Sensitive skin is probably the most misused phrase and the most over diagnosed skin condition. Every other person believes their skin is sensitive. The reality is that skin is hardier than we think and only a very small percentage of people have sensitive skin.

Care for Sensitive skin

Your skin is sensitive if it:
● Turns red very easily.
● Reacts to almost all products including moisturisers.
● Sunburns easily.
● Gets reactive to insect bites.
● Reacts quickly to both heat and cold.
● Constantly looks red and blotchy.

Care for Sensitive skin
The most important preventive is to minimise the use of products and services. Follow a skincare routine A simple routine of cleansing the skin with a non-perfumed cleanser, followed by a moisturising sunscreen during the day, and a non-perfumed moisturiser at night can be suitable for sensitive skin. Some of the safest products are Cetaphil cleanser, Suncros and Vichy sunscreens, Emolene moisturiser and Kaya’s range of products for sensitive skin.

Be careful with facials
Facial procedures such as steaming and blackhead removal can irritate sensitive skin. Always follow your dermatologist’s advice when going for beauty treatments. There are certain peels such as lactic-milk that are good and help in reducing the skin’s sensitivity.

Get the right diagnosis
Sensitive skin may often be misdiagnosed as rosacea. This is a skin condition in which there is extreme sensitivity with damage to the vascular system and over activity of oil glands. This requires treatment by a dermatologist

Diet and supplements
It has been found that certain foods that are loaded with spices and MSG can cause allergic reactions in people with rosacea and sensitive skin. Therefore, play safe and avoid inflammatory foods such as processed sugars and starches; include natural anti-oxidants such as red and orange coloured fruits and vegetables, nuts such as walnuts, and complex carbs like oats and brown rice in your daily diet. Vitamin A and beta carotene supplements may be good supportive treatments.

Dos and Don’ts

● Opt for powdered make-up as it contains fewer preservatives. If using liquid foundation, go for a silicone base as it is safer for the skin.

● Avoid waterproof cosmetics These require a solvent for removal. Solvents are often harsh petrochemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and result in severe skin reactions.

● Throw out old cosmetics Old products, especially eye make-up, can spoil or become contaminated. Typically foundations and lipsticks are alright up to a year; mascara can be used up to 3 to 4 months; and 2 years for powder and shadows. Take care to wash make-up brushes and sponges regularly.

● Use black eyeliners and mascaras; black is the least allergenic of all colourants used in eye products.

● Use pencil eyeliner and eyebrow fillers as they are wax-based and contain minimal preservatives. Liquid liners contain latex, which may cause a reaction in latex sensitive individuals.

● Stick to safer eye shadows Earthy shades like tan, cream, white, or beige are safe and also look good.

● Pick up sunscreens that contain mainly physical ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

● Use products that contain no more than 10 ingredients.

● Do a patch test before using any new product.

● Avoid nail paints Wet nail paint can get transferred to the eyes and face and may cause a skin reaction.

● Limit washing your face to thrice a day. Water itself can be an irritant as it can break the protect-vie shield of the skin by washing off natural oils from its surface.