Face care for sensitive skin (2024)

If you want a healthy, glowing complexion, nailing down the perfect routine for your skin type is key. But that can be easier said than done – especially for those who suffer from sensitive skin. It’s one of the hardest skin types to deal with – one minute it can be calm and cooperative, and the next everything seems to cause a flare-up. The reality is that most of us have experienced a sensitised complexion at some point – many factors including using extremely hot water to wash your face, using harsh ingredients such as exfoliants or retinol, or being in a dry climate –can trigger a flare-up, and when coupled with other skin conditions like acne or rosacea, can be very frustrating. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for sensitive skin, finding the right products coupled with good lifestyle choices can help minimise sensitivity, soothe irritation and keep skin moisturised.

How should you manage sensitive skin?

As a rule, keep things simple. Strip back your extensive collection of oils, acids, and peels, and build a simple routine (free from harsh ingredients and artificial fragrances) that is not only gentle on your skin but will help strengthen your skin barrier.

What ingredients should be avoided?

Ensure that you’re using fragrance-free and non-perfumed products and keep away from physical forms of exfoliation, like scrubs or cleansing brushes, as this can exacerbate irritation. Certain sulphates, drying alcohols, silicones, preservatives, and ingredients like witch hazel, essential oils, camphor, and menthol can also increase inflammation.

What ingredients are good?

Consider introducing emollients, like squalane and shea butter, to hold moisture in, and ceramides (the glue that holds your skin cells together) to bolster your barrier. Niacinamide is another phenomenal ingredient for preventing and treating skin sensitivity, and because it’s so gentle it’s often added to rosacea moisturisers too. Hyaluronic acid is another non-irritating humectant that is frequently found in products designed for sensitive skin and is a key molecule in retaining skin moisture. Natural ingredients such as chamomile and aloe are also able to soothe sensitive skin.


Skincare for sensitive skin

Cleansers

When it comes to sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to stay away from foaming cleansers as these have a higher pH level which can irritate. Instead opt for a gentle cream or gel formulas that’s full of comforting ingredients, like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, or try a micellar water which includes tiny particles called micelles that trap impurities and lift them away without drying your skin in the process.

Shop now
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Sensitive
The Body Shop Aloe Cream Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Avene Tolerance Control Extremely Gentle Cleanser
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel

Serums

When you’ve got sensitive skin, your top priority is to maintain and hydrate your skin barrier so look out for ingredients that will help reinforce it – like hyaluronic acid, lipids, peptides and squalane.

Shop now

Essence Skin Lovin' Face Serum Sensitive
Eveline Serum Shot 2% Hyaluronic Acid Moisturization
Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum
Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturising Concentrate Serum

Moisturiser

Seek out deeply hydrating formulas that are hypoallergenic and free of potential irritants, like fragrance and alcohol, that won’t clog your pores. For a daytime moisturiser, use a gel-like formula that’s fragrance- and oil-free, and for the night, find one that's thicker in consistency (ideally containing ceramides) to reinforce your skin barrier as you sleep.

Shop now
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche Moisturiser
Bioderma Sensibio Soothing Purifying Cream DS+
The Body Shop Aloe Night Cream
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72 Hour Lipid Replenishing Hydrator

Sunscreen

By now you should know that applying sunscreen daily is the most crucial step in your skincare routine, no matter your age or skin type. For those with sensitive skin, it’s recommended to use a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide as it sits on the surface of your skin to reflect UV rays.

Shop now
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating Cream SPF50+
Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluide No Tint SPF50+
Eucerin Sun Creme SPF50+ Face
Avene SPF50+ Mineral Cream
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF50 Hydrating Milk Skin Cell Sun Protection

Take note:
Before using a new skincare product, doing a patch test is a good idea. Apply a small amount of the product to a small skin area and wait 24-48 hours to see if any irritation develops. This will help you determine if the product is safe for your skin and avoid any unpleasant reactions.

Face care for sensitive skin (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Aracelis Kilback

Last Updated:

Views: 5643

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aracelis Kilback

Birthday: 1994-11-22

Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

Phone: +5992291857476

Job: Legal Officer

Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.