Conquer your skin sensitivity with these skincare dos, don'ts

Does your skin get super red and dry easily, even after moisturizing? Does the smallest irritation make your face break out? Are you prone to hives and peeling? Well, chances are, you probably have sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin is a term used to describe those who have a lower skin tolerance for irritants like scented products and cosmetics or treatments like threading. While this might be a bothersome condition to have, the good news is that it’s not only super common (this survey reveals that up to 50 percent of women and 40 percent of men have sensitive skin!) but also super manageable. 

I’m by no means a skincare professional or expert, so if you’re suffering from severe conditions such as hives, eczema or rosacea, go to the dermatologist immediately! But if you’re looking for what and what not to do to manage milder symptoms, then continue reading. 

Don't: Assume someone else’s routine will work for you 

With the rise of TikTok came the rise of pretty much everyone and their mother sharing their “aesthetic” and incredibly lengthy skincare routines on their social media (yes, I’m guilty of this). And while these creators may look great on camera, don’t assume that just because they have clear skin and use a particular product that it will work for you specifically. 

Don’t get me wrong: If their 13-step routine works for them, that’s their prerogative. But there are a variety of skin types, and how a product works on one person’s face can vary dramatically from another, as genetic, ethnic and racial factors play a major role in this.

This is especially true of people with sensitive skin, who may react poorly to the fragrances, dyes or enzymes in mainstream skincare and oftentimes will break out more with the more products they use. 

Do your own extensive research on each product before you decide to purchase it, and make sure to read reviews from users with the same skin type as you. Social media is full of creators that regularly lie about quality for brand deals and use beauty filters when they post — don’t take their words at face value. 

Don't: Skip SPF 

As someone who has sensitive skin, my breakouts would often leave behind hyperpigmentation like acne marks and dark spots. My solution was to slather on retinoids and call it a day. 

But refusing to listen to the age-old piece of advice to remember my sunscreen led me to deal with serious consequences. Not only did using retinoids during the day dry out my skin, but after going through tubes of anti-scarring products with no real results, I also realized that my forsaken dark marks were worsening due to far less than adequate UV ray protection. 

Long-term exposure to UV rays can darken acne marks, which can make those healing scars far more noticeable. And even if you don’t have sensitive skin, not wearing SPF greatly increases your risk of developing melanoma and aging prematurely, so do yourself a favor, listen to your mom and wear your sunscreen!

Don't: Dermaplane or shave your skin 

If you’ve never heard of dermaplaning, it's a dermatological procedure that involves using a sharp tool — such as a scalpel — to shave off the top layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz. 

While the treatment is effective for many and the TikToks of the treatment are gross yet satisfying, err on the side of caution if you have sensitive skin. Not only can the abrasion of the blade against the skin cause irritation and hives, but shaving and dermaplaning can also lead to clogged hair follicles and thus more breakouts.

If you want to remove hair from your face, it’s best to go to a professional and seek consultation on what method is best for you.

Don't: Use products with fragrance, alcohol, coarse exfoliants or sulfate 

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and needs to be handled with gentle care. So while the cheaper, scent-filled face washes and lotions might smell nice and be easier on your bank account than higher-end brands — trust me, it comes at a cost. 

Coarse face scrubs with large particles that can cause microtears in the skin are an absolute no-no (I’m talking to you, St. Ives scrub). You may not feel the effects now, but over time, these ingredients won't only dry out your skin but will cause substantial damage to your skin barrier, leading to more dryness, allergic reactions, hives and redness. 

Thayers Witch Hazel toner, all things GlamGlow and Neutrogena’s Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub have a special place in hell for the havoc they’ve wreaked on skin with their awful ingredients list.

Do: Keep a simple routine 

Having sensitive skin means that your skin is extremely prone to overreacting to product overload, so aim to keep your routine pretty simple. Contrary to what the beauty gurus might say, you only really need a face wash, moisturizer and SPF — fancy stuff like toners and spot treatment can be great additions but aren't required. 

Purchase from reputable brands, and be willing to splurge a bit if need be. Remember: Your skin is an investment, and you deserve the best quality products that you can get within your means. That being said, there’s not always a need to drop the big bucks — brands such as Cetaphil and CerVe yield great results for half the cost.

Do: Keep a balanced diet and prioritize gut health

I love my coffee with creamer and dark chocolate just as much as the next person, so I’ve come to accept that I will be a bit red after having an espresso shot (or three). 

Enjoy the foods you love! Life is too short to permanently avoid your favorites just to look “pretty” (whatever that means). But if you’re routinely drinking wine on weeknights and downing chocolate cake, your skin might be a bit upset with you.

Like I said: Your skin is an organ too, and when we break out or experience irritation, it’s usually a sign that your body is trying to release some sort of toxin, or is sending an SOS. Know your dietary triggers and remember to keep your gut health intact. 

Avoid dairy if needed, and drink as much water as you can (yes, this is my mandatory reminder to drink water!). Fiber and probiotics are always a plus, and if you hate taking supplements like I do, adding kombucha into your diet is a great alternative. 

Dealing with sensitive skin can be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean you're damned to suffer in red, irritated skin hell forever. With the right combination of products, diet and persistence you can and will see results.

Remember to be kind to yourself — and be realistic with yourself! Many people suffer from less than ideal skin conditions, and progress takes time. Life is stressful, you won’t always eat like Jenny Craig.

It’s more than okay to not always look picture perfect. I have many days where I go out into the world, bare-faced and flushed, with my acne marks on display. The goal is not to be perfect but rather to consistently strive for improvement — that’s what really counts.