Experts Share How To Build A Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin That Actually Works

Last Updated:September 26, 2025, 19:42 IST

By reading labels, avoiding harsh triggers, and maintaining a consistent routine, you can transform skincare for sensitive skin from a source of stress into a calming ritual.

Avoid fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, and harsh preservatives.

For those with sensitive skin, skincare can feel like a gamble. A serum that promises glow might deliver redness. A new moisturiser may end in irritation rather than hydration. Living with this unpredictability makes shopping for skincare stressful, with trial and error often leading to regret. But the good news is that dermatologists agree – sensitive skin doesn’t have to mean complicated skin. With the right approach, you can build a routine that calms instead of clashes.

Know Your Triggers

The first step is learning what not to use. “Fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, and harsh preservatives are the most common triggers for irritation,” explained Dr. Mili Sinha, Aesthetic Physician at La Clinique and Expert at Oteria. She advises choosing fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, rose, berry extracts, or even ashwagandha.

Dr. Bhawuk Dhir, Consultant Dermatology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, adds that label-reading is critical: “Avoid products with alcohol, artificial fragrance, and strong preservatives. Instead, look for gentle ingredients such as aloe vera, ceramides, or oatmeal, which help soothe and protect.”

Keep It Simple

Minimalism is often the best strategy. “The fewer the ingredients, the lower the chance of irritation,” said Dr. Navjot Arora, Consultant Dermatologist, Dermaheal Skin and Clinic, Dwarka. She warns against harsh exfoliators or products claiming instant results, which often rely on strong actives that sensitive skin cannot tolerate. Instead, introduce products slowly and stick to what works. Overloading on retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids can overwhelm the skin barrier, Dr. Sinha emphasised.

Don’t Skip the Basics

Cleansing, hydration, and sun protection are the basics of skincare. Dr. Arora recommends a mild, soap-free cleanser and a creamy moisturiser to lock in hydration. Dr. Dhir echoes the importance of moisturising twice daily with fragrance-free options, noting that sensitive skin loses hydration quickly. Sunscreen, too, deserves careful selection. “Sensitive skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, so using a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is a smart choice,” said Dr. Arora.

Patch Test and Stay Consistent

One universal piece of advice from all experts is the value of a patch test. Apply a small amount on the inner arm or behind the ear and wait 24 hours. If your skin stays calm, it’s likely safe. Dr. Dhir also cautions against constantly switching products, which can confuse and irritate sensitive skin further. A steady, gentle routine builds resilience over time.

When to Seek Help

Persistent redness, breakouts, or flare-ups may signal more than just sensitivity. “If flare-ups are frequent, consulting an expert is the smartest step,” Dr. Sinha advised. Conditions like rosacea or eczema often mimic sensitivity and need professional care. A dermatologist can tailor treatments and help avoid unnecessary trial and error.

Sensitive skin may be unpredictable, but it isn’t unmanageable. By reading labels, avoiding harsh triggers, and keeping your routine simple and consistent, you can turn skincare from a source of stress into a ritual of calm.

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Author: News18