Best Skincare for Sensitive Skin

May 25, 2023 Tracey Bailey

Best skin care routine for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you know how challenging it can be to find skin care products that work for you. But we're here to help! Here are some tips and recommendations for sensitive skin care that will help you achieve a healthy and radiant complexion.

Skincare for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can react to various ingredients, fragrances, or environmental factors, causing redness, itching, burning, or dryness. You may also have a skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea, that makes your skin more prone to irritation.

But don’t worry, having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of a good skin care routine. You just need to be more careful about what you put on your face and body, and how you treat your skin.

What is the best skin care routine for dry sensitive skin?

Dry sensitive skin needs extra hydration and protection from moisture loss. A simple but effective routine for dry sensitive skin consists of three steps: cleanse, moisturise, and protect.

1. Cleanse:

Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils or disrupt its pH balance.

A natural cleanser that contains soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera, chamomile, or oatmeal is ideal. It is best to avoid harsh soaps, sulfates, alcohol, or artificial fragrances.

Try the Retreatment Botanics Radiance Cream Cleanser, which is made with antioxidant rich Kakadu Plum, Sea Buckthorn and hydrating Aloe Leaf to cool and hydrate at the same time.

Best skincare routine for sensitive skin

2. Moisturise:

Apply a natural moisturiser that suits your skin type and needs. Dry sensitive skin can benefit from rich creams or oils that lock in moisture and create a protective barrier on the skin.

Definitely avoid moisturisers that contain alcohol, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or essential oils that may irritate your skin. Instead look for moisturisers that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalene.

Try the Be.UNITY Light Natural Face Cream unscented version. Made with aloe vera, hemp seed and jojoba oils as well as shea butter, this non-greasy formula is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

3. Protect:

Protect your skin from sun damage and environmental stressors by applying a sunscreen every day. Choose a sunscreen that is suitable for sensitive skin and has at least SPF 30.

Look for sunscreens that contain physical filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, that reflect the sun’s rays without penetrating the skin. You want to avoid sunscreens that contain chemical filters, such as oxybenzone or avobenzone, that may cause allergic reactions or hormonal disruptions.

Try the Wotnot Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, which is made with zinc oxide and organic coconut oil to shield and moisturise dry sensitive skin.

What products to avoid if you have sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can react to various products that may not bother other people. Some common triggers for sensitive skin are:

Fragrances:

Fragrances are one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation). They can be found in many products, such as perfumes, cosmetics, lotions, soaps, detergents, candles, etc. Fragrances can be natural (such as essential oils) or synthetic (such as phthalates). Both types can cause irritation or sensitisation in some people. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid products that contain fragrances or perfume.

Preservatives:

Preservatives are added to products to prevent microbial growth and extend their shelf life. However, some preservatives can also cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people. Some examples of preservatives that may trigger sensitive skin are parabens (such as methylparaben or propylparaben), formaldehyde (or formaldehyde-releasing agents), and methylisothiazolinone (MIT).

Exfoliants:

Exfoliants are products that remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture and appearance. However, some exfoliants can be too harsh or abrasive for sensitive skin and cause inflammation or damage. Some examples of exfoliants that may irritate sensitive skin are scrubs (such as those with walnut shells or apricot kernels), acids (such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid), and enzymes (such as papain or bromelain).

What is the best skincare for sensitive skin?

The best skincare for sensitive skin is the one that meets your individual needs and preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for sensitive skin care because everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently to different products. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you choose the best skincare for sensitive skin:

Look for products that are labeled as hypoallergenic (meaning they are less likely to cause allergic reactions), non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores), dermatologist-tested (meaning they have been tested by dermatologists for safety and efficacy), or certified organic (meaning they have been produced without synthetic chemicals or pesticides).

Look for products that contain natural or organic ingredients that are gentle and beneficial for sensitive skin, such as aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, shea butter, rosehip oil, jojoba oil and hemp seed oil.

Look for products that are free of ingredients that may trigger sensitive skin reactions.

Do a patch test before using any new product on your face. Apply a small amount of the product on the inside of your elbow or behind your ear and wait for 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. If you experience any redness, do not continue use.

Natural and organic skin care products for sensitive skin

If you are looking for natural and organic skin care products that are suitable for sensitive skin, you may want to check out these other options from Biome:

Organic Shea Butter Enriched with Jojoba and Vitamin E:

Shea butter is perfect for soothing skin in cool, dry weather, as well as treating dry patches, cracked, wind and sun damaged skin, psoriasis, eczema, scars and stretch marks. Softened by the addition of jojoba oil, our creamy shea butter is easy to apply straight out of the tin.

Dindi Naturals Soap Bar - Hemp/Sensitive:

This 100% natural, sensitive skin soap bar has been handmade from hemp seed oil with added olive, coconut and rice bran oils. Completely free from palm oil, synthetic colours and fragrances but loaded with shea butter and French green clay for a creamy, gentle and nourishing experience.