Sensitive Skin: Understanding, Managing, and Protecting Your Skin Barrier

Introduction: What is Sensitive Skin?

Have you ever applied a skincare product — and instead of feeling pampered, your skin felt tight, itchy, or even started to burn?

If you’ve nodded, you’re not alone.

Sensitive skin isn’t a disease or diagnosis. It’s a common condition where the skin reacts excessively to triggers that are usually well tolerated by others. These reactions can include:

Burning
Stinging
Redness
Dryness
Itchiness

Some people experience it occasionally, others daily. And it can affect the face, scalp, hands, or even body.

Why Is My Skin So Sensitive?

Let’s dive into the causes. There are two types of triggers: internal and external.

Internal factors

Genetics (some of us are just born with thinner or more reactive skin)
Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or acne
Hormonal changes (during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause)
Stress and poor sleep (yes, they do affect your skin!)

External triggers

Harsh skincare products (fragrance, alcohol, certain preservatives)
Environmental aggressors (pollution, UV rays, humidity)
Over-cleansing or over-exfoliating
Hot showers or extreme weather changes

Sensitive skin is not “weak” — it is skin that needs to be respected and supported.

The Role of the Skin Barrier

To understand how to care for sensitive skin, we need to understand the skin barrier.

I want you to imagine a brick wall.

🧱 The bricks are your skin cells.
🧈The mortar — that’s made of natural oils, ceramides, fatty acids — is what keeps everything in place.

This outermost layer — your stratum corneum — is your skin’s first line of defense.

Its main jobs are:

Keeping moisture in
Keeping irritants, allergens, and bacteria out

But when the barrier is damaged, it becomes “leaky” — water escapes, and irritants enter. That’s when you get redness, flakiness, sensitivity, or even breakouts.

Some signs your barrier might be compromised:

Some signs your barrier might be compromised:

Skin feels tight after washing
Flaking or peeling
Burning or stinging when applying skincare
Red patches that come and go

The goal? Repair, reinforce, and protect the skin barrier.

Building a Sensitive-Skin Friendly Routine

Now, let’s talk about what you can actually do — starting today. You don’t need 10 products. You need the right few.

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

Look for fragrance-free, pH-balanced, soap-free formulas.
Use lukewarm water, not hot.
Limit cleansing to twice daily, or once if your skin is dry.

Step 2: Hydration & Barrier Repair

After cleansing, apply a moisturizer that mimics your skin’s natural structure.
Key ingredients to look out for:
- Ceramides – rebuild the mortar of your skin barrier
- Niacinamide – soothes inflammation and strengthens the skin
- Glycerin or hyaluronic acid – pull water into the skin
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) – calms irritation

Step 3: Sun Protection

Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable — even indoors.
Choose sunscreens with scientific evidence on efficacy
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is ideal.

What to Avoid

When dealing with sensitivity, what you don’t do is just as important.

❌ Avoid:

- Alcohol-based toners
- Fragrances and essential oils
- Harsh exfoliants or scrubs
- Overuse of active ingredients (retinol, AHAs/BHAs)

Remember: “More” doesn’t mean “better”. Sensitive skin thrives on simplicity. Give each new product time — try it for 7-14 days before adding anything else.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing:

Persistent redness
Swelling
Weeping or flaking skin
Discomfort that affects your daily life

…it may not just be sensitive skin. It could be eczema, rosacea, or another condition that needs a professional’s input.

As pharmacists, we’re trained to help you identify and manage your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to speak with us — the earlier you get help, the faster your skin heals.

Final Advice & Practical Tips

Let’s wrap up with some easy habits to protect your sensitive skin:

Patch test new products before applying them to your whole face.
Keep a skin journal — track what you use and how your skin reacts.
Stay hydrated, and manage stress. Your skin is a mirror of your lifestyle.
Stick to a routine — don’t change everything at once.
Ask for help. Pharmacists can help you match your skin’s needs to the right formulation.

Find out in 1-min & Earn 20 FREE Alpro points!

Is your skin sensitive?

Sensitive Skin Quick Check | Available at any Alpro Pharmacy

⏱️ Takes only 1 minute
👩‍⚕️ Need help? Speak to our HCPs in-store for tailored advice.

🟢 How to Use This for Severity Insight:

1–2 ticks: Mild sensitivity

3–4 ticks: Moderate sensitivity

5+ ticks: High sensitivity

Terms & Conditions: Sensitive Skin Assessment Reward
1. This campaign is open to all Alpro Pharmacy customers.
2. Each customer is entitled to receive 20 Alpro Points upon completing the Sensitive Skin Assessment at participating Alpro Pharmacy outlets.
3. Points will be credited to the customer’s Alpro Membership account upon verification by staff.
4. Each customer is only eligible for the reward once during the campaign period.
5. Assessment must be completed in-store with assistance from Alpro’s healthcare personnel.
6. Alpro Pharmacy reserves the right to amend or terminate this campaign without prior notice.
7. Points are not exchangeable for cash or other items.
8. By participating, customers agree to the use of their responses for internal skincare recommendation purposes only.