Your care guide for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is a common concern that requires a delicate balance of the right care and products. And this starts with rules and routines  tailored to your skin condition.

To help you, we’ve created this care guide for sensitive skin.

• Gently cleanse with a mild, soap-free cleanser 
• Apply a moisturiser formulated for sensitive skin 
• Free your skin from irritation with soft, breathable fabric 
• Protect your skin from sun damage 

What is Sensitive Skin?

Having sensitive skin means that your skin reacts more intensely to stimuli that people with other skin types may tolerate better. This reaction can manifest as redness, itching, burning sensations, or dryness. Triggers for skin sensitivity can include environmental factors, certain ingredients in skin care products, or even food intake. 

Sensitive skin does not originate from one singular cause. Instead, underlying causes of sensitive skin can vary greatly from person to person, and ranges from genetic factors to external irritants. Recognising your skin’s specific sensitivities is the first step towards finding a care routine that keeps your skin feeling calm and soothed.

Note: Sensitive skin symptoms like redness and dryness are also common indications of rosacea. If you have redness that does not subside despite trying different treatments, please see a professional to consider this diagnosis. 

Rules to Follow

When managing sensitive skin, a few fundamental rules can make a significant difference in your skin’s health and appearance.

Understand Your Triggers

Identifying and avoiding your triggers is crucial. If you happen to be experiencing any discomfort from sensitive skin, review your day and look out for anything new that you might have used on your skin or eaten during the day. You should also consider whether you have encountered any common irritants like harsh weather conditions, certain fabrics, stress, and allergenic foods. 

While this rule takes some time and experimentation to follow, it can be exceptionally helpful in preventing further discomfort if you have sensitive skin. By paying close attention to when your skin reacts and what might have caused it, you can start to eliminate potential triggers from your environment and lifestyle.

Read Product Information

Always read the labels on skincare products before using them. Look for products labelled as “for sensitive skin,” “hypoallergenic,” or “fragrance-free,” as these are generally formulated to be gentler on the skin. Avoid ingredients known to irritate sensitive skin, such as alcohol, fragrances, and certain preservatives.

Creating a Care Routine

A consistent, gentle skin care routine is key to managing sensitive skin. Below are steps tailored to care for sensitive skin effectively.

Cleansing

When choosing a cleanser, opt for a mild, soap-free cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils, which act as a natural protection for your skin. Cleansing should also be done with lukewarm water, as hot water can exacerbate skin sensitivity. After cleansing, remember to gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it.

Our Total Protect SPF30 Face Wash is a lifesaver for sensitive skin. Not only is it free of irritants and fragrance, it is also infused with antioxidants and nutrients to leave the skin feeling glowy. 

Moisturising

Moisturising helps to strengthen your skin’s barrier, reducing sensitivity to irritants. Look for moisturisers with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and ceramides. Apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration. Also, keep a lookout for labels like “tested on sensitive skin”. Make sure the product is free of: 

• Fragrances 
• Alcohol 
• Lanolin
• Colorants 

Our Vita B5 Hydrating Serum nourishes the skin with Vitamin B5 and promotes tissue healing. 

Sun Protection

Since sensitive skin is often more susceptible to sun damage, consider using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you prefer mineral sunscreens, look for something that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they are usually well tolerated by sensitive skin types. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or if you have been sweating.

Diet and Hydration

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can support skin health. Foods such as berries, nuts, and fatty fish are beneficial. Staying well-hydrated is also essential for maintaining skin’s moisture balance, so aim to drink at least 2 litres of water daily.

Clothing and Fabrics

Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to minimise skin irritation. Avoid rough, synthetic materials that can cause friction and exacerbate skin sensitivity. Additionally, using hypoallergenic laundry detergents can help prevent reactions from clothing.

Professional Treatments

It’s important to get personalised advice and treatments to help manage your skin’s sensitivity. For those seeking further improvement, professional treatments tailored to sensitive skin can be beneficial. Consult with a skincare professional to explore options that are designed for sensitive skin, like gentle peels, soothing serums, laser treatments and microdermabrasion. 

Our sister brand, SL Aesthetic Clinic, offers sensitive skin and rosacea treatment like Sylfirm X. 

Skincare for sensitive skin by SkinLab

Sensitive skin is often disruptive to our lives, but you no longer need to live with it. Our experienced, well-trained professionals are ready to help you take good care of your sensitive skin with treatments that suit you. 

At SkinLab, Singapore’s largest medical spa chain, our highly trained therapists endeavour to give you the best care and treatment, so you walk out of the door looking and feeling your best.

Make an appointment now.