The Ultimate Expert-Approved Routine for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is characterised by increased reactivity. "Sensitive skin is not a skin type—it's a skin condition where the skin overreacts to external or internal triggers," says Dr. Chytra Anand, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder, Kosmoderma Clinics. "This happens due to a weakened skin barrier and heightened nerve response in the skin, making it more prone to redness, stinging, dryness, or breakouts." While it is mostly caused by a weakened barrier, "the causes can be hereditary, over-cleansing, harsh products, environmental stress, or conditions such as rosacea or eczema," says Dr. Madhuri Agrawal, Founder and Medical Director, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. "Sensitivity is sometimes temporary—usually reactions from using too many or unsuitable skincare products."

Skin-loving ingredients that soothe your skin are top of the order when curating a skincare routine for sensitive skin. Overusing actives, using too many products at once, or not understanding which ingredients are suited to your skin is often a trigger for sensitive skin. Here's what to look for when choosing products for sensitive skin:

1. Choose barrier-repairing and soothing ingredients: "Pick ceramides, panthenol, niacinamide, and squalane," says Dr. Anand. "Avoid harsh actives and multiple new products at once."
2. Prioritise minimal formulations: "Products that contain shorter ingredient lists, typically between 10–15 components, are less likely to include potential irritants," says Dr. Agarwal.
3. Review the ingredient labels: "Fragrance-free is not the same as unscented, as the latter could still contain masking fragrances that can irritate your skin," explains Dr. Agarwal.
4. Pay attention to pH levels: "Select products with a pH range of 4. 5–6. 5, which matches closely with the skin's natural acid mantle and tends to be gentler," says Dr. Agarwal.
5. Always patch test new products: It is like a litmus test to see what works. "It is advisable to test new products on the inner wrist or behind the ear for 48 hours before facial application," says Dr. Agarwal. "If a product causes stinging or burning, discontinue immediately."

Skincare is not one-size-fits-all, but there are certain things one can keep in mind when tailoring a sensitive skin care routine.

The best face wash for sensitive skin is gentle, hydrating, and can cleanse without stripping the skin of its moisture. For dry and sensitive skin, humectants help to keep the water in your skin. "Cream-based cleansers containing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or squalane are recommended," says Dr. Agarwal. For oily skin, Dr. Anand advises picking gel-based cleansers with mild surfactants, green tea, or zinc. Our pick? The Simple Purifying Gel Wash with zinc. It delivers a thorough yet gentle cleanse but draws the line at stripping the skin. For normal sensitive skin, opt for gentle gel or low-foam cleansers. "pH-balanced formulations with soothing ingredients such as allantoin or panthenol are preferred," says Dr. Agarwal. It is advised to cleanse for 30–60 seconds, use lukewarm water, and pat the skin dry without rubbing.

A serum for sensitive skin is picked based on the skin concern, which is commonly acne, redness due to rosacea, or sensitised skin as a result of a compromised skin barrier. For acne-prone skin, Dr. Agarwal recommends niacinamide, azelaic acid, or centella asiatica. "These ingredients alleviate inflammation," she says. We love the Simple 10% Niacinamide + Pro-Vit B5 Booster Serum with 1% Pro-Vitamin B5 that enhances hydration, leaving your skin clear, smooth, and resilient. For redness due to rosacea, you want products that can reduce erythema without provoking adverse reactions. "Select products formulated with ingredients such as ectoin or colloidal oatmeal," says Dr. Agarwal. If a compromised skin barrier is your Achilles' heel, she advises using "soothing ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol (vitamin B5), and beta-glucan that facilitate restoration of the skin's protective barrier." These will transport your skin to a calmer place.

When you have sensitive skin, everything under the sun, pun intended, can trigger your skin, and nothing but the best sunscreen for sensitive skin can help. Mineral sunscreens are ideal, and pick one that is "non-comedogenic and has broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more," says Dr. Anand. If you have oily and sensitive skin, the newly launched Simple Mattifying UV fluid SPF 50 PA++++ with Niacinamide is that girl. With GlutaAmino, niacinamide, and PHA, the sunscreen helps oil control, is non-comedogenic to prevent breakouts, reduces dark spots, and prevents UV-induced pigmentation. For dry skin girlies, the Simple Hydrating UV fluid will operate overtime to hydrate and repair the skin barrier thanks to GlutaAmino and hyaluronic acid. It also locks in the moisture and restores skin radiance. Both sunscreens are ideal to soothe compromised skin barriers.

Sensitive skin can feel tricky and requires patience and careful choices. Keep your routine simple, avoid mixing actives, stop over-exfoliating, and refrain from introducing multiple products at once. "Introducing products gradually allows for the identification of any specific item responsible for irritation should a reaction occur," says Dr. Agarwal. However, there is no one universal solution when it comes to skincare for sensitive skin. Your triggers can be inconsistent with stereotypical symptoms, so pay attention to what you apply to your skin and consult a dermatologist for more information.

Stay away from harsh actives, physical exfoliators, and products with alcohol and fragrance.

Look for skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, squalane, ceramides, and centella asiatica.

It depends on your skin type. Choose cream-based cleansers for dry skin, gel cleansers for oily skin, and foam cleansers for normal, sensitive skin.

Avoid frequent use of acids or scrubs. When exfoliating, use a gentle exfoliator once a week.

Toners are optional, but ensure they are alcohol-free and balance the skin's pH.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or more are preferred. Opt for ones that restore the skin barrier.