Top 5 Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

I have been seeing a lot of patients in the past year with sensitive skin and breakouts due to mask-wearing. Many times, they have tried using typical acne skincare products which irritate and dry out the skin, which exacerbates the condition.

My approach is to first calm down inflamed skin and strengthen the skin barrier, which may be all that is required to reduce maskne (mask-induced acne). The skin layer is our inbuilt defense barrier against external pathogens and environmental stressors, and we should do more to support it.

Here are some skincare ingredients that are helpful for sensitive skin.

1. Centella asiatica

Also known as gotu kola, it is great for calming down red, inflamed skin. Centella is also a good source of powerful antioxidants and amino acids, which help to protect the skin barrier and reduce the UV damage on the skin.

2. Niacinamide

Actually a vitamin (B3), it helps to repair the skin barrier, which is usually compromised in sensitive skin. Niacinamide increases production of ceramides which are crucial in maintaining a healthy skin barrier - which leads to reduced trans-epidermal water loss and improved skin hydration. Other skin benefits include reducing redness, improving skin tone, and minimising the appearance of pores.

3. Panthenol

Another vitamin (B5), this is an ingredient that was popularised maybe 20 years ago. (Remember those Pantene shampoo advertisements? Yes, their star ingredient is Panthenol). It is present in all skin cells, and a deficiency in panthenol can result in skin disorders. Part of its function is to hydrate, moisturise, soothe dry and inflamed skin, and repair the skin barrier. It has also been shown to improve wound healing.

4. Silk peptide

Silk has been used in skincare since ancient times. Hydrolysed silk peptides have been shown to reduce inflammation, retain skin moisture, reduce oxidative damage to the skin, and accelerates wound healing.

5. Aloe vera

Traditional cultures understood its healing properties, and it has been widely used for sunburns, eczema, and dry skin. It also helps to retain moisture in the skin.