Sensitive Skin

The most common symptoms of sensitive skin are tightness, dryness, redness, itching, or burning. If your skin is sensitive it may often feel tight and dry, flush easily, be sensitive to sun exposure, experience noticeable redness or tingling after the application of new skincare products, or be prone to breakouts and rashes.

Sensitive skin may be the result of genetics, allergic reactions to certain beauty or skincare products, dehydration, or even an underlying skin condition, such as rosacea or eczema. It may also be triggered by your environment (pollution, extreme temperatures, sun exposure) or lifestyle (diet, hormones, smoking).

Environmental, reactive, genetic and thin skin are the four types of sensitive skin. Understanding what type of sensitive skin you have can help you know how to care for it. Naturally sensitive skin is genetic and linked to underlying skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, or contact dermatitis. Environmentally sensitive skin is triggered by exposure to weather, sun, wind, or extreme temperatures. Reactive sensitive skin becomes red, itchy, or inflamed quickly after using skincare products. And finally, thin skin can be especially sensitive. Thin skin is typically a result of aging.

First and foremost, keep your skincare routine simple. Look for products labeled for sensitive skin and make sure they are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. These will keep your skin hydrated and won’t strip your natural oils. Always patch-test any new product before applying it and wait to see if there's irritation. Test and see what affects you most, but try to minimize stress, spicy foods, hot showers, or harsh chemicals. These can trigger common sensitivity symptoms.

You don’t have to use a lot of products to have an effective skincare routine. When it comes to sensitive skin, the more products you use, the greater the chance of irritation. Start your routine with a gentle cleanser, followed by the application of a skin-strengthening serum. Don’t forget to moisturize twice a day with a hydrating and soothing face cream. Exfoliation can be irritating, but there are gentle exfoliating masks that you can use bi-weekly.

All sensitive skin types should avoid products with synthetic fragrances and parabens. This doesn’t just mean skincare products, but also scented laundry detergents. These products are some of the most common irritants for sensitive skin. Avoid products with sulfates, also known as the cleansing agents that cause your shampoo and conditioner to be foamy. These are often too harsh for sensitive skin, causing dryness and irritation. Additionally, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs) and retinoids are powerful active ingredients that should always be tested before adding to a consistent skincare routine.