Skincare routine for sensitive skin

What sensitive skin needs

Sensitive skin reacts to products or environmental changes that do not usually irritate skin. It can be dry, oily or combination too; sensitivity describes how skin reacts, not how much oil it makes. Signs can include dryness, itching, stinging, burning or skin discoloration.15

Fragrance and harsh chemicals are common triggers, but products are not the only suspects. When symptoms appear, note what touched your skin, including makeup, soap, lotion, laundry detergent and clothing, along with changes in weather or sun exposure. Sensitivity can also shift with stress, hormones or medication, so a short symptom and product record can help you spot a pattern.1

A simple morning routine

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Massage gently, then pat your face dry rather than rubbing.
2. 2Apply a fragrance free moisturizer. Moisturize regularly, especially if your skin feels dry.
3. 3Apply a separate facial sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher each morning; SPF in makeup is a cameo, not the lead role.

A simple evening routine

1. 1If you wear makeup, remove it first. Most cleansers do not remove all makeup; if you use wipes, choose fragrance free ones.
2. 2Wash with the same gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, then pat dry.
3. 3Apply moisturizer after cleansing.

Antioxidant serum and toner are optional; the shelf can save its sequel for someone who asked. Alcohol based toners can strip natural oils and lead to dryness or irritation. If you use a skin medication or treatment, apply it after cleansing, before moisturizer or sunscreen. Too many products, especially multiple anti aging products, can irritate skin.36

Which products suit sensitive skin?

Look for fragrance free or hypoallergenic products, and avoid dyes and harsh ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can irritate sensitive skin. Unscented does not always mean fragrance free: some unscented skin products and plant based botanical products may still contain fragrance related ingredients. Retinol and glycolic acid can also irritate sensitive skin, so they are not necessary starter steps.45

If your sensitive skin is also dry, choose a moisturizer with humectants, which help draw moisture to skin, and use it regularly. Sensitivity can overlap with oily or combination skin too, so you do not need to treat every face as if it had the same oil level.5

Keep body care gentle too

For sensitive or eczema prone skin, use soap on your face, armpits and groin rather than all over. Choose a nonscented soap or body wash and avoid very hot water. If you shower more than once a day, use soap only once. Skip bubble baths and heavily fragranced bath products; foaming ingredients can dry or irritate skin, and rinsing after bubbles or a bath bomb can remove irritating residue.7

How to patch test skincare

An at home product test can help predict whether a new product will cause a reaction. Test one product at a time so it is easier to identify the trigger if your skin reacts.34

1. 1Choose a small spot that will not be rubbed or washed away, such as the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow.
2. 2Apply the product there twice daily for seven to 10 days, using the normal amount and thickness. Leave it on for as long as you normally would. For a cleanser, leave it on for five minutes or as long as its instructions say.
3. 3If you have no reaction after seven to 10 days, go ahead and use the product.

If a product causes a reaction

If skin becomes red, itchy or swollen, gently wash the product off as soon as possible and do not use it again. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve the skin. A severe reaction that is not relieved by these measures needs medical attention. Skin usually stops reacting and returns to normal after the irritant is removed and the skin has time to calm down.14

An at home product test is different from medical patch testing, which a healthcare provider may use to help identify the cause when the trigger is hard to pinpoint.4

When to get help

Talk to a healthcare provider if symptoms are very bothersome, do not go away with at home care, or your routine has not helped after about a week. A provider can help look for triggers, related skin conditions or medication side effects.1