Effective 5-step Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Dealing with sensitive skin involves a careful approach to complexities like acne breakouts, redness, stinging sensations, and dryness. Read ahead to learn about the tailored skincare routine you need to address the demands of sensitive skin.
When it comes to skincare, sensitive skin demands careful attention owing to the unique challenges it poses. As sensitive skin has a tendency to easily get itchy, inflamed and irritated, it is imperative to not experiment with skincare and apply any random product to the face. To deal with this, it is important to realise the needs of sensitive skin, look for gentle products like Cetaphil face wash and customise a skincare routine that suits you the best. Read on…

Understanding Sensitive Skin

Our face has a thinner skin barrier that often reacts to some environmental factors or specific ingredients, bearing the brunt of sensitivity. Why does this happen? Notably, moisture is a crucial participant whose absence makes the skin hyper-reactive and prone to redness, itching, dryness, breakouts and irritation. Also, some skin disorders contribute to sensitivity that requires special care.

Sensitive Skin: Symptoms

If you want to ascertain that you have sensitive skin, then watch out for the following symptoms:

• Itchiness
• Tightness
• Rashes
• Redness
• Dryness
• Burning sensations
• Acne breakouts

Triggers of Sensitive Skin

Identifying what’s troubling your skin is vital to plan a proper sensitive skincare routine. Here are some causes that lead to sensitive skin:

• Genetics
• Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation
• High cortisol or stress levels
• Allergies triggered by reactions to chemicals present in skincare products
• Extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Exposure to sun
• Pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema

  5-step Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Follow this 5-step skincare routine in order to overcome the challenges of sensitive skin.

• Step 1 – Cleansers: They lead any skincare routine as it is important to remove any impurities on the skin’s surface and unclog the pores. Go for fragrance-, sulfate-, and alcohol-free facial cleansers. Mild formulas like Cetaphil face wash, are gentle on sensitive skin and don’t strip your skin of necessary oils. Also, look for ingredients like glycerine, soy, aloe vera, and cucumber that are soothing to sensitive skin.
• Step 2 – Toners: Applied post cleansing, they not only balance the pH levels of the skin, but also soothe it and remove any bits of dirt left. People with sensitive skin must steer clear of toners with alcohol or astringent.
• Step 3 – Serums: They are a must-have when deciding on a skincare routine for sensitive skin. Serums specialise in maintaining skin’s moisture levels, keeping it hydrated and plump. They also help with wrinkles, scars, fine lines, blotches and dark spots. While serums containing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are recommended, the ones with exfoliants and skin acids must be avoided.
• Step 4 – Moisturisers: One of the vital steps in a skincare routine, moisturising not only keeps the skin hydrated but also establishes a protective layer. Opt for lightweight, non-sticky, cream-based, barrier-repair moisturisers and maintain distance from the formulas containing parabens, alcohol, preservatives and fragrances.
• Step 5 – Sunscreens: If you want to lessen skin damage and keep sensitivities at bay, then it is important to wear sunscreen daily. Always look for a sensitive skin-safe formula that doesn’t irritate your skin.

Useful Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, then you must follow these tips to avoid any trouble your way:

• Keep your skincare routine as basic as possible.
• Don’t take long, hot showers in order to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
• To prevent over-drying, do not exfoliate more than 3 times a month.
• Prefer essential oils over perfumes.
• Consume foods with high water content like watermelon, oranges, cucumbers and tomatoes.
• Wear loose-fitting, non-abrasive clothing to minimise skin irritation.
• Go for a fragrance-free laundry detergent with a gentle formula.
• Use a deodorant that doesn’t have aluminium salts.

When your skin reacts to the smallest of things, then this indicates that you have sensitive skin which needs to be dealt with extra care and love. Incorporate products with soothing and hydrating effects like Cetaphil face wash, into your skincare routine. Also, some lifestyle changes like eating healthy and wearing comfortable clothing can help the cause.