Sensitive Skin Cleansing: A Complete Guide

Cleansing is the base of any skincare routine, which is mandatory for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It deeply cleans the skin’s surface, pores and strengthens the barrier. Having said that, sensitive skin requires special care and attention, including the avoidance of harsh ingredients and abrasives, as well as the inclusion of soothing actives. 

This blog will help you explore the right way to cleanse your sensitive skin, usual mistakes to avoid, and how to look for the most effective cleanser. 

Why Should You Cleanse

Your skin comes in contact with dirt, sebum, and pollutants that settle down on the face. They need to be removed before you apply your serum and moisturiser, or any other upcoming skincare products. 

Moreover, sleeping with your makeup can clog your pores, causing different types of acne. Proper cleansing will help remove all the makeup residue along with sunscreen, so your skin can heal at night. Cleansing is beyond just washing your face. 

It involves carefully washing the face with a mild product that leaves your skin clean, hydrated, and supple. Consistent cleansing will support your skin barrier and contribute to its overall health. 

What is Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a condition that occurs when the sensory nerves in the surface layers of your skin react to certain factors, such as humidity, stress, touch, and hormonal changes. One may experience inflammation, stinging, itching, and burning skin often as a reaction to internal and external triggers.  

If your skin is very dry or hyperactive, you are prone to sensitivity. From ageing to acne, genetics can be a contributing factor to the skin's sensitive behaviour. Don't confuse it with allergic reactions. Observe your skin's behaviour when it comes in contact with triggers. Take the doctor's advice for the specific skincare routine. 

Should You Cleanse Your Sensitive Skin

Yes, cleansing is essential for all skin types, including the sensitive ones, but the key is choosing gentle skincare ingredients and products. Your skin requires cleaning regardless of its type and condition to get rid of impurities, prevent breakouts and long-term damage, and maintain its barrier. 

Sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation, itching, and redness when exposed to dirt, sebum, sweat, and other environmental pollutants. They can cause buildup on your skin and may trigger sensitivity. So, cleansing your sensitive skin is as important as cleansing other skin types. It also helps to maintain the pH of the skin. The difference lies in the choice of formulations and taking proper care afterwards. 

Also Read: Cleanser Vs Face Wash 

How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Choosing the right cleanser for your sensitive skin includes taking care of certain factors, like formulations, types, ongoing concerns, and more. There are a few aspects that must be considered while looking for a sensitive skin cleanser. 

Soothing Ingredients

Sensitive skin calls for soothing skincare actives. These include aloe vera, glycerin, chamomile, shea butter, and oatmeal. to calm the skin while cleansing deeply. These ingredients are used so your skin will not feel dry, rough, or stretched after a wash. Consider pH-balanced formulas to avoid irritation. 

Cream-Based & Gel-Based Cleansers

Cleansers that are cream-based have a creamy consistency that feels nourishing on your sensitive skin. It is mild, lightweight, and treats your skin with gentleness. Sensitive skin can be vulnerable, and cream and gel cleansers do not strip away the natural oils from your skin and keeping it healthy. 

Gentle and Fragrance-Free Products

Less is more when you have sensitive skin. Be gentle with your skin and use a mild and fragrance-free cleanser. Fragrances trigger irritation and itching. They can weaken the skin barrier, making it susceptible to stinging and inflammation. Fragrance-free products avoid unnecessary additives that sensitive skin may react to. 

Hydrating Formulations

Your skin craves moisture balance. Sensitive skin often deals with flakiness and roughness; hence, it needs to be hydrated. Use cleansers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to reduce inflammation and sensitivity. Well-hydrated skincare products can also promote healing and rejuvenate the skin from within. 

How to Cleanse Sensitive Skin

Besides choosing the right cleanser for your sensitive skin, it's crucial to do it the proper way. Here's how you can take care of your sensitive skin properly;

Start by washing your hands so that they don't transfer bacteria and dirt to your face. Remove the makeup with micellar water or balm to have a clear skin surface. Take an adequate amount of a cream-based, mild cleanser and massage thoroughly on the face and neck. 

You can take a facial pad soaked in warm water and press it onto your skin for a few minutes to infuse nutrients. Remove excess product with a soft cloth and rinse. 

Common Cleansing Mistakes

Sensitive skin can react even with the mildest cleansers if you’re doing it wrong. Let's know a few common mistakes most people make while cleansing.

Over-Cleansing The Face

Don't overwash your face, even with a splash of water after every few hours. This can contribute to dryness even more. Set the routine and follow it accordingly.

Ignoring Your Sensitive Skin in Fluctuating Weather

Taking care of your sensitive skin includes protecting it from harsh weather conditions. Use hats or scarves while going out in the skin. The rainy season can induce some allergic reactions; use products accordingly and take your doctor’s advice. Furthermore, dry air in winter can cause flakiness and rough patches. Use thick moisturisers to combat dryness. 

Cleansing Too Aggressively

Treat your face with care and affection. Don't use rough tools like textured cloths, loofahs, or scrubbing brushes on your face. They can damage the skin barrier, and you will end up with even more concerns. 

Switching Cleansers Too Often

Some people have a habit of changing their skincare products every now and then, but this can set off a reaction in sensitive and reactive skin. Constantly changing cleansers can prevent the skin from adjusting. Research your cleanser and other products before starting to use them, and then stick to them for a good amount of time. 

Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

With DRSQ, you can find a bunch of effective facial cleansers for sensitive skin. Cleanse & Hydrate is a vitamin B5 Hydrating Cleansing Gel. It is a pH-balanced gel-based cleanser for all skin types, including sensitive ones. It has a non-comedogenic formulation with vitamin B5, jojoba oil, organic aloe, and vitamin E to relieve the skin from itching and burning and revitalise it for healthy regeneration. 

Cream Cleanser is another cream-based, sensitive skin cleanser that is emollient-enriched. This vitamins-enriched milk cleanser is formulated with refined hydrators, antioxidants, such as rosemary and vitamin A, B, C, and E and anti-inflammatories like chamomile and aloe vera. This can gently and safely remove your makeup and leave your skin feeling calm and nourished after every wash. 

Conclusion

If you have sensitive skin, you should pay special attention to how your skin responds to certain triggers and how you can manage them. Washing your face with a lightweight cream cleanser would sufficiently cleanse your skin and prepare it for upcoming skincare products. Ensure to choose soothing and calming actives and avoid harsh abrasives and tools that can further escalate the sensitivity. 

References:

• H Ham, S M An, E J Lee, E Lee, H O Kim, J S Koh, "Itching sensation and neuronal sensitivity of the skin", 2016 Feb
  
• Dalibor Mijaljica, Fabrizio Spada, Ian P Harrison, "Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets", 2022 Mar
  
• Stacy S. Hawkins, Vickie Foy, "The Spectrum of Sensitive Skin: Considerations for Skin Care in Vulnerable Populations", 2019 Jan