Does your skin experience random episodes of flare-ups and inflammation? If yes, it's most likely sensitive.  

While all skin types come with their unique set of challenges – maintaining sensitive skin is a wee bit harder. You can never anticipate if a product or ingredient will bode well for you in the long run. This is why we always rally for patch tests before zeroing in on a new formulation.   

On that note, there’s a list of tired ingredients that are a BIG NO-NO for sensitive skin. From chemical preservatives to cleansing agents like SLS, scroll ahead to learn and make an informed decision. 

But, What Are The Signs Of Sensitive Skin? 

Sensitivity manifests differently in different folks. Here are some common signs that will help you come to a conclusion. If you have any further confusion, we recommend reaching out to a board-certified dermatologist.

- Inflammation or redness

- Hives

- Rashes

- Itching 

- Small bumps

- Scaly or peeling skin

What Causes Skin Sensitivity?  

To alleviate flare-ups, you ought to study your triggers closely. Here are the most common triggers that agitate never endings in your skin’s outermost layer.

1. Dry skin: Dry skin loses moisture molecules to become dehydrated, making it more vulnerable to pollutants, aggressors, and harmful UV rays.

2. Damaged skin: Damaged skin is usually characterized by an impaired lipid barrier. For those unaware, this ‘barrier’ shields the skin against harmful aggressors while maintaining hydration.

3. Weather extremities: Extremely hot or cold weather can also make your skin dry, making way for inflammation, redness, hives and other flare-ups.

4. Harsh skincare and makeup: Skincare, makeup products, and even detergents can strip the skin of moisture, making it dry and prone to flare-ups.

5. Over-cleansing (and over-exfoliation): Cleansing twice daily helps remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the skin. However, overcleaning can dislodge natural oils from the skin, making it feel stripped. This grave oversight in your skincare routine also opens the way for underlying sensitivities.

What Are The Ingredients You Should Avoid For Sensitive Skin?  

If you are certain that have sensitive skin, here’s the list of ingredients you should avoid at all costs -

1. Alcohol: Folks with sensitive skin should steer clear of alcohol-based products. For the unversed, topical application of alcohol dehydrates the skin and damages the lipid barrier. If you have oily skin with underlying sensitivities, alcohol use leads to overproduction of sebum – resulting in more greasiness than ever. 

2. Sulphates: Sulphates like SLS and SLES make your skin feel stripped, leading to irritation and inflammation. Additionally, sulphates can trigger allergic reactions like hives, rashes, and dermatitis.

3. Paraben: Paraben, a type of skincare preservative, leads to allergic reactions and skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend paraben-free products for your daily rituals.

4. Synthetic dyes: Synthetic dye in products causes inflammation, redness, and hives – especially on sensitive skin. So, before you add to the cart, ensure to check for this value marker.

What Is The Best Sensitive Skincare Routine  

Now that we have covered all the ingredients to avoid, here’s a look at everything that works for sensitive skin. We have built a routine from scratch with a range of Foxtale bestsellers.

1. Cleansing: Just like all skin types, sensitive skin demands cleansing twice daily. The process removes dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores, ensuring a balanced microbiome. If you have sensitive skin, use hydrating, pH-balancing formulas to prevent episodes of inflammation, redness and rashes like this Foxtale product. Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash ensures a thorough cleanse without making your skin feel stripped. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract that replenish your dermis’ moisture levels. Moreover, the face wash doubles as an efficient makeup remover. It is packed with gentle surfactants that dissolve SPF and every trace of makeup. Alternatively, if you are experiencing breakouts, use Foxtale’s face wash for pimples.

2. Treatment: Pick a treatment based on your skin’s most pressing concern. If you want to double down on hydration, try Foxtale’s Daily Hydrating Serum. It contains 6 humectants that ensure 6X more hydration for the skin while fighting inflammation. You can also try our Niacinamide Serum to uphold the lipid barrier and replenish your skin’s moisture levels. For brightening, try Vitamin C, for dark spots and pigmentation, try Tranexamic Acid, and for acne-control use AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum.

3. Moisturize: After using the treatment, opt for a dollop of moisturizer. A potent moisturizing formula seals treatment and hydration into the skin for prolonged periods. Moreover, this skincare staple soothes inflammation, defers ageing, and makes your skin soft and smooth. Folks with sensitive skin can try Foxtale’s Skin Repair Cream. It leverages ERS Technology to hydrate, nourish, and heal your skin.

4. Sun protection: If your sunscreen is causing inexplicable breakouts, it’s time for a switch up – try Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen. The lightweight formula glides easily on the skin and doesn’t leave behind the unwanted white residue. Moreover, D-Panthenol and Vitamin E at the forefront ensure multi-level and long-lasting moisturization for the skin. Is your skin on the oilier side? Use Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen. Moreover, our Ultra-matte Sunscreen makes for a great addition to skin care products for combination skin.

FAQs

1. How to care for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, bear the following pointers in mind

- Use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser

- Pick non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizer  

- Try formulas infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide for maximum hydration 

- Add barrier-loving ingredients to your skincare 

- Never step out without sunscreen

2. Can sensitive skin use Salicylic Acid?

The simple answer is yes. Salicylic Acid is a mild exfoliant that removes excess oil, alleviates acne and soothes inflammation.

3. Is Niacinamide good for sensitive skin?

Yes. Niacinamide is good fit for folks with sensitive skin. The active ingredient soothes inflammation, ensures hydration, and upholds the lipid barrier.

4. Is Hyaluronic Acid good for sensitive skin? 

Yes. The lack of hydration makes your skin vulnerable to inflammation, redness, hives and more. Hyaluronic Acid or HA bind moisture molecules to the skin, preventing these problems.