A Skin Expert’s Guide on How to Build a Sensitive Skin Routine
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
What is sensitive skin?
If you're asking this question and are on the hunt for skincare for sensitive skin, you've come to the right place.
'Sensitive skin' is often a term that’s used for skin that’s easily irritated.
There’s no real medical diagnosis for sensitive skin - but if you have it, you’d know.
Sensitive skin is also a skin type that isn’t able to tolerate harsh conditions or environments and is essentially just a little more reactive to topical products than other skin types and there really isn’t a real test or diagnosis for it.
Generally speaking though, if your skin often feels easily irritated, red or dry, feels like it’s burning, or just reacts negatively to certain environmental factors or skincare products, it may be sensitive.
Hormones, lifestyle and even diet can have an impact on this skin type too.
And sensitive skin types may also complain of sensations like stinging and have other skin conditions such as rosacea.
So there can be a lot going on for this skin type, especially when it isn’t looked after properly.
You can watch a sensitive skincare routine in the YouTube video below:
And what if a sensitive skin type is using the wrong products for their skin? It can hurt.
The thing with sensitive skin is that you know you have to be cautious about the products and brands you use.
You need to be mindful of active ingredients, the strengths you can tolerate, fragrance, dyes - and anything that makes your skin look/feel redder or itchier than normal.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to patch test first.
Plus, having sensitive skin can also make shopping for skincare hard.
However, at Adore Beauty we’re here to help you break things down.
Plus, this is a good place to start because it’s basically a one-stop shop for a bunch of different brands and products that cater to sensitive skin.
And I’ll teach you how to build a routine.
But first, if you’re a complete newbie with sensitive skin let’s talk about ingredients that might work for you.
Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin.
If you have sensitive skin, ingredients you should be incorporating into your routine may include:
- Hyaluronic acid, shea butter and/or glycerin; all of which are hydrating humectants and emollients.
- Ceramides and lipids will help strengthen the skin and replenish your lipid bi-layer.
- Niacinamide may also be handy as a calming ingredient.
- Colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract and vitamin E are also soothing and great for sensitive skin.
Sensitive Skin Care Tips.
It’s also important to be mindful of what chemical exfoliants and vitamin A products are being used on sensitive skin.
Scrubs should be a no-go when it comes to sensitive skin products and often chemical sunscreens can be an issue - but not always.
Every skin is different so find what works for you.
You don’t have to give up your favourite skincare or think that certain ingredients are completely a no-go for your skin.
You just have to find the right strength and formula for your skin - and remember to be mindful before you just slap it on your face. Patch test first if you're unsure.
Now let’s get onto the simple skincare routine for sensitive skin!
Easy Sensitive Skin Skincare Routine.
If you want to start building a skincare routine for sensitive skin or a basic skincare routine for sensitive skin, this is an easy guide to follow.
1. Cleanser.
Why it's good for a sensitive skin skincare routine:
This is a fragrance-free, budget-friendly milky cleanser that actually does a pretty good job at removing makeup at the end of the day.
It’s perfect for sensitive and easily irritated skin, won’t strip you dry and has a nice hydrating milky feel when you use it.
Can also be used both AM and PM.
2. Gentle Exfoliants.
What:
Why they're good for a sensitive skin skincare routine:
When it comes to skin care products for sensitive skin, sensitive skin-havers will know that they need to be very careful when it comes to their exfoliating step in their routines.
I often recommend exfoliation be incorporated via a cleanser which has less contact time on the skin.
Aesthetics Rx AHA Cream Cleanser 125ml is a gentle cream cleanser formulated with a gentle AHA blend to clean and brighten the skin without causing irritation.
The Medik8 Press & Glow 200ml is also a very light exfoliating toner that can be swiped on problem areas whenever skin is looking/feeling dull.
Also how often sensitive skin can exfoliate is individual - so find what works for you.
Face products for sensitive skin can also include polyhydroxy acids (PHA’s) instead (which are still an AHA but much more gentle and better tolerated by this skin type).
Shop these products here:
3. Face Serum for Sensitive Skin.
What:
Have you been searching for a good serum for sensitive skin?
A soothing and barrier-restoring serum is a must for any sensitive skin and the new Bioderma Sensibio serum is not only designed to strengthen the skin but is also full of antioxidants and peptides so it can be beneficial from an age management perspective too.
The Bioderma Sensibio Defensive serum has a hydrating/milky formula that feels cooling and plumping on the skin.
It’s also formulated with ingredients like: hyaluronic acid and vitamin E which are soothing.
The Bioderma Sensibio Defensive serum can be used both AM and PM to begin with - then slowly you can build and add additional serums from there.
There's also a host of other Bioderma products that are great for sensitive skin. You can find them here.
4. Sensitive Skin Moisturiser.
Yes, this is a bougie moisturiser but it does what it says it will do.
Plus, it’s formulated with a combination of lipids that have been clinically studied to firm/plump the skin and help restore the skin’s barrier - which is often an issue for sensitive skin.
How?
Well it does this using a patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids, which have all been proven to treat signs of ageing - as well as helping to minimise signs of redness in the skin.
Use both AM and PM. And don’t forget your SPF!
Finally, if you have sensitive skin there’s no need to give up on a skincare routine.
A skincare routine for sensitive skin might just take a little trial and error to find something that works.
I hope this skin care for sensitive skin guide helped you learn how to start building a good skincare routine for sensitive skin!
Lastly, our skin will constantly be changing so keep things simple, patch test and remember there’s no need to go too hard on the strong actives, because they could be doing more harm than good.
Want to read some more of Yad's skincare articles and advice? Check out some of her other stories below:
