Sensitive skin can be tricky to manage. One day, your regular moisturiser may feel perfectly comfortable, and the next, even a familiar product may leave your skin feeling irritated, tight or red. With countless skincare trends , products and active ingredients competing for attention, figuring out what works can often become more confusing than helpful. So, should sensitive skin really have a complicated skincare routine, or is keeping things simple the better approach?
A gentle cleansing routine, along with products that support the skin barrier and protect against environmental damage, can go a long way. Sunscreen and physical protection, such as hats, umbrellas and protective clothing, are particularly important for those who spend considerable time outdoors,” she explains. However, an elaborate skincare routine is not necessarily better, especially for people with sensitive skin. Harsh scrubs, excessive exfoliation, very hot water, heavily fragranced products and combining multiple active ingredients can compromise the skin barrier and aggravate irritation. “Following every new skincare trend is not always helpful. A small but consistent routine is generally easier for sensitive skin to tolerate than a complicated regimen involving multiple products,” Dr Singh adds. nighttime is an opportunity to support the skin’s natural recovery process While daytime skincare focuses largely on protection. After a day of exposure to sunlight and environmental pollutants, the skin benefits from a gentle routine that maintains hydration and supports its protective barrier without causing further irritation. “Consistency is key when dealing with sensitive skin, not abundance. Protecting the skin during the day, supporting its recovery at night and paying attention to the early signs of irritation can help simplify and optimise a skincare routine. The future of skincare, particularly for sensitive skin, is probably not about doing more but about understanding what kind of care and protection the skin needs and providing it when required,” concludes Dr Singh.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, consultant dermatologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund, explains why sensitive skin needs more protection and less experimentation, and how a simple day-and-night skincare routine can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. (Also read: High AQI alert: From acne and premature ageing to hair fall, dermatologist shares 10 tips to protect your skin and hair ) “During the daytime, the primary aim of skincare should be protection.
