Skincare for Hypersensitive Skin

Hypersensitive skin refers to a skin condition that is more reactive and prone to irritation compared to normal skin.

Physical Triggers:

• Ultraviolet radiation
• Extremes of heat & cold
• Wind
• Dry Air

Chemical Triggers:

• Detergents
• Pollutants
• Overwashing the skin with harsh alkaline soaps
• Scrubs or exfoliants
• Chemical peels
• High concentrations of active ingredients in cosmeceuticals
• Oral Isotretinoin

Hormonal Triggers:

• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy

Many people with hypersensitive skin have associated skin diseases which include atopic dermatitis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis – these can be the cause of long-term sensitivity.

Treatment tips that can help with hypersensitive skin

Prescription

• Topical corticosteroid creams
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors

(Check with your medical professional)

Non-Prescription

• Avoid harsh topical ingredients and soaps
• Reduce the temperature of hot showers or baths
• Use a barrier cream and/or target treatment to help control redness and sensitivity
• If your face is tight after cleansing you are probably using the wrong cleanser which can cause a pH imbalance and sensitivity
• Use moisturisers with essential lipids to build the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Skincare ingredients that can help with hypersensitive skin

• Thermal Spring Water from France
• Bisabolol (derived from Chamomile)
• Niacinamide
• Ceramides
• Shea Butter
• Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
• Panthenol
• Aloe Vera

Skincare products that can help with hypersensitive skin

Cream cleansers are typically non-foaming and have a rich, creamy texture. They are formulated to cleanse the skin without causing dryness or irritation. Look for fragrance-free cream cleansers. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Serra Cleansing Gel
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

For hypersensitive skin, look for serums that focus on calming and soothing the skin. Hypersensitive skin often has a compromised skin barrier, so using barrier repair creams can help strengthen and protect the skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Ultra Repair Serum

Moisturisers can help soothe and protect aggravated skin, preventing outside factors that can compromise the skin further and restore the skin’s barrier. Dr Webster recommends:

• Avène Tolérance Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
• pHformula SOS Rescue Cream

Protecting hypersensitive skin from the sun is crucial, as UV rays can trigger sensitivity and further damage the skin. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuitcals Physial Fusion UV Defense
• Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF 50