Dermatitis – Best Sensitive Skin Tips & Treatment by a Singapore Dermatologist

By Dr. Teo Wan Lin, Consultant Dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre

What is sensitive skin? 

Patients with sensitive skin are likely to have atopic dermatitis, which is a genetically determined condition whereby the skin is deficient in fatty lipids that act as a barrier to the environment.

If you experience an acute episode of “sensitivity”, you may actually have a form of allergic contact dermatitis to a topically applied substance, for which you need to be reviewed by a dermatologist and receive appropriate medical treatment. Sometimes a patch test will be recommended.

I have dermatitis – can I still use anti-aging cosmeceuticals and go for laser treatments?

After their inflammation is treated, patients should switch their skincare to cosmeceuticals (ie. antioxidant, hydrating, anti aging products) and cosmetics permanently to a dermatologist tested and formulated line.

Skin rejuvenation treatments should only be performed by a dermatologist, who will choose the correct treatment and settings to ensure the best results without irritating the skin.

What are some symptoms of dermatitis? 

Do you have skin redness, flaking, itch or stinging pain to common exposures in the environment or to skincare or makeup?

What should I do if I find out I have dermatitis?

If you have any such symptoms, stop all skincare products and promptly seek the care of a dermatologist rather than self-medicate, or adopt a “wait-it-out’ attitude.

How do I care for sensitive skin?

There are a few ways to properly care for your sensitive skin. Here are three of the best ways:

• Look for the labels “dermatologist tested and formulated” when it comes to choosing cleansers, moisturisers and cosmeceutical products
• Avoid testing many different cosmetic products which have no scientific evidence proving effectiveness.
• Avoid dust, extremes of temperature and humidity, prolonged contact with sweat.
• Use a ceramide-based moisturiser such as the Multi-CERAM to repair the fatty lipids in skin to restore healthy barrier function.

© 2017 Dr Teo Wan Lin. All rights reserved.

—–

Dr. Teo Wan Lin is an accredited dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre that can treat and advise anyone with sensitive skin. 

To book an appointment with Dr. Teo, call us at +65 6355 0522, or email appt@twlskin.com. Alternatively, you may fill up our contact form here.