What should you know about face care for sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can feel tight, itchy, hot, or prickly, and may become red after products, weather changes, shaving, or friction. A weakened skin barrier allows irritants to reach nerve endings more easily, while dryness can increase stinging. Persistent symptoms may reflect a condition rather than a general sensitivity. Atopic dermatitis can cause itchy inflamed skin; perioral dermatitis may cause bumps around the mouth; rosacea often involves flushing, burning, or facial redness. These conditions need different approaches.

Use lukewarm water, a mild fragrance-free cleanser, and clean fingertips. Pat dry and apply a simple moisturiser without rubbing. Choose products with short ingredient lists and add only one new item at a time. Patch test on a small area before applying a new product across the face. Avoid scrubs, harsh brushes, strong fragrance, frequent exfoliation, and very hot water. Protect exposed skin from sunlight with shade, clothing, and sunscreen that your skin tolerates. Keep a note of products and circumstances that precede a reaction.

Book a medical assessment when irritation lasts, repeatedly returns, spreads, forms a rash or bumps, or prevents sleep. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing trouble, blistering, extensive peeling, fever, or eye pain and vision change. Stop a product that causes a strong reaction and ask a clinician how to manage the area, particularly if you use prescription creams or have a known skin condition.

Could this be atopic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, or rosacea? Which ingredients should I avoid? How can I test products and repair my skin barrier safely?