What should you know about skincare for sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin may sting, burn, itch, flush or become tight after products, water, heat, sweat or weather changes. It is a symptom pattern rather than a single diagnosis. Persistent redness, scale, recurrent flares or bumps around the mouth can occur with Rosacea, Atopic Dermatitis or Perioral Dermatitis. Note triggers, timing and the exact products involved.

Choose a mild cleanser, a plain moisturiser and sunscreen that your skin tolerates. Patch-test a new product on a small area, add only one change at a time and avoid scrubs, strong fragrance, essential oils and very hot water when skin is reactive. Do not layer several exfoliating or anti-ageing actives during a flare. Keep a short product diary so a clinician can identify patterns, and do not apply steroid creams around the mouth unless specifically advised.

Arrange a review if redness, itching, burning, scaling or bumps persist, recur often or interfere with sleep and daily activities. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread hives, blistering or skin pain with fever. A clinician can check whether an allergy, dermatitis, rosacea or infection is driving the reaction.

Could this be dermatitis, rosacea or an allergy rather than general sensitivity? Which cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen should I use? Should I stop any current active? Do I need patch testing?