Do you have sensitive skin? 7 tips to manage it
Reviewed by Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili
MBBS- Prathima Medical College
MD-JSS University, Mysore.
What is sensitive skin?
If you develop itching or rashes that make the skin dry, red, or even scaly even with a slight touch of certain products, then you have sensitive skin.
Irritation can be caused by anything – fabrics like wool, perfumes, or any product with a fragrance; it can also be caused by skin products like makeup, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Sensitive skin can have different levels of varying intensity to different types of products and irritants. There are different levels of severity; while few people are mildly sensitive, others need to be careful whenever they try a new product.
1. Am I born with sensitive skin?
Despite the common belief, sensitive skin need not always be congenital, i.e., people need not have sensitive skin because “they are born that way.” No, sensitive skin can also develop during the individual’s lifetime. There are varying reports of eczema being one of the main causes of sensitive skin. People suffering from eczema may develop dryness, acne, and rosacea, which makes the skin much more prone to being irritated if we put something on it when it’s dry. The tenderness in skin tissue found in infants and children is easily lost when exposed to several factors such as the sun, dust, dehydration, etc., as a part of growing up.
Nevertheless, in a few adult women, their skin turns sensitive as a result of applying most products on the skin—ranging from cosmetics to various chemicals—in the hopes of looking younger and reviving the tenderness in skin. Another group of people with sensitive skin is those we call the Atopic Triad, patients who have food and environmental allergies, asthma, and eczema.
Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili is one of the best dermatologist in Hyderabad. who was awarded the Gold Medalist during her MD from JSS University, underwent extensive training at her specialisation at singapore. Sensitive skin is one of her specialities. With the intent of providing the best patient care she established Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics situated at Jubilee Hills.
2. Which products commonly irritate sensitive skin?
Although it could be an individual aspect, the common products that could turn the skin sensitive include dryer sheets, perfumes, scented body washes or lotions, detergents, soaps, etc. Even excessive applications of general skin care products can also turn your skin sensitive. There have been varying cases of shampoo as an irritant. Prolonged exposure to shampoo could irritate the skin. Experts say that skin irritation arises due to the chemicals present in it. The shampoo, which is designed to deal with the scalp, could be an irritant, particularly if it gets on the skin. Few of the common ingredients that frequently cause irritation or contact allergic reactions include lanolin, nickel, neomycin, chromates, paraben mix, colophony, and fragrance mix.
Understanding that care for sensitive skin involves mild products that are free from harsh chemicals or fragrances that could cause irritation, at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics, best skin clinic in Hyderabad always opts for gentle cleansers that don’t strip away natural oils and moisturisers that hydrate without feeling heavy.
3. I have allergies. Does that mean that I have sensitive skin now?
No, it need not be the case. Allergies are the cascade of reactions that the body produces when exposed to certain chemicals, products, etc. It is the body’s way of expelling something that is foreign to the body. Here the immune system is involved. In the case of sensitive skin, on the other hand, although it produces similar symptoms of allergy, the patient does not have true contact with the allergen (the thing that causes allergies). Irritation does not always need to be an allergy.
People with sensitive skin usually present without visible skin lesions, but erythema is often observed. Erythema is the reddening of the skin which can be spontaneous, but often occur due to cosmetic compounds, environmental conditions, etc. still
At Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics, the best skin and hair clinic Hyderabad, we deploy a patient-friendly assessment to diagnose the extent of skin sensitivity mainly by interviewing, sensory testing methods, including stinging tests, etc all done under the watchful eye of with precision and safety.
4. Why do I have more skin irritation during winters than summers?
Even sensitive skin produces irritation, but the case of irritation could differ depending on various factors. For example, common products for sensitive skin, such as the application of sunscreen, can cause irritation during winter days but not during summer. It is due to the already dry and itchy nature of the skin in winter. Also, skin irritation is more common during winter due to the combination of low humidity, cold temperatures, and dry indoor air, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, flaking, and thus increasing skin sensitivity.
At Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics, Hyderabad’s trusted skin clinic, we recognize the significant role climate plays in sensitive skin conditions. Our customized treatments and expert advice aim to fortify your skin against environmental stressors and restore its natural balance. Whether you need tailored skincare products, hydration therapies, or gentle procedures, our dedicated team is here to help you navigate climate challenges and maintain healthy, resilient skin.
5. What’s the most effective way to treat sensitive skin?
As discussed earlier, the sensitivity of the skin could be highly individualised. In order to get rid of sensitive skin, the individual needs to create a list of those irritants that produce undesired symptoms upon contact. Identify the various products that irritate you. Once identified, avoid all those and in their place apply a moisturiser to the skin to hydrate it. A little topical anti-inflammatory product like hydrocortisone can also be used if necessary. It cools the skin and avoids irritation. If the patient is itchy, they can try an over-the-counter antihistamine, too.
Dr. Aashna, working at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics, Hyderabad’s premier skin clinic, has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions and skin types. Her skill and experience enabled her to develop customized management strategies for sensitive skin – from recommending suitable skincare routines to performing advanced procedures like chemical peels, fillers, or laser treatments.
Trust us to help you achieve healthier, calmer skin through expert guidance and personalized treatment.
6. Does a dermatologist help with sensitive skin?
Yes. Dermatologists deal with these kinds of cases on a daily basis. Nevertheless, it must be understood that a lot of the time, depending on the type of skin, the skin specialist may find it difficult to choose products to reduce skin sensitivity. Usually, the patients suffering from sensitive skin turn up at the doctor’s office only after they have tried to fix themselves up by applying various ointments, lotions, etc.
It could change the nature of the skin, and in a lot of cases, finding the right medicine for the patient’s lotion-seasoned skin could be a process of trial and error. Even products labelled “For Sensitive Skin” or “Hypoallergenic” may not necessarily work for someone with sensitive skin, and a product that’s not specifically labelled that way may work for someone with sensitive skin.
7. Is exfoliating good for me? Does it help?
Patients with sensitive skin must remember that contrary to the ordinary belief, i.e., rubbing or washing the skin with a granular substance (such as pumice stone) must be refrained. This process is called exfoliating and is a healthy process. It is done to remove dead cells from the skin surface. But when the condition of skin is dry or flaky (commonly seen among sensitive skin people), removing the upper layer of skin cells is not a good idea because it’s that layer that helps to keep the moisture in your skin. Removing that upper layer will only make your skin drier and more prone to irritation.
Managing sensitive skin often requires the expertise of a trained dermatologist. At Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics, the best skin care clinic in Hyderabad, our dermatologists understand the complexities of sensitive skin and choose the right products and treatments involving a personalized tailor cut care treatment regimen.
Whether it’s identifying suitable skincare formulations or prescribing targeted therapies, our specialists Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, Dr. Aashna, and Dr. Hemanth Kumar are equipped to guide you safely through this journey, ensuring that your skin’s unique needs are met with care and precision.
Trust Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics to provide expert advice and personalized treatments that help you manage sensitive skin effectively, keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.
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