How To Build a Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
Getting to know your skin type is the first step to building a routine that truly works for you. But when it comes to skin that feels tight, tingly, or easily irritated depending on the day, that simple task can be a little more complex.
Skin sensitivity can be triggered by environmental factors, lifestyle habits, or even that very same cleanser that used to be your favorite. But what causes skin to react differently from day to day? And why do some people experience redness, dryness, or reactivity while others don’t?
Ahead, we’ll explore the science behind sensitive skin, the signs to look out for, and, most importantly, how to build a skincare routine that helps restore comfort and resilience.
Let’s get started.
What causes sensitive skin?
As the name suggests, sensitive skin tends to have a heightened response to the world around it. Its triggers include dry, chilly or windy weather, pollution, sun exposure, and even a lack of sleep.
These environmental and lifestyle factors make up a large part of the skin exposome—the daily variables that affect your skin’s health. While normal skin generally responds with ease, sensitive skin might experience burning, tingling, redness, or dryness minutes to hours after contact with certain factors.
What causes this type of reaction? Science has found that people with sensitive skin share specific traits. One is that the outermost layer of their skin—also known as the stratum corneum and home to the all-important skin barrier—is more permeable, or penetrable. This makes it easier for the good stuff to escape (water, oils) and the bad stuff to get in (irritants, pollutants).
People with certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea are more likely to experience sensitivity as well. And many studies report that sensitive skin is more common in women and people with lighter skin tones.
What does sensitive skin look (and feel) like?
Although sensitive skin is widely accepted as a skin type, it’s technically a condition. This means that oily or dry skin can also be sensitive. So, you can’t necessarily discard sensitivity even if you feel like you tend toward another skin type.
These are a few signs that your skin may have sensitive tendencies:
- It feels tight and reactive, especially right after washing your face
- It reacts unpredictably to changes in temperature and humidity, and some new skincare products
- Its texture is scaly and rough in some areas and may flake or peel
- You feel mild itching or stinging at times
- You experience redness, hives, or small blister-like bumps (in this case it’s important to have a visit with your dermatologist, they know your skin best)
Do you think your skin is sensitive? If so, you’re in good company. In the US, over 44% of people say that their skin shows signs of sensitivity. Fortunately, a targeted skincare routine can help provide relief and set you on the path to smooth, comfortable skin.
Your step-by-step routine for sensitive skin
Step 1: Use a gentle oil cleanser
If your skin is prone to reactivity, choosing the wrong cleanser could exaggerate things. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, further damaging the moisture barrier and contributing to dryness, and in some cases, irritation.
An oil cleanser is a great option for a deep clean without that stripping feeling. Oil attracts oil, making it ideal for gently removing greasy residues, stubborn makeup, and sunscreen. Most importantly, look for oil cleansers with the softness of an emulsion—this mild texture helps to keep sensitive skin comfortable.
Our pick: Essential Cleansing
Step 2: Opt for a moisturizing eye cream
The delicate under-eye area can be especially sensitive to changes in your daily environment, as it’s one of the thinnest areas of skin on your entire body. This makes it even more important to moisturize and protect it. Look for an eye contour formula designed to deliver fast-acting yet lasting hydration.
Our pick: Hyaluronic Eyes
Step 3: Reach for a hydrating serum
Some serums can also help to calm and soothe by helping boost natural moisture levels. Look for formulas featuring humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
How do humectants work? These hydration heroes help draw in water molecules and bind to them, retaining moisture in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid, in particular, can also offer a multi-level boost. Look for dual-weight formulas that help maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels deep within the skin while providing hydration at the surface.
Our pick: Hyaluronic Concentrate
Step 4: Smooth on a soothing moisturizer
Now it’s time to comfort the skin and seal in moisture. Where to start? A moisturizer designed to help restore hydration while soothing skin.
Opt for formulas featuring niacinamide—a B vitamin with soothing and moisture-boosting qualities. Even better if your product of choice also boasts anti-pollution action to help defend sensitive skin against daily stressors.
Our pick: Hyaluronic Moisture Sensitive Skin
Step 5: Apply a sensitive-skin-friendly sunscreen
No matter your skin type, sunscreen is a must. Daily use helps protect it from damaging UV rays and minimizes further discomfort due to the sun’s harsh effects.
Mineral formulas are a good choice for sensitive skin, as they are generally suitable for a wide range of skin types. A tinted option can help skin look more even in tone, lightly covering any blotchiness or redness.
Our pick: Eryfotona Ageless
Extra nighttime step: Try a gentle exfoliant
You’re not the only one wondering: Can I exfoliate if I have sensitive skin? Following a few tips, exfoliation can be an essential ally for any skin type—even sensitive.
Some manual exfoliants, such as scrubs and brushes, can irritate the skin and lead to more dryness and redness. Chemical exfoliants, such as formulas with glycolic acid, can be a good choice for sensitive skin.
Opt for gentle glycolic acid products that include moisturizing and antioxidant ingredients. And do your best to stay diligent with sunscreen, as exfoliants can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Our PM pick: Glicoisdin® 8 Soft
