By Anupriya Jamuar

Having sensitive skin is like holding a cat. You try to be as careful as possible, but the results are usually unpredictable, and the cat is irritable and aggravated. So, if you’re tired of every product making your skin red and irritated, you must be holding the cat wrong! Oops, we mean, using the wrong products. To select the right products, you must understand the dos and don’ts of your skin type. What does it like, dislike and need?

So, we decided to help you find answers to these questions with inputs from Bollywood’s favourite dermatologist, Dr Jaishree Sharad.

How to know if you have sensitive skin?
“Sensitive skin breaks into a rash easily. It either develops burning, redness, swelling, dryness, flakiness, or there is a lot of itching,” explains Dr Jaishree. It could also feel like a stinging sensation, which could increase with the application of products and exposure to pollution or temperature changes.

What ingredients can irritate sensitive skin?
If you use a lot of retinoic acids, AHAs and BHAs or exfoliators very frequently, or if you use steroids on your skin or face, this can make your skin even more sensitive.

What products are best suited for sensitive skin?
“Always use a soap-free cleanser. Use a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, lactic acid and other such mild ingredients which hydrate your skin. Your products should be hypoallergenic and not contain alcohol, fragrances, parabens and phthalates,” recommends Dr Jaishree. She also advises you to use lightweight, mineral-based products.

How To Care For Sensitive Skin