The Must-Know Rules To Managing Sensitive Skin

Have a doctor-prescribed skincare regime. Know what sets off your skin. Use mild cleansers and physical sunscreens. Stick to basic products.

- Ruth Chew

There seems to be a growing number of people with sensitive skin – skin that’s dry, itchy and inflamed, either periodically or chronically. There are also more skincare and cosmetics laying claim to sensitive skin-friendly formulations, though at the same time, many are also boasting fast-acting or concentrated ingredients that can trigger reactions and flare-ups more easily.

One of the most common forms of sensitive skin is a topic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. Dr Teo Wan Lin, dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, explains that the condition usually occurs in those with a genetic predisposition to it or a family history of skin sensitivity. It is characterised by constant breakouts or flare-ups that cause inflammation such as redness, rashes and itchiness. The cause isn’t really known – it could be the heat, dryness (the lack of humidity), dust or any type of allergen – and there is no known cure, says Dr Teo. “But there are a number of treatments that can manage the inflammation in the long run.”

Another form of sensitive skin is contact dermatitis, caused by “contact with substances such as poison ivy, specific ingredients in products that may irritate the skin and jewellery with nickel in it,” says Dr Teo. The first step to managing this type of inflammation is to, obviously, avoid contact with the irritant.

Sensitive or reactive?

Note, though, that there is a difference between sensitive skin and reactive skin. 

Says Dr Joyce Lim, dermatologist at Joyce Lim Skin and Laser Clinic: “Sensitive skin is genetically prone to react when exposed to excessive heat, dust, stress or allergens.” It can only be managed and its symptoms reduced, but it cannot be cured due in part to the fact that its root cause is one’s genes.