Sensitive Skin: How to Know If You Have It and What to Avoid

Do you feel burning, stinging, or redness even when using normal skin care products?

Do you react to dust, sun, or soaps more than others?

You might have sensitive skin. And no, it’s not a disease—it just means your skin reacts quickly to things that may not bother other people.

Let’s understand how to identify sensitive skin and what to avoid to keep it calm and healthy.

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How to Know If You Have Sensitive Skin

Here are some common signs:

• Burning or stinging feeling after applying creams or face wash

• Skin gets red easily, even with gentle rubbing

• Dryness or flaky patches on cheeks or forehead

• Sudden reaction to weather change (heat, cold, humidity)

• Reaction to perfumes, fabric, or even water sometimes

• Tingling or itching after sun exposure or pollution

• Makeup products often cause breakouts or irritation

If you nodded to 3 or more of these signs—yes, you likely have sensitive skin.

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What Causes Sensitive Skin?

• Weak skin barrier (your skin doesn’t hold moisture or protect well)

• Genetics (some people are just born with it)

• Overuse of products (too many active ingredients like acids or retinols)

• Allergies (fragrance, preservatives, etc.)

• Underlying skin conditions (like rosacea, eczema)

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What You Should Avoid If You Have Sensitive Skin

Let’s keep it simple:

1. Strong face washes or soaps

Avoid anything that foams too much or has alcohol. It strips away natural oils.

2. Perfumes and artificial fragrance

Always go for fragrance-free products. “Unscented” is not the same—read the label.

3. Scrubs and loofahs

No harsh scrubbing. It damages your skin barrier and increases sensitivity.

4. Too many active ingredients

Using Vitamin C + Retinol + AHA + BHA together? Big mistake. Your skin needs less, not more.

5. Hot water on face

It makes redness and dryness worse. Use normal or lukewarm water only.

6. Heavy makeup or waterproof products

They need strong removers which can irritate already-sensitive skin.

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Tips to Take Care of Sensitive Skin

• Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser

• Always moisturize (look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or squalane)

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning

• Keep your skincare routine simple: Cleanser + Moisturizer + Sunscreen

• Patch test new products before applying fully

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When to See a Skin Doctor

If your skin is constantly irritated, red, or painful even after avoiding triggers—don’t self-treat.

You may have eczema, rosacea, or contact dermatitis, which needs medical care.

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Final Words from Dr. Rizwan Khan

Sensitive skin is not a weakness. It’s just a skin type that needs extra care and respect.

At Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, we help you build a skincare routine that suits your skin, not irritates it.