Sensitive Skin Skincare Mistakes That Cause Breakouts

Sensitive skin is usually more susceptible to irritation on the skin such as

• Burning sensation
• Itchiness
• Dryness
• Flakiness
• Inflammation

People with sensitive skin often tend to have a higher risk of acne-prone barrier because of weakened defense mechanism and elevated immune response towards the key acne triggers. 

Causes Of Acne On Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin usually has a weaker or more easily disrupted skin barrier. When it gets compromised, the skin tends to have

• Increased transepidermal water loss
• Rapid inflammatory response

There can be several contributing factors for the formation of acne including

• Skin irritating actives
• Over-exfoliation
• Friction due to towels, pillowcase, hair, helmet, etc.
• Sensitizing agents like fragrance or harsh preservatives
• Skipping regular skincare
• Stress
• Genetics
• Diet
• Hormonal swings
• Pollution

Common Sensitive Skin Mistakes You Might Be Doing 

Using Harsh Cleansers

Harsh cleansing agents like SLS can strip the moisture barrier of your skin that is essential for the barrier defense. It can disrupt the normal skin microbiome as well rendering skin prone to recurring breakouts.

Over-Exfoliation

Exfoliating your skin once or twice in a week literally helps you remove the trapped stubborn impurities from the skin but exfoliating in the wrong manner can significantly do more harm than good. It can cause microtears in the skin barrier due to abrasion and jaggy microparticles which can basically sensitize the inflammation on the skin. It can trigger irritation and redness on the skin surface. Signs you’re probably over-exfoliating include

• Increased redness on skin
• Scrubbing vigorously causes pain
• Tiny bumps appear after scrubbing
• Burning or stinging skin feel post-use

Choosing Products With Potential Skin-Irritants

Certain ingredients within the composition may irritate your sensitive skiing such as 

• Concentrated essential oils
• Perfume blends
• Certain preservatives

Sometimes the inflammatory immune response builds slowly over days or weeks, showing up as redness, stinging, rough patches or acne-like bumps on the irritated skin.

Using Many Potent & Concentrated Actives At Once

Overloading the sensitive skin barrier with multiple active ingredients at once can severely purge the skin resulting in red and inflamed pimples on the skin. Layering without a thoughtfully considered skincare regimen and routine can adversely disrupt the skin health. 

Skipping Moisturizer

Moisturizer usually helps support the barrier with a layer for added protection that calms the inflamed sensitive skin. It provides additional hydration as well as the active ingredients to skin for faster barrier repair. 

Ignoring The Use Of Sunscreen

Prolonged exposure to the sun can literally worsen the sensitive skin. The UV radiations can 

• Weaken the damaged barrier
• Increase redness due to heat
• Intensify the post-acne marks
• Add oxidative stress to the skin

Certain topical actives such as retinoids may also worsen the skin sensitivity towards the sun rays. 

Forgetting To Do A Patch Test

Trying out any new skincare product on the skin without performing a proper patch test can render your skin susceptible to the risk of irritation or skin purging. Patch testing is a simple habit that can prevent allergic response. It is a non-negotiable step if your product contains 

• Concentrated exfoliating acids
• Retinoids
• Fragrance
• Botanical extracts
• Essential oils

Using Unclean Personal Items
Direct contact of the skin with dirty personal-use items can trigger the irritation with the overgrowth of acne-causing microbes and buildup of dirt, oils and sweat. These include

• Pillowcases
• Towels
• Makeup tools
• Innerwears
• Helmet

Sleeping Without Cleansing

Several occluding and comedogenic layers of makeup, sweat, oil, dirt and other impurities trapped onto the skin, if left without properly cleansing the skin can make the pores more likely to clog over the course of night. This may result in a higher tendency of occurrence and worsening of the breakouts on the sensitive skin.

