Sensitive skin can feel like a mystery – one day your skin is fine, the next it's red, stinging, or breaking out. After years of working with sensitive skin clients, I've learned that the key isn't avoiding everything, but understanding what your skin truly needs.
The good news? Once you understand your triggers and build a gentle routine, sensitive skin can actually be some of the most beautiful, healthy skin I've seen.
Understanding Your Sensitive Skin
What Makes Skin Sensitive?
Think of your skin barrier like a brick wall. In healthy skin, the "bricks" (skin cells) are tightly packed with "mortar" (natural oils and proteins). In sensitive skin, this wall has gaps, making it easier for irritants to get in and moisture to get out.
Signs of Sensitive Skin
- • Stinging or burning with products
- • Redness that comes and goes
- • Dryness or flakiness
- • Reactions to weather changes
- • Visible blood vessels
Common Triggers
- • Fragrances and essential oils
- • Alcohol-based products
- • Over-exfoliation
- • Extreme temperatures
- • Stress and hormones
My GENTLE Method for Sensitive Skin
Go Slow with New Products
Introduce one new product at a time, patch test first, and wait 2 weeks before adding anything else.
Embrace Minimal Ingredients
Shorter ingredient lists = fewer potential irritants. Look for products with 10-15 ingredients max.
Nourish Your Barrier
Focus on ceramides, niacinamide, and gentle oils that help repair and strengthen your skin barrier.
Temperature Matters
Use lukewarm water, avoid hot showers on your face, and protect from extreme weather.
Less is More
Resist the urge to pile on products. A simple, consistent routine beats complex any day.
Eliminate Known Irritants
Keep a skin diary to identify patterns and avoid ingredients that consistently cause reactions.
Sensitive Skin Ingredient Guide
✓ Generally Safe & Helpful
Ceramides
Help repair and strengthen the skin barrier
Niacinamide
Reduces redness and improves barrier function
Hyaluronic Acid
Gentle hydration without irritation
Zinc Oxide
Gentle, effective sun protection
✗ Common Irritants to Avoid
Fragrances
Including "natural" essential oils
Alcohol (SD, Denatured)
Drying and irritating to sensitive skin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Too harsh for most sensitive skin types
Witch Hazel
Can be drying and irritating
A Gentle Daily Routine
Morning Routine
- 1 Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (or just water)
- 2 Hydrating toner or essence (optional)
- 3 Barrier-repairing moisturizer
- 4 Mineral sunscreen SPF 30+
Evening Routine
- 1 Gentle cleanser or cleansing oil
- 2 Calming serum (niacinamide or ceramides)
- 3 Rich, nourishing moisturizer
- 4 Face oil for extra barrier support (optional)
When Your Skin is Having a Reaction
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our skin has a bad day. Here's my emergency protocol:
Immediate Steps
- • Stop using ALL products except gentle cleanser and basic moisturizer
- • Apply cool, damp compresses for 10-15 minutes
- • Avoid touching or rubbing the area
Recovery Phase (1-2 weeks)
- • Use only the gentlest products you know work for you
- • Sleep with a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- • Be extra gentle with cleansing and patting dry