Sensitive Skin
BY DR ANJALI MAHTO
“Skin sensitivity affects about 40 percent of the population, and is characterised by burning, stinging, tightness, itching, or pain. The main triggers or predisposing factors include UV radiation, pollution, stress, weather and hormonal changes, as well as cosmetic ingredients such as fragrances. As a dermatologist, my first goal is to understand whether there is an underlying skin condition causing sensitivity—such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis—as that may require prescription treatments.
If your skin is extremely sensitive and reacts to almost every product, then do a home-patch test before using a new product—apply a small amount to your inner forearm and leave it on for 24 hours. If no irritation or redness occurs during this time, it should be safe to use.
As for your skincare routine, start with a non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser, which will not disrupt the skin barrier. Next, apply a hydrating moisturiser with minimal ingredients like LaRochePosay’sToleriane Sensitive Crème. Top it up with a mineral sunscreen, which is often less-irritating, as opposed to traditional chemical formulas. You can wear makeup over
