Sensitive skin have different meanings from dryness, tightness, itchiness and redness to skin that seem to react to everything, which can be a little challenging and frustrating.

People who tend to have allergic or irritant dermatitis reactions to makeup or skin-care products, as well as those who have skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema are considered to have sensitive skin.

Although there is no guarantee that these types of reactions can be avoided, there are ways to make them less likely and help the skin function well. According to a consultant dermatologist, the skin barrier has issues. “There’s definitely a genetic element to our skin and how robust it is, so some skin barriers are more vulnerable than others” she said.

Below are strategies to keeping your sensitive skin happy

• Keep your skin routine simple

Thorough or complex routines may be fashionable now but it is unlikely to help sensitive skin. Instead, get a gemtle cleanser, nourishing moisturizer and a good SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

• Look for key ingredients

A dermatologist said the most effective ingredients for easily irritated skin are formulas that work to mimic the natural function of your skin’s barrier. Therefore, look for products that contain a mixture of humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture in, along with ceramides and shea butter which help to seal in that moisture and repair that barrier.

• Avoid the temptation to over-wash or over-exfoliate your face

“The skin does a surprisingly good job of staying clean naturally without the need for harsh cleansers, exfoliation, and scrubbing,” said Jamie MacKelfresh, M.D., associate professor in the department of dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine. In fact, your skin naturally makes lipids and proteins that form a protective barrier.

• Introduce active ingredients slowly

Slowly introduce active ingredients into your skincare routine, start by using them every other day so your skin gets used to them, and always use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser to repair the skin barrier.

• Moisturise before makeup

Award winning makeup artist, Joy Adenuga advise to pack on a rich moisturiser as a mask and then focus on a different area of your makeup. This gives the skin time to absorb the cream, which will minimise the flakiness

• Investigate your flare-ups

Try to find out the cause of your reaction. One way is to write down everything you have used in the last 48 hours, it could be you used on your hands, nail or hair and look out for what may have caused the reaction. When your skin is settled try reintroducing anything you have removed one item at a time and monitor any further reactions.