How to Identify Sensitive Skin

•→ Frequent redness, flushing, or blotchiness

•→ Reactions to many skincare productsstinging, burning, itching

•→ Visible broken capillaries or spider veins

•→ Skin easily irritated by weather changes

•→ Prone to rashes or allergic reactions

•→ Flares up with stress, alcohol, or spicy food

Sensitive skin is characterised by heightened reactivity to products, environmental factors, or even touch. It can manifest as redness, stinging, burning, dryness, or breakouts. Sensitivity often indicates a compromised skin barrier, though it can also be genetic or related to conditions like rosacea or eczema.

Types of Skin Sensitivity

Naturally Sensitive

Genetic tendency; often linked to rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. Requires gentle, minimal routines.

Environmentally Reactive

Triggered by sun, pollution, wind, or temperature changes. Focus on protection and barrier support.

Product-Induced (Sensitised)

Over-exfoliation or harsh products damaged the barrier. Reversible with proper care.

Allergy-Prone

Reacts to specific ingredients (fragrance, preservatives). Requires ingredient awareness.

Common Triggers

Product Ingredients

Fragrance, alcohol, essential oils, sulphates, and certain preservatives are common irritants.

Over-Exfoliation

Too many acids, retinoids, or physical scrubs strip the barrier and cause sensitisation.

Environmental Factors

UV exposure, pollution, extreme temperatures, wind, and dry air all stress sensitive skin.

Internal Factors

Stress, hormones, lack of sleep, diet, and certain medications can trigger flare-ups.

Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

BARRIER REPAIR

Ceramides

Restore and strengthen the skin barrier; essential for sensitive skin

SOOTHING

Centella Asiatica

Calms inflammation, promotes healing, strengthens skin

ANTI-REDNESS

Azelaic Acid

Gentle anti-inflammatory; reduces redness; safe for rosacea

CALMING

Allantoin

Soothes irritation, promotes cell regeneration, very gentle

STRENGTHENING

Niacinamide

Builds barrier, reduces inflammation, generally well-tolerated

SOOTHING

Aloe Vera

Natural anti-inflammatory with cooling, hydrating properties

Common Irritants to Avoid

Fragrance (parfum) - top allergen

Denatured alcohol - very drying

Essential oils - can be irritating

Sulphates (SLS/SLES)

Harsh physical exfoliants

High-strength acids (initially)

Witch hazel (can be drying)

Menthol, camphor, peppermint

Recommended Routine

Morning

Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (or water)
Soothing serum (centella or niacinamide)
Barrier-repair moisturiser with ceramides
Mineral SPF 30+ (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)

Evening

Gentle oil or micellar cleanser
Mild cream cleanser (if needed)
Calming serum or treatment
Rich, barrier-supporting night cream

Managing Sensitive Skin

→ Patch test ALL new products on your inner arm first

→ Introduce one new product at a time, waiting 2 weeks between

→ Keep your routine minimalfewer products, fewer potential irritants

→ Look for "fragrance-free" (not "unscented")

→ Mineral sunscreens are typically gentler than chemical ones

→ If skin flares up, go back to basics until it calms

Sensitive Skin