The Rise of Skin Sensitivity in a Post-Pandemic World — What I’m Noticing in My Practice

Over the last few years, I've noticed a distinct shift in the kinds of skin concerns coming through my Cape Town dermatology practice. One of the most common complaints? “My skin has suddenly become sensitive.” And it’s not just one-off cases. There’s a marked increase in patients who’ve never struggled with skin issues now experiencing burning, stinging, flaking, and reactivity — even to products they’ve used for years.

So, what’s behind this wave of sensitive skin?

Post-Pandemic Skin is Real

While the pandemic may feel like it’s behind us, its impact on skin health continues. Many of my patients developed new habits during lockdown — layering active ingredients without guidance, excessive exfoliation, or switching to heavily fragranced “maskne” solutions. Add to that chronic stress, irregular routines, and the extended use of face masks — and we have the perfect storm for skin barrier disruption.

The Barrier Breakdown

Your skin barrier is your first line of defense — it locks in moisture and keeps irritants out. Once that’s compromised, skin becomes reactive, red, and inflamed. I see this daily in my Cape Town clinic: compromised barriers due to product overload or inappropriate routines, made worse by dry air, wind exposure, and sun — all common in our climate.

What I Recommend

In many cases, sensitive skin is something we can repair — but it requires a guided, patient-specific approach. I work closely with patients to simplify their routine, rehydrate the skin barrier, and slowly reintroduce targeted treatments where necessary.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. And in my experience, online advice or generic product swaps don’t always work — especially when dealing with sensitised skin.

If this sounds like you…

If your skin suddenly stings when you apply your usual moisturiser or you’ve stopped using anything because everything seems to cause a reaction — it’s time to consult a dermatologist.

Let’s chat. My practice in Cape Town offers personalised consultations to get to the root cause and build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.

— Dr Altaaf Parker, Dermatologist Cape Town
📍 28 Brookdale Avenue, Pinelands
🔗 dermatologist.capetown