Sensitive Skincare Guide

How to Treat Sensitive Skin: A Step-By-Step Guide

Dealing with sensitive skin can be challenging, but understanding the root cause of irritation is the first step toward finding relief. Start by simplifying your skincare routine and being mindful of the products and ingredients you use.

When selecting skincare, look for products that are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Also stay away from products that contain AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Your skin barrier is hanging on by a thread, overusing AHAs and other actives could be what carries you over to fungal acne territory.

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How to treat sensitive skin

Step 1: Double Cleanse (PM Routine – Skip for AM)

I know I say this all the time, but double cleansing is essential for every skin type!

For sensitive skin, opt for an oil cleanser or cleansing balm—they’re gentler than micellar water, which requires more friction with a cotton pad (or maybe everyone else isn’t as heavy handed as I am 😅).

Here are some oil cleansers to try:

• haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

• innisfree Hydrating Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Oil

• Byoma Milky Oil Face Cleanser

Here are some cleansing balms to try:

• APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Cleansing Balm — (this has literally sucked all of the blackheads out of my skin!)

• Farmacy CLEARLY CLEAN fragrance-free cleanser + makeup remover balm

• Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Here are some gentle cleansers to try:

• Cocokind Oil to Milk Cleanser

• haruharu Wonder Moisture Cleansing Gel

• Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

• Skinfix barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Hydrating Gentle Gel Cleanser

💡 Pro Tip: Let your face air dry instead of using a towel. Towels can be abrasive and transfer bacteria onto your skin.

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Step 2: Toner

After cleansing, apply a calming, alcohol-free toner to soothe and prep your skin. Look for toners with hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Here are some gentle toners to try:

• Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Toner Unscented

• Anna Rice 70 Milky Glow Toner

• TIRTIR milk skin toner

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner

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Step 3: Moisturizer

Choose a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and calm.

Here are some gentle moisturizers to try:

• Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream

• haruharu wonder Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream Unscented

• Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream

• Paula’s Choice Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer

• Ilia Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream

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Step 4: Sunscreen (Daytime)

Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially for sensitive skin. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher to protect your skin from UV damage.

• Some By Mi V10 Heal Air Fit Sunscreen

• SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

• Paula's Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

• Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

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Weekly Skin Cycling (If Your Skin Can Tolerate It)

If your skin is strong enough, you can incorporate these steps 1-2 times a week:

Calming Gel Masks: Look for ingredients like chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera.

• REN EVERCALM™ ULTRA COMFORTING RESCUE MASK

• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Hydrating + Calming Mask

• Guac Star® Soothing Avocado Hydration Mask

• Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Sleep Mask

Lactic Acid Serums: Use sparingly to gently exfoliate and brighten.

• Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum

• Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum

• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

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Additional Tips for Sensitive Skin

1. Wash with Lukewarm Water: Hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils and worsen sensitivity.

2. Be Gentle: Avoid rubbing or tugging at your skin when applying products.

3. Patch Test Everything: Always test new products (including makeup) before full use.

4. Keep Tools Clean: Regularly wash makeup brushes and skincare tools to prevent bacteria buildup.

5. Choose Soft Fabrics: Opt for silk or linen bedding to minimize friction and irritation.

Being mindful of the products you use will help you restore balance and protect your sensitive skin. Remember, consistency and patience are key!