Sensitive skin is more than just a temporary irritation—it’s a skin type that requires extra care and attention.

If your skin easily reacts to environmental factors, skincare products, or even stress, you may have sensitive skin.

But what causes sensitivity, how can you identify it, and what are the best ways to care for it?

Let's break it down.

What is Sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is more reactive than other skin types and can easily become irritated by environmental factors, skincare products, and lifestyle habits.

It often feels itchy, red, or inflamed after exposure to certain ingredients, weather changes, or stress.

While sensitivity varies from person to person, taking a gentle and mindful approach to skincare can help prevent discomfort and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
How To Know If You Have Sensitive Skin

You may have sensitive skin if you experience:

  • Redness or irritation: Skin becomes red or blotchy after using new products or exposure to heat or cold.

  • Itchiness or burning: Certain products, fragrances, or even tap water can cause discomfort

  • Dryness or flaking: Sensitive skin often struggles with retaining moisture, leading to dryness.

  • Frequent breakouts or rashes: The skin may react to certain ingredients with small bumps or flare-ups.

  • Reactions to skincare products: Many skincare and cosmetic products cause stinging, tingling, or redness.
Characteristics & Texture of Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is more delicate than other skin types and is easily triggered by environmental factors, skincare ingredients, and even emotional stress.

It may be dry, oily, or somewhere in between, but its defining trait is reactivity. The skin barrier is often compromised, making it more susceptible to irritation, inflammation, and discomfort.

Sensitive skin requires gentle care and barrier-supporting products to remain calm and balanced.

In terms of texture, sensitive skin can feel soft and smooth but is prone to occasional rough patches, flaking, or inflammation. It often appears thinner, with visible blood vessels, and may react to new products or external elements with redness, rashes, or a tight, uncomfortable sensation.

A soothing and minimalist approach to skincare can help maintain its health and comfort.
Causes of Sensitive Skin

Several factors contribute to sensitive skin, including:

  • Genetics: Sensitivity often runs in families and is linked to a weaker skin barrier.

  • Environmental triggers: Weather changes, pollution, and sun exposure can cause irritation.

  • Harsh skincare ingredients: Alcohol, fragrances, and strong acids can weaken the skin and lead to reactions.

  • Underlying skin conditions: Conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis can make skin more sensitive.

  • Diet and lifestyle: Spicy foods, stress, and lack of sleep can make sensitive skin more reactive.

What Is the Best Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin?

  • 1. Cleanse:

    For sensitive skin, it’s important to choose gentle, non-irritating cleansers that won’t compromise the skin’s natural barrier.

    Recommended types of cleansers:

    • Fragrance-free, cream-based cleansers: These provide a soothing, hydrating cleanse without stripping the skin.

    • Micellar water: A gentle alternative to soap-based cleansers, great for removing makeup and impurities without irritation.

    • Cleansers with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

    💡 Tips: Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals, alcohol, or strong fragrances that can cause irritation.

    Cleansers for Sensitive skin

  • 2. Exfoliate:

    Avoid harsh physical exfoliants and opt for a mild chemical exfoliant once or twice a week to promote gentle skin renewal.

    Exfoliation for sensitive skin should be done sparingly and with caution, as over-exfoliating can lead to redness and irritation.

    Recommended exfoliation options:

    • Gentle exfoliants with low-concentration AHA (like lactic acid): These exfoliate without causing sensitivity.

    • Enzyme exfoliants: Ingredients like papaya or pumpkin enzymes provide a mild exfoliation without harsh scrubbing.

    • Exfoliating toners with soothing ingredients: Toners with ingredients like rose water or calendula can provide gentle exfoliation while calming the skin.

    📅 Exfoliate 1, max 2 times per week to avoid irritation.

    Toners for Sensitive skin

  • 3. Serum:

    Serums for sensitive skin should be focused on calming, hydrating, and barrier-repairing ingredients.

    Recommended serums:

    • Hyaluronic acid serum: Helps maintain moisture levels and soothe the skin without causing irritation.

    • Niacinamide serum: Reduces redness and inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps balance the skin.

    • Centella Asiatica serum: A calming ingredient that promotes healing and reduces irritation.

    • Peptide serums: Help to rebuild and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

    💡 Tip: Choose fragrance-free serums and opt for those with soothing ingredients that don’t exacerbate sensitivity.

    Serums for Sensitive skin

  • 4. Moisturise:

    Sensitive skin requires moisturizers that are rich in hydration and help restore the skin’s protective barrier. Look for calming ingredients such as ceramides, oat extract, or shea butter to restore hydration and protect the skin barrier.

    Recommended moisturizers for sensitive skin:

    • Fragrance-free, rich creams: These provide deep hydration and protect the skin without causing irritation.

    • Moisturizers with ceramides and fatty acids: These strengthen the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.

    • Gel-based or water-based moisturizers: Lightweight but hydrating, ideal for calming the skin without adding unnecessary weight.

    💡 Tip: Apply your moisturizer right after cleansing while the skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

    Moisturisers for Sensitive skin

  • 5. Protect:

    Sun protection is essential for sensitive skin, especially since it’s prone to redness or irritation.

    Recommended sunscreens for sensitive skin:

    • Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: These provide broad-spectrum protection without irritating the skin.

    • Fragrance-free sunscreens: Always opt for sunscreens free from fragrances and alcohols to avoid irritation.

    • Physical sunscreen: Offers gentle protection, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.

    💡 Tip: Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and avoid sunscreens with irritating chemicals or fragrances.

    Sunscreens for Sensitive skin

  • 6. Treat

    When treating sensitive skin, focus on soothing, hydrating, and barrier-repairing treatments.

    • Calming masks: Masks with ingredients like aloe vera, honey, chamomile, or oatmeal can help soothe sensitive skin.

    • Spot treatments with niacinamide: These can target localized redness or irritation without causing more inflammation.

    • Hydrating overnight treatments: Use overnight masks or soothing treatments with ceramides or peptides to help repair the skin overnight.

    ✨ Use soothing masks as needed, especially if your skin feels irritated or dry.

    Treatments for Sensitive skin

Conclusion

Sensitive skin requires extra care and attention, as it reacts more readily to environmental changes, skincare products, and other irritants.

By following a gentle, simple skincare routine and choosing products designed for sensitive skin, you can keep your skin calm, balanced, and protected.

If sensitivity persists despite your efforts, we can help tailor a routine that works for your skin's unique combination.

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