Even though “sensitive” is a common skin type for many people, there is no set medical definition for it. As a result, the diagnosis is made on a case-by-case basis. In common parlance, sensitive skin is used as an umbrella term for any symptom ranging from inflammation, rashes and/ or allergic reactions, and sometimes, sensitivity is a symptom of a pre-existing skin condition like eczema. So, what are the signs of sensitive skin? Here are some common characteristics that people with sensitive skin might experience:

Reactive skin

If you have sensitive skin then it will react to even the slightest of triggers—think pollution, dirt or excessive humidity. It may also react negatively to soaps, perfumes and other household products. Basically, your skin’s tolerance will be very low and it will appear as though you are constantly suffering from contact dermatitis. In case you suspect that you have sensitive skin, you should get a skin prick test that checks for allergic reactions to more than 50 substances at once. Usually, skincare for sensitive skin consists of a pH balancing cleanser, hypoallergenic moisturizer and sunblock.

Dryness and breakouts

Sensitivity is often marked by perpetual dryness that is induced by non-functioning lipid barriers, which are responsible for holding in hydration and preventing transepidermal water loss. Remember that you cannot replace the loss of hydration with oil-based moisturization. Use products that include humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and amino acids, among others. Moisturization without hydration will only give you greasy and chapped skin. Lipid barriers also protect your skin against pollutants, bacteria and allergens. So without the lipid barriers, your skin is directly exposed to several harmful agents that lead to frequent breakouts.

Photosensitivity

Sensitive skin is highly susceptible to UV damage. A primary reason for photosensitivity is melanin level. According to the Fitzpatrick Scale, a classification system that lists six skin types and their reactivity to UV rays, type I skin (pale white skin) is most prone to sun damage. While type VI skin (deeply-pigmented dark brown to black skin), “rarely burns, and tans well”.

Now that we have addressed different concerns of sensitive skin types, let’s look at how you could care for and pamper sensitive skin, and prevent it from flaring up:

Maintain consistent hygiene

It may sound obvious but maintaining proper hygiene is essential for sensitive skin. There is a misconception that pollution and dirt cause breakouts and blackheads, but the real culprit is clogged pores. When excess sebum filled in your clogged pores comes in contact with air, it oxidizes and converts into acne or blackheads. Additionally, lack of regular cleansing traps microbes and dirt in your skin, causing rashes and inflammation. One must maintain proper hygiene (e.g. change pillowcases every week) and wash with mild benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based soaps.

Pay close attention to ingredients and labels

When choosing skincare products, ensure that you are using appropriate ingredients, while avoiding ones that irritate the skin. For example, lactic acid may cause inflammation in dry-sensitive skin. However, there are other ingredients that soothe the skin and strengthen its ability to retain water, which is extremely effective at treating irritated skin. Two ingredients that have proven to be effective at treating sensitive skin are vitamin E and sericin.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is one of the most moisturizing ingredients and helps to reduce redness, itching and overall irritation, which are commonly associated with sensitive skin. Our Velvet:08 Broadway Bright Detox Mask has cactus extract succulent that is packed with vitamin E and contains skin-nourishing fatty acids and protein compounds that are full of antioxidants. It works double duty: With the finest velvety particles, it exfoliates the skin in the gentlest fashion and is also able to heal and hydrate the skin. Remember that sensitive skin requires much attention when it comes to exfoliation, so be sure to avoid excessive or physical exfoliation and use other milder, gentler forms.
• Sericin: Sericin is a silk protein that—besides containing anti-aging attributes—has therapeutic and medicinal properties when applied to the skin. Our Amrutini® Precious Potion Vital Cream incorporated sericin-rich, golden muga silk in its formula, which is an anti-inflammatory that soothes and strengthens the skin’s barrier while providing hydration.