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Best Skincare For Sensitive Skin

What skincare routine should you follow if you have sensitive skin? Learn more here.

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No matter if your skin is dry, oily, or combination—all skin can experience sensitivity. In fact, approximately 60% of women experience sensitive skin to some degree. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the best skincare for sensitive skin. We’ll learn how to determine if your skin is sensitive, what to avoid, and how to create the best skincare for sensitive skin. 

What is sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is characterized by increased reactivity. This could be a reaction to your environment or your skincare products. 

You might have sensitive skin if you often experience frequent breakouts, rashes, redness, irritation, dryness, burning, itching, or flushing. 

What causes skin reactions? 

The truth is, it’s different for everyone. 

This sensitivity might be genetic, or you could have certain skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, which can cause the skin to be sensitive. 

Your reactive skin might also be due to a weakened skin barrier. 

Using harsh chemicals can weaken the natural protective lipid barrier of your skin. If this occurs, your skin can become very reactive. 

Read More: Skin Barrier Function & Repair: It’s Essential for Healthy Skin

Common Triggers For Sensitive Skin Reactions

If you have sensitive skin, you know that symptoms can come and go. Knowing what triggers you is the first step to managing sensitive skin. 

Here are a few common triggers for sensitive skin flare-ups:

  • Harsh skincare ingredients: Alcohol, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and essential oils can strip or irritate the skin.
  • Hot water: Washing your face or showering with hot water can strip away natural oils, weakening your skin barrier and increasing redness or irritation. Stick to lukewarm water instead.
  • Extreme weather conditions: Cold, dry air or excessive heat can exacerbate sensitivity.
  • Over-exfoliation: Too many chemical peels, scrubs, or active ingredients like retinol can weaken your skin barrier.
  • Laundry detergents: Detergents with fragrances, dyes, and harsh surfactants can trigger sensitive skin.
  • Diet and lifestyle choices: Spicy foods, dairy, alcohol, and caffeine can contribute to redness or inflammation.
  • Stress and lack of sleep: Your skin reflects your overall health, and stress can make it more reactive.

Skincare for Sensitive Skin: 5 Tips

When you have sensitive skin, you might not be able to use some of the trendy skincare products you might see float across your feed.  It’s far more beneficial for you to build a skincare routine that is tailored to your sensitive skin. 

Here are 5 essential tips to help you create the best skincare for sensitive skin:

1. Opt for products that strengthen your skin barrier

Your skin barrier is your first line of defense. Look for ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid—these ingredients help repair and reinforce your skin’s natural protective layer.

2. Avoid harsh ingredients & fragrances

Fragrance-free and alcohol-free skincare products are your best friends. Ingredients like denatured alcohol, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances can cause unnecessary irritation. Instead, opt for gentle, dermatologist-approved formulas.

3. Moisturize regularly

Hydration is key for sensitive skin. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter, squalane, or glycerin can help lock in moisture and reduce irritation.

4. Use lukewarm water (not hot!)

Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, making it more vulnerable to irritation. Stick to lukewarm water when washing your face and showering.

5. Less is more

Keep your skincare routine simple and consistent. Using too many active ingredients or constantly switching products can make your skin more reactive. Stick to a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and SPF. Try to find those three essential skincare products that don’t cause reactions. Use only these for a few months before introducing anything new. 

Strut Treats Sensitive Skin Online 

If you’re struggling with persistent redness, breakouts, or frequent flushing that your usual skincare routine just can’t soothe, it might be time to consult with a skincare professional. Conditions like rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis could be contributing to your sensitivity and flare-ups.

If you’d like a photo-based online skin consultation, simply complete a quick online medical questionnaire—it takes less than 15 minutes. 

One of our U.S.-licensed medical providers will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe a custom treatment to combat redness and breakouts. 

If approved, we'll compound your formula fresh at a U.S. compounding pharmacy and ship it directly to your door.

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