According to studies, at least 50% of the female population experience some form of skin sensitivity.
For those unaware – sensitivity occurs when your skin experiences inexplicable flare-ups, redness, inflammation, hives, etc. due to internal or external factors. These episodes not only impact your appearance but also hamper your emotional well-being. And the best way to keep these woes at bay is by adhering to a solid AM/PM ritual.
If you are a sensitive skin girlie, keep scrolling for surefire solutions to reduce these flare-ups. We help you with the best products (or ingredients) and an infallible daily skincare routine for the best results.
What Does Sensitive Skin Look Like?
Sensitivity can manifest in different forms
- Irritated or itchy skin
- Bumps or painful boils
- Dry, flaky texture
- Red, inflamed skin
- Hives
What Are The Different Causes For Skin Sensitivity?
Before looking for the best sensitive skin products, it is important to recognize the triggers. This intermediate step will help streamline efforts for great skin.
1. Dry skin: When skin lacks moisture, it becomes more prone to inflammation, irritation and other flare-ups.
2. A compromised lipid barrier: The lipid barrier acts as the first line of defence for your body. Think of it as a literal masonry wall, where dead cells act as bricks and lipids (Ceramides, Fatty Acids, and Cholesterol) serve as mortar. So, if this barrier's integrity were compromised, the skin would have to bear the brunt of pollutants, irritants, and other aggressors.
3. Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalances also lead to sensitivity. This is why you may experience sudden flare-ups during mensuration or pregnancy.
4. Harmful soaps and detergents: Certain skincare products dislodge moisture molecules from the skin, making it dry and uncomfortably tight. This is why we recommend avoiding ingredients like artificial dyes, alcohol and sulfates in your everyday routine.
5. Overwashing: Overwashing can wipe out natural oils from the skin, making it dry. This makes your skin more susceptible to redness, inflammation, and other flare-ups.
6. Over-exfoliation: Contrary to common understanding, sensitive skin requires regular exfoliation. For the unversed, exfoliation involves dissolving dead cells, debris and other forms of buildup to reveal a smooth, even surface sitting underneath. However, over-exfoliation is a big no no! It dehydrates the skin, marrs the lipid barrier and leads to inflammation or irritation.
What Ingredients Can You Use For Sensitive Skin?
If you’re wondering what ingredients you can or cannot use for sensitive skin – you have landed on the right page. Scroll ahead to learn more -
1. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid is a potent humectant that binds water molecules to the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration. It promotes barrier health and offsets inflammation – making it a great choice for sensitive skin folks.
Our recommendation: Foxtale’s Daily Hydrating Serum
Infused with six humectants, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Alpha-Bisabolol, Red Algae Extract, D-Panthenol and Aqua Porin Boosters – this serum ensures 6X hydration for the skin. The topical application of this formula reduces fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet while restoring your skin’s youthful appearance. Grab one of the best dry skin care products only at INR 549.
2. Niacinamide: If you grapple with sensitive skin, active ingredient Niacinamide for skin should be on your radar. It helps double down on hydration by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Moreover, Niacinamide reinforces barrier function by booting the production of Ceramides and Elastin – dramatically reducing the flare-ups.
Our recommendation: Foxtale’s 5% Niacinamide Serum
The creamy formula blurs pores and cloaks blemishes, creating a smooth, even surface. It preserves hydration, boosts barrier health and reduces the frequency of flare-ups in sensitive skin. Use this Niacinamide Serum to crack that gorgeous, matte finish.
3. Ceramide: Ceramide helps rejuvenate sensitive skin in multiple ways. It strengthens the lipid barrier, prevents water loss, soothes inflammation, blocks sun-induced damage and averts free radicals.
Our recommendation: Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides
Imbued with Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil, this moisturizer ensures intense hydration for your skin. Moreover, super ingredient Ceramide puts a sturdy lock on the hydration to prevent TEWL. It sits on the skin barrier with Vitamin E to fend off UV rays, aggressors, pollutants, and free radicals.
4. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is often dubbed the holy grail of brightening. It inhibits melanin production in skin cells, fading dark spots and pigmentation over time. But very few know of the active ingredient’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. That's right – topical application of Vitamin C reduces flare-ups and shields the skin against menacing aggressors.
Our recommendation: Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum
This emollient-rich formula ensures long-lasting moisturization while averting harmful UV rays, pollutants and free radicals. The best part? Our serum uses unique gel-trap technology that combines water-soluble Vitamin C with oil-soluble Vitamin E for maximum efficacy.
Best Routine To Reduce Sensitive Skin
Admittedly, skin sensitivity cannot be completely reversed. But with a solid morning and nighttime skincare, you can prevent recurring flare-ups. Here’s how you can build a simple yet effective routine with some of Foxtale's bestsellers -
1. Cleanse X2: Cleansing twice daily is non-negotiable regardless of the skin type. It removes dirt, grime, and other buildup to ensure a healthy, balanced microbiome for the skin. For sensitive skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash. This formula offers a thorough cleanse without making your skin feel stripped. Moreover, Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract improve your skin’s water-holding capacity.
2. Treat: Next, use a result-oriented to address your skin’s concern. You may try our Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Niacinamide Serum to elevate barrier health. For dark spots or pigmentation, try Foxtale’s Vitamin C. Alternatively, for exfoliating dullness, try our AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum.
3. Seal with moisturizer: Use a potent moisturizer to seal this treatment! For sensitive skin folks, we recommend Foxtale’s Skin Repair Cream. It uses ERS technology to hydrate, nourish, and heal your skin.
4. Sun protection: Continued exposure to UV rays can also flare up skin sensitivities. To prevent this problem, we recommend using Foxtale’s Dewy Finish Sunscreen. Only two fingers’ worth of the SPF prevents burns, tanning, pigmentation, and photoaging. Moreover, D-Panthenol and Vitamin E in this SPF ensure multi-level moisturization for the skin.