When you go to a pharmacy or supermarket, there are so many makeup, cleansers, and lotions labeled "For sensitive skin"... But how do you know for sure if you actually have sensitive skin? Even if you do, will these products really help you? You probably have these questions too. Let's talk about this.
In fact, there is no specific medical definition among doctors of "this is sensitive skin." But many doctors see it this way: If your skin only starts to burn, itch, redden, or experience some other type of discomfort when you use things that most people have no problem with, that's what we call sensitive skin. Imagine, you put a new makeup on your face, and after a while your face turns red and starts to itch. Those are the symptoms you see in this condition. But the hardest part is finding out exactly what is causing this.
Could this be a symptom of a skin disease?
Sometimes these symptoms can be a mild form of a skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea , which are similar to eczema. These conditions can flare up suddenly when certain ingredients come into contact with the skin or due to certain environmental factors.
Therefore, the best way to find out exactly whether you have an underlying medical condition like this, or an allergy to an ingredient in a cosmetic product you use, is to see your family doctor or a dermatologist.
If we have sensitive skin, what should we be careful of?
Because skin can be sensitive to a variety of ingredients, there's no one-size-fits-all rule that says "this is the only solution." However, some products can cause more problems than others. Following the general guidelines below can make living with sensitive skin much easier.
1. Stay away from fragrances
Fragranced soaps, lotions, and liquid cleansers can often contain ingredients that are harmful to sensitive skin. In Sri Lanka, we often love fragrance. But if you have sensitive skin, fragrance can be a big enemy. By law, companies don’t have to list every chemical used to create a scent in their products on the label. Therefore, it can be difficult to figure out which fragrance is causing you problems.
"So, aren't natural fragrances made from essential oils or plants better?" you might be thinking. Just because something is natural doesn't mean your skin won't react to it. You don't really need a scent in your lotion or soap. So it's best to choose a product that doesn't have any scent.
Even products labeled "unscented" may have added chemicals to mask the strong scent of the active ingredients. Instead, look for products that are clearly labeled "Fragrance-Free." This means they don't contain any fragrances or fragrance-masking agents. This advice applies not only to soaps and lotions, but also to shampoos, household cleaners, deodorants, and laundry detergents that come into contact with your skin.
2. Be careful about preservatives.
Some chemicals added to lotions and cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and make them last longer can also be allergic to some people. Be careful with these things too.
| Raw material type | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Parabens | These are the most commonly used preservatives. If you are allergic to a product you are using that contains ingredients like propylparaben or butylparaben , switch to a 'paraben-free' product. |
| Other preservatives | Chemicals called Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone have also been identified as common causes of skin allergies and inflammation. These names are a bit long, but keep an eye out for these when reading the label. |
3. Avoid using toner.
Dermatologists advise staying away from facial toners and astringents that contain alcohol, which are designed to remove oil and dirt from the skin.
Simply put, there is a big link between sensitive skin and dry skin. Products containing alcohol are not good for either of these skin types. They can dry out the skin even more and cause inflammation.
If you wash your face twice a day with a good liquid cleanser, a toner is not a necessity. So skip it altogether, or ask your doctor about a gentler alternative.
Try these things in your daily skin care routine
Only use one new product at a time.
A big mistake many people make is to switch all of their skincare products at once. Then, when they have a skin problem, they can't figure out which product is causing it. It could be a single ingredient, or it could be a combination of products that don't work together.
So, only introduce one new product at a time. Use it for a few weeks to see if it suits your skin. Only then should you try something new.
Be careful when choosing makeup
People with sensitive skin can use makeup, but you have to be careful when choosing the right products. Here are a few tips:
- Choose those without fragrances and preservatives.
- Look for ones labeled "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic ." Non-comedogenic means it won't clog pores and cause acne.
- Be sure to remove all makeup and wash your face at the end of the day. Sleeping with makeup on can cause skin irritation and acne.
Choosing Sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical.
- Chemical Sunscreens: These contain chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone . These work by absorbing the sun's rays into the skin and breaking them down.
- Physical Sunblocks: These contain small mineral particles, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide . These sit on the skin's surface and act like a mirror, reflecting and deflecting the sun's rays.
People with sensitive skin can be allergic to chemical sunscreens, so the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide .
If you have a new skin problem, don't ignore it!
Everyone gets a pimple every now and then, and it can be a little uncomfortable. But if you have a sudden change in your skin, persistent redness, or itching, you should definitely see a doctor.
Sometimes, even a product you've been using for a long time can cause a sudden allergic reaction. This is because the body needs to be exposed to something for a period of time to develop an allergy to it. Also, manufacturers can change the ingredients of a product without informing the consumer. So, be aware of any new changes.
Take-Home Message
- Sensitive skin means your skin reacts to things that don't cause problems for others.
- When choosing cosmetics, always choose products labeled "Fragrance-Free."
- Be careful about preservatives like parabens.
- When choosing a sunscreen, physical types containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide are preferable to chemical types.
- Don't start a bunch of new skin care products at once. Introduce one at a time.
- If you have a persistent or new skin problem, be sure to consult your doctor.
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