What should you know about skin products for sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin may sting, burn, itch, flush, or feel tight after contact with cosmetics, cleansers, sweat, heat, or wind. This describes a pattern rather than one diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis can weaken the barrier and cause itch; rosacea can bring flushing and burning; perioral dermatitis can cause small inflamed bumps around the mouth or nose. A reaction that appears only after a particular product may represent irritation or allergy, so the timing and distribution matter.

Use a mild fragrance-free cleanser, lukewarm water, and a plain moisturiser. Introduce one new product at a time and test it on a small area before applying it widely. Avoid scrubs, strong exfoliating acids, essential oils, and heavily fragranced formulas while your skin is reactive. Keep a record of products, symptoms, heat, sun, and other triggers. Stop a product that causes persistent burning, swelling, or a spreading rash; a clinician can help identify whether the problem is irritation, allergy, or a skin condition.

Seek assessment for recurring redness, scaling, facial flushing, persistent bumps, or symptoms that interfere with sleep or daily activities. Get urgent help for rapid facial swelling, widespread blistering, faintness, or breathing difficulty after a product, as these may indicate a serious reaction.

Ask whether your pattern suggests eczema, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, contact allergy, or simple irritation; which ingredients to avoid; whether patch testing is appropriate; and how to protect the skin barrier.