *Images courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images

What are the right skin care products, which will be less irritating to sensitive skin?

Remove all traces of makeup with a gentle remover before you go to bed. Use pH balanced advanced foaming cleanser as it cleanses, moisturises and protects. It gently cleanses away makeup and impurities, leaving skin extremely soft and hydrated. Cetaphil cleanser is also a good cleanser for everyday skin. For eye makeup removers, use a slightly damp cotton wipe so that it doesn’t drag on your skin. Go for skin care products, which have aloe and Vitamin E.

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Do I really have to change my skincare routine for the winter and summer months?

Changing your skin care routine based on the different seasons really depends upon how your skin responds to different seasons. Most sensitive skin care issues can be prevented in extreme summer months, if one takes care of their skin in an effective manner. Avoid sunburn as much as you can, by wearing long sleeved shirts and full pants. If possible, avoid going out in the sun, during the peak afternoon hours.

Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher in order to protect sensitive skin. Wear hats with 10 cms brims, which will help in covering your neck, ears, eyes and scalp. Stay away from going out in the harsh sun to get a sun tan, as it can be lethal for your skin and its after effects can be quite dangerous.

In winter, on the other hand, skin can at times become extra moist due to cold winter months. Staying in overly heated rooms during extreme winter can make skin look very dry, causing sensitive skin to appear flaky and cracked.




Can sensitive skin be inherited?

Sensitive skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema can be inherited from one's parents. Do note that if you are sensitive to environmental factors, such as perfumes, skin care products and detergents then it is not a result of your genes and is not something you have inherited.




Should men be concerned about sensitive skin?

Surely men need to be worried about sensitive skin as they may suffer from all the same skin issues as women. Environmental irritants can play a major role when it comes to sensitive skin in men. Dry skin, acne and hives can happen to anybody, both men and women.

Men's skin is thicker, thus they tend to have larger pores and produce more oil. It is believed that most of the skin related ageing signs in men start to show up because of overexposure to the sun. This means that skipping out on a sunscreen lotion is like welcoming leathery, wrinkled skin or worse skin conditions such as melanoma, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Slather on sunscreen right in the morning before going out in the sun. Also, it is better to minimize your chances of swelling and cuts by buying a good shaving cream, which will help in opening up your pores.




What are some common daily use guidelines to deal with sensitive skin?

• Avoid excessive sun exposure. Follow sun protection measures like carrying an umbrella, wearing full sleeves, and broad brimmed hats.
• Wear broad spectrum sunscreen (both UVA & UVB protection) of, at least, SPF 30 to prevent excessive melanin synthesis.
• Use Vitamin C serum on a daily basis. It is a good anti-oxidant to fight sun damage.
• Lightening creams containing licorice and kojic acid can be used.
• Creams containing AHAs like glycolic acid can be used for more uniform exfoliation.
• Avoid artificial fragrances and go for products that have high concentration of essential oils and natural fragrances.
• Introduce one skin care product at a time and evaluate how your skin reacts for 3-4 days. Only when you find something that works, continue to use it.