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Sensitive skin requires consistent care and thoughtful product choices to maintain its health and resilience. This skin type is a common condition characterised by heightened reactivity to environmental factors, skincare products and even changes in temperature. It often manifests as redness, dryness, itching or burning sensations. Thus, sensitive skin requires special attention to maintain its delicate balance. Harsh products and environmental factors can easily irritate and inflame the skin.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Shobit Caroli: Senior Consultant, Dermatologist- Max Multi Speciality Centre, Noida approved simple tips that you can follow to deal with sensitive skin.

Tips To Help Soothe And Protect Sensitive Skin

1. Choose Gentle Cleansers

A mild non-foaming cleanser is essential for sensitive skin as harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation. Cleansers containing hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides which maintain the skin's moisture barrier are helpful. There is importance of avoiding sulfates and alcohol-based cleansers as they disrupt skin's pH balance.

2. Moisturise Regularly

Sensitive skin often struggles to retain moisture, leading to compromised barrier function. Daily use of hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturiser is crucial. Products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid or colloidal oatmeal can effectively replenish and repair the skin barrier. Research shows that consistent moisturisation significantly reduces sensitivity-related symptoms.

3. Opt For Fragrance-Free Products

Fragrances are one of the leading causes of skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is strongly advised to use skincare products labelled "fragrance-free" rather than "unscented" as the latter may still contain masking fragrances. International Journal of Dermatology advocates the elimination of fragranced products that can dramatically reduce flare-ups.

4. Patch Test New Products

Before introducing a new product into your routine, perform a patch test. Apply the product to a small area of skin such as behind the ear or on the inner forearm and monitor for reactions over 48 hours. This precaution minimises the risk of widespread irritation. Thus, there is a heightened importance of patch testing for individuals prone to contact dermatitis.

5. Use Sunscreen Daily

Sensitive skin is particularly vulnerable to UV damage. Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safer as compared to chemical sunscreens.

6. Simplify Your Skincare Routine

Avoid overloading sensitive skin with multiple products. A minimalist routine focusing on cleansing, moisturising and sun protection is ideal. Avoid self-use of active ingredients like retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids as they can be too harsh for reactive skin. All medical journals support this streamlined approach for maintaining skin health.

7. Avoid Hot Water

Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen inflammation. Use of lukewarm water for cleansing and bathing. Day-to-day practice experience indicates that minimising extremes of water temperature helps to maintain skin hydration and prevents barrier disruption.

8. Identify and Manage Triggers

Environmental factors such as wind, extreme temperatures and pollution can aggravate sensitive skin. Identifying and minimising exposure to these triggers is key. Use of physical barriers like protective clothing to shield and incorporate air purifiers to reduce pollutants.

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