Sensitive Skincare Routine

Sensitive Skin:

Sensitive skin isn’t something doctors diagnose but rather something people experience and describe themselves. It reacts strongly to various factors, showing symptoms like redness, itching, burning, stinging, or dryness. Sensitive skin can affect anyone, regardless of age. Its causes are often linked to genetics, as well as external factors like the environment, skincare products, and lifestyle habits.

Morning Routine

Cleansers

Overnight, the skin produces oil and sheds dead skin cells, which can lead to the accumulation of dirt and impurities. In the morning, it’s important to cleanse with a gentle cleanser to remove these build-ups without irritating the skin, especially for sensitive skin. This helps maintain a clean, balanced complexion and prepares the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser- Start your day by using La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Its fragrance-free formula gently cleanses, leaving your skin feeling smooth and ready for the next step in your skincare routine.

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser- To maintain the skin barrier, Gentle and non-drying, with ceramides and hyaluronic acid formula works well.

Toner

Toners for sensitive skin always take an essential step to restore its pH balance after cleansing.

• Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner (Unscented): Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner effectively removes excess oil, tightens pores, and reduces inflammation. Its alcohol-free formula is particularly hydrating, making it a gentle and nourishing choice for the skin.

• Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner: Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner is thoughtfully designed to soothe and hydrate delicate skin. Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, this toner is a go-to solution for sensitive skin, offering gentle care and effective nourishment.

Serums

Serums are essential for sensitive skin, providing targeted care and nourishment. For the best results, consider using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to control oil and calm irritation, and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum to deeply hydrate and repair the skin barrier.

Eye cream ( Optional)

Eye cream can help refresh the under-eye area and reduce morning puffiness. Additionally, some eye creams contain SPF or antioxidants, offering protection for the delicate skin around the eyes.

• The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream

Moisturizers

Moisturizing is crucial to prevent dehydration and irritation. Regularly moisturizing helps strengthen sensitive skin, making it more resilient to environmental stressors and keeping it calm and balanced.

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - CeraVe Moisturizing Cream features dermatologist-approved formulas designed to deeply hydrate the skin and provide long-lasting moisture. It keeps the skin soft, smooth, and well-nourished, making it an essential addition to any skincare routine.

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream (Fragrance-Free)- It is specially formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and irritation, making it an ideal choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Sunscreens

A sunscreen lotion suitable for sensitive skin should be mineral-based, lightweight, and have a non-greasy formula to provide effective protection without irritation. Sensitive skin is highly susceptible to UV rays, so it’s best to opt for a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide, such as EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. It’s advisable to avoid using chemical sunscreens on sensitive skin to prevent irritation.

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100

Evening Routine

Cleanser

Using a cleanser before bed is essential to properly remove makeup and other impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. This helps prevent skin issues like acne and irritation, keeping your skin healthy and refreshed.

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser: With its gentle formula, it efficiently cleanses daily impurities, sunscreen, and light makeup. Infused with glycerin, it nourishes the skin, promotes overnight healing, and ensures lasting hydration.

• Bioderma Sensibio H2O: Bioderma Sensibio H2O is a trusted product for sensitive skin, known for preventing dryness and irritation with its paraben-free formula. Its micellar technology acts like tiny magnets, effectively removing oil, dirt, sunscreen, and even waterproof makeup.

Toner:

• Pixi Glow Tonic (Mini Version)

A budget-friendly toner, it is designed to prepare the skin for optimal moisturization while promoting a smoother texture. It’s 5% glycolic acid plays an important role in removing dead cells and clearing pores, while gently exfoliating the skin. With regular use, your skin will feel refreshed and radiant, ready for the next step in your routine, while also providing moisture.

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

This toner is an affordable option that is gentle on sensitive skin and effectively helps balance the skin's pH level.

Eye Cream (Optional): Eye cream around the orbital bone helps prevent early wrinkles and keeps the delicate skin around your eyes nourished.

• Clinique All About Eyes: This cream helps reduce puffiness and hydrate the eye area with its formula, which includes botanical extracts, peptides, antioxidants, and silicone-based ingredients.

• Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream: The best thing about this product is that it's free from alcohol that may irritate sensitive skin. Moreover, it is fragrance-free and its formula helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It's preferable for the contact lens wearers.

Moisturiser

• CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs easily, providing long-lasting hydration to help reduce irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Cream: Formulated with glycerin and shea butter, this cream deeply hydrates the skin, while niacinamide helps soothe irritation.

Today's insight

Active ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs can irritate sensitive skin. Start with one product at a time, use it sparingly, and watch for reactions like redness or stinging. If irritation occurs, stop using it immediately.

P.S. If you’ve ever faced challenges with sensitive skin, I’d love to hear your experiences and what worked for you. Share in the comments below!

• Have you tried any of the products mentioned in this routine?

• Please share your favorite budget-friendly skincare product that works for your skin type.