4 Dos And Don’ts Of Treating Hypersensitive Skin, According To Cosmetic Surgeon

Does your skin burn, sting, or turn red at the slightest provocation? Does trying a new face wash feel more like a gamble than self-care? If yes, you might be dealing with hypersensitive skin, a condition I often encounter in my clinic, especially among women navigating the stress of modern life, environmental pollution, and an overwhelming number of skincare products.

There isn’t a single cause behind skin hypersensitivity; it's often the result of multiple factors that disrupt your skin’s natural protective barrier. One of the most common reasons is a weakened skin barrier, which makes it easier for irritants and allergens to penetrate. Environmental triggers like harsh weather, pollution, and excessive sun exposure can also aggravate sensitivity. Additionally, the overuse of skincare products—especially those containing exfoliants, acids, or potent actives not suited for delicate skin—can further compromise its resilience. Underlying conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis often play a role, and internal factors like chronic stress or hormonal fluctuations can also manifest as skin reactivity. Simply put, hypersensitive skin reflects both what’s happening outside and inside the body.

Dos And Don’ts Of Treating Hypersensitive Skin

Setting up a skincare care routine for your hypersensitive skin can be tricky. To help you choose the right products and avoid common mistakes, here we have insights by Dr Amit Gupta, Cosmetic Surgeon, Founder and Director of Aeona: 

Do’s – What Your Skin Will Thank You For

Below are the simple tips of caring for hypersensitive skin: 

Keep It Simple

A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, a calming moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen are often all you need.

Choose Skin-Friendly Ingredients

Look for soothing ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide (ideally under 5%).

Always Patch Test

Especially before introducing a new product into your routine.

Use Mineral-Based Sunscreens

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to cause irritation.

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Don’ts – What To Avoid If You Want Calm, Happy Skin

Here are the common mistakes to avoid when treating hypersensitive skin: 

Avoid Physical Exfoliants And Harsh Peels

These strip the skin further and often worsen inflammation.

Don’t Layer Multiple Actives

Sensitive skin doesn’t need a 10-step routine. Stick to the essentials.

Skip Excessive Cleansing

Washing your face twice a day is plenty. Over washing disrupts your skin’s barrier.

Say No To DIY Hacks

Lemon juice, baking soda, and toothpaste have no place on your face—leave the kitchen ingredients in the kitchen.

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Hypersensitive skin doesn’t need to be fixed. It needs to be respected. With a minimalist, consistent approach and a focus on barrier repair, your skin can regain balance over time. And when in doubt, speak to a dermatologist because skincare should soothe, not stress you out.

Credits: freepik

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