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