Overlooking The Key Lifestyle Triggers That Worsen Acne

These include

• Psychological stress
• Physical exhaustion
• Dietary Habits
• Sleep schedule
• Smoking

Tips To Follow For Acne-Prone Sensitive Skin

• Use gentle cleansing agents
• Look for mild exfoliating agents
• Exfoliate only once or twice a week in a gentle manner
• Check for the warning section on the label for potential skin irritants
• Ensure the formula of the composition has no skin irritating substances
• Plan a simple routine with minimal potent actives that can purge your skin
• Must do a patch test before use
• Use a hydrating and non-comedogenic moisturizer
• Use washed and clean personal items like towels or pillowcases
• Cleanse your skin properly before going to sleep
• Improve the sedentary lifestyle 
• Consult a physician in case of severe hypersensitivity reaction with use of any skincare products

When To See A Dermatologist

Chronic redness or irritation after using a skincare product could be signs that you may have Rosacea, Eczema or Psoriasis which may require appropriate evaluation by a dermatologist. Make an appointment with your local dermatologist for correct skin diagnosis.

A Calmer Routine For Breakout-Prone Sensitive Skin With Alite Skincare

Breakout-prone sensitive skin needs a routine that is 

• Simple
• Gentle
• Can be followed with consistency

You can build a totally calming routine which works without overwhelming your skin that also helps manage 

• Oil
• Active breakouts
• Post-acne marks 

Start with the Alite Neem & Aloe Vera Face Wash For Sensitive Skin India. 

Neem has powerful acne-focused phytoconstituents in the cleanser associated with skin purifying and oil-control benefits. Aloe vera enhances the soothing and hydrating feel after use. This herbal anti-acne face wash helps in preventing breakouts and managing sensitive skin without causing any irritation on the skin. 

• Use lukewarm water to wet the skin
• Take a small amount of face wash in your palms
• Rub to make lather
• Massage the lather gently
• Rinse well

After cleansing, apply a thin layer of Alite Anti-Acne Gel to areas with active pimples or to breakout-prone zones. This acne gel is an effective gel with actives like Niacinamide, Contacticel and Silanediol Salicylate that helps to target acne, repair the barrier and help prevent irritation. 

If your skin is very reactive, begin with once-daily use, preferably at night, for the first few days. That'll give your skin the time to adapt to its use and lowers the chance of stinging or dryness.

For lingering acne marks, follow with Alite Spots Reduction Cream at night. This cream works for post-acne marks, dark spots and pigmentation. Use a small amount of this niacinamide cream enriched with the goodness of alpha arbutin and tranexamic acid on the affected area.

Note Patch test each product first before its actual use all over the skin, avoid harsh scrubs or multiple exfoliants and maintain consistency in your routine. 

Last but not least- apply broad-spectrum sunscreen in the day time, use a moisturizing, non-comedogenic moisturizer in night time. It will basically promote healing and strengthening of the irritated skin.

Key Takeaways

Sensitive skin is prone to burning, itching, dryness, flaking, inflammation as well as recurring breakouts.

Increased potential of sensitive skin towards acne is due to impaired barrier and an increased immune response. 

A weak barrier results in increased water loss and an increased inflammatory response. 

Acne triggers can include:

• Irritating Actives
• Over-Exfoliation
• Repeated Friction
• Harsh additives
• Stress
• Genetics
• Diet
• Hormones
• Pollution

Avoiding common skincare errors sensitive skin to prevent redness and irritation is very important. Common mistakes you need to avoid that might be doing in your day to day life include

• using harsh Cleansers
• over-exfoliation
• choosing products with potential skin-irritants
• skipping moisturizer and sunscreen
• not performing a patch test before use
• overlooking the sedentary lifestyle triggers

Patch testing also makes up a significant portion of the process before using a new skincare. It is non-negotiable when an acid, retinoids, fragrance, floral botanicals and oils are involved within the formula. The good habits include that the person should gently clean the face, use a gentle exfoliation process, always follow a simple routine and if there is an allergic reaction of skin, then they should immediately contact a healthcare provider regarding the care and management of the skin issues.