The skin is the largest organ in the human body, but unlike other organs, it's not protected by an outer layer and is therefore highly susceptible to infection, environmental elements and mistreatment. While some people may be lucky and have a so-called "thicker skin" that can stand up to abuse, many people have sensitive skin that requires special treatment and a dedicated skincare regimen, taking into consideration its sometimes unstable nature.
Cleansing
It's best to avoid any cleanser that contains harsh ingredients like lauryl sulfates or fragrances. Most soaps contain these ingredients, so for sensitive skin, cleanse with soap-free cleansers that have a lower pH and are less likely to irritate the skin. Also avoid botanical ingredients and essential oils, because these can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
Moisturizing
Moisture is essential for sensitive skin, which tends to be overly dry, itchy and sometimes flaky. But many moisturizers contain harsh ingredients and fragrances that can irritate the skin. Look for hypoallergenic products that do not contain chemicals or botanicals. If you can't find such a product, use a lotion that has just one ingredient, rather than a formulation. Some suggestions are shea butter and unrefined, cold-pressed avocado oil, both of which can be very soothing to sensitive skin. With these products, less is more and a little bit goes a long way.
Exfoliating
People with sensitive skin need to be careful with most scrubs and exfoliation formulations, which can be extremely irritating to sensitive skin. Opt for a gentle, all-natural exfoliant like yogurt or ground oatmeal, both of which gently cleanse and remove dead skin cells. A spoonful of plain yogurt can be applied directly to the face like a mask, left to sit for a few minutes and then rinsed away. Ground oatmeal mixed with warm water makes a very gentle facial scrub that's perfect for sensitive skin.
Protecting
Sensitive skin is highly susceptible to damage by sun, cold, heat and wind, and it should be appropriately shielded from such environmental elements. Sunscreen should be applied every day -- all year long -- to avoid overexposure, irritation and sun damage. Those with sensitive skin should never purposefully expose themselves to the sun to get a tan -- the results may look nice, but the irritation isn't worth it.
In order to combat dry skin, avoid dry heat, such as the heat produced by in-home heating systems. Keep the air in your house cool in the winter and use a dehumidifier, if possible. In addition, if you must go outside in harsh weather conditions, keep your skin well-shielded from the elements with non-abrasive fabrics.