“Sensitive Skin” is a phrase that is present all-over the skincare world. Even amateurs are not averse to this phrase as it is extensively used in beauty headlines, product labels, advertisements or in general conversations about skincare troubles.

Commonly circulated questions about sensitive skin are - Is it something you’re born with? How do you know if you have it? And how should you be taking care of it? Is it genetic?  Will it last forever? Is there a diagnosis? Should one not exfoliate? It is caused due to allergies? Can you be sensitive only to a particular ingredient? Is it related to one’s lifestyle? And the list goes on.

Did the above questions leave you lost, confused or perplexed? Our dermatologists at Kaya have provided their unfeigned expertise to dispel all myths related to sensitive skin.

Kaya dermatologists have identified seven signs of sensitive skin- dryness, dullness, redness, roughness, dehydration lines, tightness and irritation. Sensitive skin typically means that the skin is easily affected by environmental factors like sun, wind, topical products like lotions or fragrances, and lifestyle patterns to name a few.

Skin sensitivity has to do with the skin barrier or outer layer of your skin. In people with sensitive skin, this barrier is typically weaker, thinner, and more easily damaged, making it easier for irritants to penetrate the skin and cause inflammation. But all of us see that barrier breaks down as we age, which can cause increased sensitivity over time.

So how does one choose the right products for sensitive skin? With a wide range of products available in the market, one should stick with products that are gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free.  Common irritants like sulphates, dyes, preservatives, alcohols and fragrances must be avoided. Stay away from abrasive scrubs and exfoliants like micro beads and walnut shell powder, which can cause tiny tears in your skin’s barrier.

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s talk about ingredients you should look for. Ingredients that retain moisture like glycerin and hyaluronic acid help to replenish the lipid barrier. It all boils down to trapping water and creating a protective layer. Lastly, patch tests should be a staple of your routine before adapting to any new product.

Owing to India’s adverse environmental and living patterns, this skin type is especially common among Indian skin. Kaya understands this unique need and has created special formulations to form a dermatologically tested Sensitive Skincare Range. The range consists of Kaya Gentle Micellar Foaming Cleanser, Kaya Soothing Day Light Moisturizer SPF 25 and Kaya Intense Hydra Boost Night Serum. We also have the Sensitive Face Cleanser & Sensitive Sunscreen. This range will put all your sensitive skin troubles at bay and render healthy, hydrated and gorgeous looking skin always!