In a world where almost everything feels irritating, from traffic and news alerts to the weather and even your phone screen, it is no surprise that our skin is also showing signs of irritation.
More people than ever now describe their skin as sensitive, and dermatologists are seeing a rise in redness, stinging and reactivity. At the same time, skincare trends have encouraged us to layer viral serums and chemical exfoliants in the hope of quick results.
The downside is that experimenting with too many actives can leave skin feeling tight, sore or inflamed. Skin sensitivity is no longer a niche concern; repairing and protecting the skin barrier has become a mainstream priority. Here are our tips on how to effectively protect your skin’s barrier and avoid irritation.
Not all skin reactions mean you have naturally sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is a skin type often experienced throughout a person’s life and is frequently linked to conditions such as eczema, allergies or rosacea.
Sensitive skin is more likely to react to triggers like weather changes, stress and fragrance. Ingredients such as strong chemical exfoliants and overuse of actives can worsen sensitive skin.
This differs from sensitised skin, which is a condition that develops when the skin barrier becomes damaged. Causes can include pollution, harsh environments, or overuse of active products. Sensitised skin can happen to anyone and usually improves once the barrier is repaired.
Simplifying your skincare routine may be the key to managing and preventing sensitised skin. Focus on products that support and repair the barrier with gentle ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide. The first step is a cleanser. A good facial cleanser removes dirt and impurities without stripping the skin barrier.
You may want to treat your skin concerns gently. Perhaps your skin is red, irritated and dry. A serum like The Ordinary’s Soothing & Barrier Support Serum is ideal for focusing on the skin barrier by soothing discomfort and reducing the look of redness. Or maybe you have extremely dry skin and chapped lips, using a product like the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is ideal for supporting damaged, uncomfortable & irritated skin. It’s important to focus on nourishing and barrier-respecting ingredients in your treatments.
Fragrance is one of the most common culprits behind skin irritation. Layer this up woth a fragrance-free moisturiser. Even products marketed as ‘natural’ or ‘botanical’ can contain oils or scents that trigger redness, stinging or allergic reactions. For sensitive or sensitised skin, using fragrance-free products reduces the risk of flare-ups and helps the skin barrier recover more quickly. When shopping, look for products that say ‘fragrance-free’ or ‘without perfume’.
Our skin is exposed to a constant barrage of environmental stressors. Pollution, UV radiation and fluctuating weather conditions can all damage the skin barrier, trigger inflammation and accelerate ageing. Modern living adds another layer of stress. Long hours in front of screens, air conditioning in offices and central heating at home can all dry out and weaken the skin. Protecting your skin from these daily aggressors is essential, and the most effective step is using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Caring for irritated skin doesn’t have to be purely clinical. It can also be a moment of self-care. Gentle routines and nourishing products can help you feel calm while supporting the skin barrier. Try a hydrating face mask to soothe redness and dryness, or cooling eye patches to relieve puffiness and irritation around the eyes. Treating your skin mindfully like this not only helps repair barrier damage but also makes the routine feel restorative rather than just corrective.
Modern life can be irritating in more ways than one, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer for it. By understanding the difference between sensitive and sensitised skin, simplifying routines and protecting the barrier, it is possible to calm the cycle. In a time when everything feels irritating, looking after your skin is one way to restore balance.
Cover Image Courtesy of Pinterest.