What are the causes of sensitive skin?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 38-year-old male. Please provide a clear definition of sensitive skin and explain what factors can contribute to its sensitivity.

What are the typical symptoms and signs of sensitive skin, and how can one distinguish it from other skin conditions?
What are the common triggers and irritants that can exacerbate sensitive skin symptoms?
How can I identify and avoid these in my daily skincare routine?
Are there specific skincare products, ingredients, or brands that are better suited for individuals with sensitive skin?
How can I choose products that will not aggravate my condition?
What are the recommended cleansing and moisturizing routines for sensitive skin?
Are there certain ingredients I should prioritize or avoid?
How important is sun protection for sensitive skin, and what types of sunscreen are best for sensitive skin?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope you are doing well. I have gone through your query, and I do understand your concern.

Sensitive skin is usually extremely dry skin that causes frequent redness, inflammation, pain, itching, flaking, forming of pimples, bleeding, formation of pus, and breakage and causes a burning sensation and peeling of skin along with swelling on using strong products on the skin.

Apart from the same, increased pre-size, sunspots, and pigmentation may also be noticed with sensitive skin.

The main cause of sensitive skin is genetic susceptibility, where any of your family members may have the same concern. Other causes include hormonal fluctuations and loss of the skin's natural barrier due to using strong skin products or frequent sun exposure, due to frequent exfoliation, and overuse of products.

Sensitive skin has only three basic skincare routines, which include:

1. A mild face wash.

2. A gentle cream.

3. Sunscreen.

Best cleansers for sensitive skin include:

1. Cetaphil gentle cleanser.

2. Aha glow advanced gel face wash.

3. Oriflame Novage Supreme cleansing gel face wash.

4. Cosrx, good morning pH cleanser.

5. Cera Ve gentle cleanser.

6. Sebamed gentle cleanser.

Best moisturizer for sensitive skin :

1. Facemoist cream.

2. Acne OC moisturizer.

3. Zitmoist gel.

4. Cetaphil gentle face cream.

5. Cera Ve facial cream for sensitive skin

Best sunscreens for sensitive skin :

1. Suncote gel sunscreen.

2. Sunstop gold sunscreen gel SPF 55.

3. UV Skrin silicone gel sunscreen.

4. Uvdoux sunscreen gel SPF 55.

Products to avoid for sensitive skin :

1. Avoid products that contain vitamin A in the form of retinol and retinoic acid.

2. Avoid products containing glycolic and salicylic acid.

3. Avoid products containing hydroquinone.

4. Avoid physical exfoliants.

5. Avoid benzoyl peroxide.

6. Avoid azelaic acid.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.