The Most-Effective, Dermat-Approved Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin  

If your skin easily breaks out after using any product, feels itchy and dry, then you are dealing with sensitive skin. Dermats attribute the causes for sensitive skin to environmental pollutants, harsh chemicals in beauty products, hormonal changes and anxiety, which many of us are experiencing in the midst of the pandemic. Need respite from irritating zits and redness? Read on and try these calming strategies.

Dr Geetika Mittal, dermatologist and cosmetologist, founder of ISAAC, says sensitive skin needs a regular routine like any other skin type—cleaning toning and moisturising followed by a broad spectrum sunscreen. However, she breaks down the nighttime routine in the following manner.

Start with a gentle cleanser like Bioderma Micellar Water. Avoid foaming cleansers if you have sensitive skin. A gentle, no-rinse cleansing with micellar water will soothe your skin. The tiny micelles—oil molecules—remove dirt and oil from the skin. 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellaire Water, 250ml, Rs 990, available on Nykaa.com

2. Follow it up with a non-alcoholic toner. An alcohol toner may irritate the skin. An alcohol free toner gently cleanses without disturbing the skin’s pH balance. It wouldn’t dry out your skin.

Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, 250ml, Rs 2,600, Available on Nykaa.com

3. Use a moisturiser. A lightweight cream will lock the moisture in the skin and make it look supple and firmer. 

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro Retinol & Centella Asiatica, Rs 3,299, available on Amazon.in.

4. Apply a bakuchiol serum at night after the moisturiser. This will shrink pores, improve brightness, smoothen out uneven skin tone and lessen fine lines and wrinkles without irritating the skin.

Imagine Dermatology Bakuchiol Better Than Retinol Anti-Aging Anti Wrinkle Cream Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, available on Amazon.in.

5. Follow a bi-weekly exfoliation routine with a milder ingredient like lactic acid or a botanical ingredient like bakuchiol (alternative to retinol).

Makeup Revolution Skincare Mild Skin Exfoliator - 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid, Rs 1,200, available on Amazon.in

6. In addition to all the steps mentioned above. Do not forget to use a sunscreen in the morning after your CTM routine. Dr Geetika recommends Foto Ultra 100 ISDIN Active Unify Fusion Fluid SPF 100+

Active Unify Color Foto Ultra Fusion Fluid Spf 100+, Rs 3,004, available on Amazon.in.

Things to avoid if you have sensitive skin

Dr Geetika lists out things you shouldn't do if you have sensitive skin. Firstly, Avoid fragrant-laced products. These cause more problems in the long run, so if you have sensitive skin, stay away from fragrance in skincare and bodycare. 

Avoid over exfoliating your skin. Sometimes over exfoliation or usage of excessive AHA-BHA cleansers can in turn sensitise your skin. Stick to exfoliation upto 2 times a week. 

Most importantly, know the difference between bad alcohols and good, fatty alcohols. Good alcohol or fatty alcohol  is labelled as cetearyl alcohol, and can actually be good for your skin. Look for cetyl, stearyl on the ingredient list. Yes, the fatty alcohols help your skin absorb Vitamin C and retinoids too.

Follow the step-by-step guide to quell skin sensitivity and itchiness. This daily routine will soothe, hydrate and make your skin glow over time.