Sensitive Skin Is on the Rise - How to Treat It Without Making It Worse

Sensitive skin is becoming increasingly common, but according to experts, it’s rarely something people are born with.

woman face and fingers — Sensitive skincare advice (Photo Beyza Kaplan on Pexels.com)

“Sensitive skin is increasingly common, but most people aren’t born with it – they develop it,” says Dr Nabil Jetha, a London aesthetics doctor. “In clinic, we see sensitivity caused by chronic overuse of active ingredients, aggressive exfoliation and constantly changing skincare routines driven by trends and social media.”

As the skin barrier becomes compromised, reactions can appear seemingly overnight. “Products that were once tolerated suddenly cause redness, burning or breakouts,” Dr Jetha explains. “Many people assume they need stronger treatments, when in reality their skin needs less, not more. Over-treating the skin barrier is one of the fastest ways to damage it.”

Environmental stressors only add to the problem. “Pollution, UV exposure, air conditioning, central heating and even psychological stress all increase inflammation in the skin,” says Dr Aliaa Ahmed of Harley Street Dermal. “Layer multiple acids, retinoids and frequent in-clinic treatments on top, and sensitivity becomes almost inevitable.”

Social media has further accelerated this cycle. “People are combining powerful ingredients without understanding how they interact,” Dr Ahmed adds. “More products doesn’t mean better skin – it often means more irritation. Sensitive skin is often a temporary state rather than a fixed skin type.”

So how should reactive skin actually be treated? “When skin becomes sensitive, the instinct is often to do more – but that’s exactly what prolongs the issue,” Dr Ahmed explains. “Sensitive skin needs predictability, not constant experimentation. It doesn’t need fixing – it needs calming.”

Dr Jetha agrees that simplicity is key. “Cleansing and moisturising choices make a huge difference,” he says. “Foaming cleansers, over-cleansing and hot water can further strip the barrier. A gentle, non-foaming cleanser used once or twice daily is more than enough, and moisturiser should be viewed as treatment, not an afterthought.”

Sun protection remains non-negotiable. “UV exposure worsens sensitivity and slows barrier repair,” Dr Ahmed notes. “If SPF causes irritation, it’s about finding the right formulation rather than avoiding it altogether.”

Ultimately, patience is essential. “There’s no overnight fix for sensitive skin,” Dr Jetha concludes. “But with a calm, consistent routine, most skin can recover. The goal isn’t flawless skin – it’s comfortable, functional skin that can protect itself again.”

Miss B

Belinda Wanis, aka Miss B, is a Belle About Town who likes to bring a little bit of style into every aspect of her life. An experienced journalist with over 20 years in the industry she turned to the web, creating Belle About Town in early 2010, to fill a gap for tech-savvy stylish women who want the best life has to offer at their fingertips.

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