What to do with sensitive skin?

_{Check my skin-type}

Find out if you really have sensitive skin with our 2 minutes Skin-Quiz.

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_{What Is Sensitive Skin?}

Sensitive skin isn’t about being dry or oily — it’s about reactivity. In simple terms, your skin overreacts to things that wouldn’t normally bother others.

There are two ways this can show up:

• Sensitive skin (true sensitivity): Some people are born with naturally sensitive skin. Their skin barrier is naturally thinner, or they may be prone to conditions like eczema or rosacea.
• Sensitised skin (acquired sensitivity): Others develop it later in life due to a weakened barrier. Over-exfoliation, harsh products, UV damage, pollution, or stress can all lead to this kind of sensitivity.

The two are slightly different, but the solution is the same: treat the skin gently and support its barrier.

_{How to Know If You Have Sensitive Skin}

See if any of these sound familiar:

• Redness that comes and goes, especially on the cheeks or nose.
• Burning, stinging, or itching when applying even mild products.
• Visible tiny blood vessels or flushing after heat, alcohol, or spicy food.
• Frequent flare-ups or rashes with no clear cause.
• A tight, uncomfortable feeling in response to weather changes.

With makeup, sensitive skin can be difficult — foundation may sting or feel heavy, powders can exaggerate redness, and fragranced products often trigger flare-ups. Without makeup, the skin often looks flushed, patchy, or slightly inflamed.

_{Why Sensitive Skin Happens}

• Genetics: Inherited sensitivity or conditions like rosacea and eczema.
• Barrier damage: Over-cleansing, over-exfoliation, or strong products that leave the skin exposed.
• Environment: Pollution, wind, cold, and UV all worsen sensitivity.
• Lifestyle: Stress, diet, alcohol, and even lack of sleep can increase flare-ups.

_{The Right Way to Cleanse Sensitive Skin}

Cleansing should always be gentle:

• Morning: Rinse with lukewarm water or use a mild, cleanser such as Soft Cleansing Mousse
• Evening: Remove makeup and SPF with a cream or oil cleanser that won’t strip the barrier.

Hot water, or rough cloths — they make redness and discomfort worse.

_{The Everyday Routine}

Daytime

1. Gentle Cleanser – mild, non-foaming, fragrance-free like Soft Cleansing Mousse
2. Calming Serum – niacinamide, panthenol, or centella asiatica to soothe such as Daily Couperose Serum
3. Lightweight Moisturiser – with ceramides, glycerin, or squalane like Intense Calming Cream
4. SPF 30–50 – mineral formulas with zinc oxide are often best tolerated.

Night-time

1. Cleanse – gentle, cream-based.
2. Soothing Serum – peptides or calming botanicals.
3. Richer Moisturiser – protective and hydrating, fragrance-free.

Exfoliation by Age

Sensitive skin doesn’t cope well with regular exfoliation, but a little can help if done very gently:

• 30–45 years: Once every 10 days, with an enzyme exfoliant.
• 45–60 years: Once every 2 weeks, using very mild enzymes or PHAs.
• 60–75 years: Rarely, and only if tolerated. Focus on hydration and repair instead.

Avoid harsh scrubs and strong acids — they’ll only make sensitivity worse.

_{Myths About Sensitive Skin}

“It’s all in your head.” Sensitive skin is real and measurable, often linked to a thinner barrier or inflammation.
“You can’t use actives.” You can — but introduce them slowly, at low concentrations, and with plenty of barrier support.
“Natural means safe.” Essential oils and botanical extracts can be some of the worst triggers. Always patch test.

_{Lifestyle Tips for Sensitive Skin}

• Avoid hot showers and sudden temperature changes.
• Protect skin from wind and sun with scarves, hats, and SPF.
• Manage stress — flare-ups often follow stressful periods.
• Patch test all new products before applying them to your face.

Final Word

Living with sensitive skin can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean your skin can’t look calm and healthy. Whether you were born with it or developed it later in life, the approach is the same: keep it gentle, keep it simple, and protect your skin barrier.

With the right care, sensitive skin can look soft, even, and comfortable — every day.

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