Caring For Sensitive Skin: Out With The Ouchies!

Hey there, beauty baes! If you’ve landed here, our guess is you’ve been battling the drama that is sensitive skin. 💔

Did your face go red after putting on that viral Tomato mask?

Did you just offend your nani because you cannot try her nuskhe?

Do you wish you could also do the 7-step routine every day?

Don’t worry, we get you!

Caring for sensitive skin is like getting your dad to say yes to that Goa trip, but the results are totally worth it.

Together, let’s understand rookie mistakes people make while caring for sensitive skin and how you can nail your sensitive skincare routine like a pro.

Mistake #1: Overloading On Steps ❌

As we know from all those wedding pictures on Instagram, more isn’t always merrier. 

Sensitive skin doesn’t vibe with the 12-step routines that beauty influencers swear by. 

Too many products can easily overwhelm your skin and lead to irritation or redness. To keep your skin calm, you need to keep it minimal! A basic skincare routine for sensitive skin should include:

1. A gentle cleanser— Look for products that are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic because these are least likely to cause an allergic reaction. 🧴
2. A moisturiser — Since you need to use it twice daily, pick one with soothing ingredients like Ceramides or Aloe Vera. 🧴
3. A sunscreen — Go for a mineral-based sunscreen that is less likely to harm your skin. 🧴

Mistake #2: Skipping The Patch Test ❌

You ordered that fancy moisturiser everyone is hyping on Instagram, and you just can’t wait to try it out. We get the excitement.

But straightaway slathering it on your pretty face? No way!

Always, always do a patch test on your elbow to save yourself from days of itching, redness and inevitably, regret. 

 

Mistake #3: Ignoring The Labels ❌

Sensitive skin care is all about reading the labels and knowing your ingredients. This is crucial to understanding what works for you. 

Some common irritants, such as Added Fragrances, Alcohol, Parabens and Harsh Exfoliants, need to be avoided at all costs. Instead, look for natural, calming ingredients like Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Oatmeal, and so on. 

 

Mistake #4: Going Overboard With Exfoliation ❌

While exfoliation might seem like a good idea, over-exfoliating sensitive skin is like overwatering a plant - the roots will rot, and the plant will ultimately wither.

To avoid damaging your skin barrier and breakouts, you need to stick to exfoliation once a week. If your skin looks flaky, it’s asking to be exfoliated. If it’s already looking plump, no need to take out that face scrub.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Sun Protection ❌

Sensitive skin and the sun? Not BFFs. 

Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days or using a harsh sunscreen that weighs your skin down are some of the worst mistakes you can make. The best bet for those sunlit days is lightweight sunscreens that absorb quickly and do not clog your pores, like the Adigo Swoop Sunscreen, which doesn’t even leave a white cast but still protects you from those harmful UVA and UVB rays.

 

Mistake #6: Not Knowing Your Triggers ❌

Just like your EX, sensitive skin has triggers. The trick is knowing them beforehand and saving yourself days of agony. Some commonly known triggers are:

• Hot showers
• Stress
• Spicy foods
• Desserts
• Processed foods
• Environmental factors (pollution, anyone?)

Pro Tip: Keeping a skincare journal will not only help you spot patterns but also avoid flare-ups.

 

Mistake #7: DIY Remedies ❌

We’re here to pop the bubble. Your favourite influencer did not get that glass skin glow using oatmeal masks. It takes years of understanding, the correct cosmetic procedures, appropriate skincare, and an excellent skin expert to nail that glass skin glow.

While not all DIY remedies for sensitive skin are bad, do you want to expose your sensitive baby to unknown strangers and leave it all to luck? 

If you want to try something you just whipped up in the kitchen, just do your skin a favour and do a patch test first. 

 In fact, some kitchen staples can work wonders. Try these gentle, budget-friendly options:

• Oatmeal masks: Mix ground oatmeal with water for a calming face mask.
• Aloe Vera: Use pure aloe vera to soothe redness and irritation.
• Honey: Apply raw honey for its antibacterial and hydrating properties.

Just remember, not everything in your pantry belongs on your face (Here’s looking at you, lemon juice).

Mistake #8: Skimping On Moisturiser ❌

Sensitive skin thrives on hydration. If you’re skipping your moisturiser because you think it’ll make your skin oily or weigh it down, think again. 

Dehydrated skin can overproduce oil, leading to breakouts. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Mistake #9: Falling For Trends ❌

Just because everyone’s raving about Snail Mucin or Retinol doesn’t mean it’s right for your sensitive skin. Stick to products known to work for sensitive skin types and introduce new ingredients slowly. Don’t just buy an entire range because your favourite YouTube celeb endorsed it. Trust us, your skin will thank you for playing it safe.

Mistake #10: Forgetting About Budget-Friendly Options ❌

Caring for sensitive skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Budget skincare for sensitive skin can be just as effective as luxury brands. Remember, it’s about the ingredients, not the price tag.

Mistake #11: Overlooking Lifestyle Factors ❌

Your skincare routine isn’t the only thing affecting your sensitive skin. Lifestyle habits like diet, sleeping patterns, and stress management play a huge role in your overall appearance. Here are some sensitive skin tips beyond the bathroom shelf:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Get enough sleep because this is the time when your skin repairs itself.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or whatever makes you happy (yes, binge-watching Netflix counts).

Building The Perfect Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

Ready to build a foolproof daily routine for sensitive skin? Here’s a simple plan:

Morning:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (Adigo Swoop Face Wash *wink wink*). 
• Apply a lightweight moisturiser.
• Finish with sunscreen (no excuses!).

Evening:

 

Cleanse again to remove the day’s grime.

• Apply a soothing toner (optional).
• Slather on your sensitive skin moisturiser and hit the sack.

Weekly:

• Use a calming mask or gentle exfoliant.

 

The Bottom Line

Caring for sensitive skin doesn’t have to be a battle. By avoiding these common skincare mistakes and sticking to a routine tailored to your skin’s unique needs, you’ll be well on your way to a calm, happy complexion. Whether you’re all about natural skincare for sensitive skin or prefer dermatologically-approved products, the key is to listen to your skin and keep it simple. Now go forth and glow, you skincare superstar! 💛