Tips for Soothing Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can often bring discomfort. Learn how to introduce the right products into your skincare routine for your individual concerns.

Sensitive skin presents its own set of challenges. Those with sensitive skin types know too well the disappointment of investing in a new skincare product only to experience redness, irritation or worse.

Finding a skincare routine that suits your sensitive skin will not only avoid further irritation but can actually benefit and improve the health of your skin.

We’ve broken down the best ways to help your sensitive skin look and feel its best. Read through below to understand how to identify sensitive skin types, how to avoid irritation, and our best tips for healthy, glowing skin.

What is Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin types vary, and each type reacts to stressors in their own way. Symptoms of sensitive skin range but can include increased redness, discomfort and dryness. “Skin feels dry and flaky but most often people complain about increased redness” says Garnier SkinActive consulting dermatologist Dr Diane Madfes.

Sensitivity in skin can be caused by a variety of different factors. Symptoms often occur seasonally – for example during extreme hot or cold weather, or when there is a change in humidity or dry climates. They can also occur due to certain ingredients found in the products we use.

Which Ingredients Can Cause Irritation to Sensitive Skin?

Everyone’s skin type is unique. However, there are certain ingredients that should always be avoided for those with sensitive skin. Products that contain alcohol, fragrances and dyes are all bad news. Additionally, stay clear from skincare products that contain essential oils like rosemary, citronella and lemongrass. These oils are taken from plants, and while they can be beneficial, they may aggravate sensitive skin. It can be tempting to look past the ingredients list when a certain product looks nice, but all of the above tend to cause sensitive skin to act up.

1. Avoid Alcohol & Fragranced Cleansers

Cleansing is a super important step for those with sensitive skin. Impurities and pollutants all further irritate skin, and cleansing does the most to remove them. When looking for a cleanser, opt for those without alcohol or fragrances in their ingredients list. Instead, go for cleansers like our Classic Micellar Cleansing Water which is free from fragrance and alcohol. Dirt, oil and sweat are easily removed without the need to harshly rub skin and it is designed to be suitable for sensitive skin. Use our Cleansing Water in the morning and at night for purified skin and a refreshed complexion.

2. Gently Remove Makeup

Makeup can clog pores and inflame sensitive skin when left on for too long. Making sure to remove your makeup at the end of each day will allow your skin to breathe. Our Micellar Reusable Eco Pads are softer on skin than regular cotton pads, flannelettes and makeup wipes, and are washable and reusable up to 1000x per pad. Combine with our Micellar Cleansing Water to remove all visible makeup alongside any dirt and impurities without the need to rub sensitive skin.

3. Keep Skin Hydrated and Regularly Soothed

The outer layer of skin (called the epidermis) is your greatest defence against bacteria and skin irritation, and is at its best when properly moisturised and soothed. Sheet masks are a great way to quickly apply a concentration of moisture dry, to tired looking skin. Look for sheet masks that also contain soothing ingredients like our Hydra Bomb Hyaluronic Acid & Chamomile Sheet Mask. Chamomile is known to calm skin and can even help reduce future flare ups with regular use!

4. Use SPF Daily

Sun damage is one of the most harmful irritants our skin faces. SPF is an important barrier in protecting yourself from sensitivity symptoms and damage. Make sure to use SPF each day and reapply every 2 hours.

5. Reduce your shower temperature

A common mistake people make during their skincare routine is to rinse off products with hot water. Hot water dries you out and can inflame your skin, often leaving it worse off than before. When showering and applying your skincare routine, make sure to use lukewarm water.

6. Patch-test new products

When using a skincare or beauty product for the first time, always patch test to see how your skin will react. Apply a small amount of the product onto skin behind your ear and wait 48 hours to see if it causes a reaction.

Now that your sensitive skincare concerns are covered, find out about the importance of double cleansing.

Tips for Those Who Have Sensitive Skin

By creating a simple morning and evening skincare routine that contain more gentle ingredients, your skin can repair and strengthen. We’ve provided easy to follow tips that will help reduce reactions and let you move forward with confidence. Read below to say goodbye to flakiness and redness, and hello to a brighter complexion.