The Best Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

All skin can feel reactive at times, but if it’s something you often experience then you could have sensitive skin.

Building the best sensitive skin routine is one of the most important things you can do to make easily irritated skin feel soothed and cared for, helping you feel more confident and in control.

At Simple® skincare, every product we create is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Which is why our entire range contains no perfume, colour or harsh chemicals. Plus, each product is dermatologically tested.

 

In this article, we’ll be discussing what sensitive skin is and some of the key signs. We’ll also be answering some of your most-asked questions and talking about what we’d include in our ideal sensitive skin regimen.

Let’s get started...

Your most-asked questions about sensitive skin

What is sensitive skin?

Many people have different definitions of sensitive skin, making it hard to pinpoint if you have it or not.

While most of us experience it from time to time, how often you notice feelings of irritation will usually be the biggest clue.

People with sensitive skin usually become aware that they have it when they have a reaction (or several of them).

Sensitive skin is often considered its own skin type. However, you can have a combination of this and another type.

For example, you could have an oily skin or dry skin type but still experience skin sensitivity.

Sensitive skin is more common than you might think, so if you have it then you’re not alone.

Everyone has unique skin reaction triggers, of course, but some of the common culprits can include chemicals and products we use in everyday life like fragrances, detergents and makeup - even your jewellery can irritate your skin.

Plus, the weather and environment around us can also really aggravate sensitive skin. Dry air, exposure to UV rays and cold temperatures can also affect it.

Not to mention stress which can have a much bigger impact on your skin than you think. We have a whole guide to stressed-out skin for you to learn more about here.

Sensitive skin can have many different causes and can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition like Eczema or Rosacea. If you think this could be the case for you, speak to your GP for more advice and to discuss treatment options.

Some of the main characteristics of sensitive skin include:

Skin that’s prone to redness

• Itching
• Rashes
• Dryness
• Cracked skin
• Flaking
• Swelling

What should be avoided on sensitive skin?

As everyone’s skin is so different, it can be tricky to work out what causes you to experience skin irritation. Especially as many of the products we use in day-to-day life contain multiple different chemicals.

For us, we believe the best skincare for sensitive skin gives it everything it needs and nothing it doesn’t.

It’s also a good idea to check that products have been dermatologically tested (like ours are), so you know they’re safe for skin.

If you think something in your regime could be causing a reaction, it’s best to remove it and see if you notice a difference. Then, replace it with a gentler alternative.

Look out for products that are free from known irritants like perfume and colour. We’ve formulated our entire collection without these, as well as over 2,000 other chemicals. You can read up on some of these known irritants and more here.

How do you get clear skin if your skin is sensitive?

Great question, it’s a common misconception that having sensitive skin means that you won’t experience blemishes.

If you have oily skin that’s also sensitive then you’ll know all too well that irritation can cause your skin to produce even more oil, leading to blocked pores and more breakouts.

Along with avoiding ingredients you know irritate your skin, reaching for products formulated for sensitive skin with purifying ingredients will help. Like our Daily Skin Detox™ range, which is enriched with blemish-reducing Witch Hazel and Zinc.

Can sensitive skin use Vitamin C every day?

In high concentrations Vitamin C can potentially be irritating but it doesn’t mean your sensitive skin should miss out on its glow-boosting benefits.

Our Booster Serum contains 2% of a skin-kind derivative of Vitamin C that doesn’t cause irritation. Plus, it’s blended with 1% Vitamin E and 7% Vitamin F which enhances its effectiveness – all while moisturising and supporting your skin barrier.

Try smoothing a few drops onto your skin twice a day before your moisturiser.

What is the best skin routine for sensitive skin?

Now that we’ve talked through what sensitive skin feels like and some of the most-asked questions, it’s time to get into what you should include in your sensitive skin routine...

1. Choose your cleanser carefully

As pollution and other environmental factors can cause irritation, finding the right cleanser as part of your face care for sensitive skin is key.

Not to mention that harsh cleansers can strip moisture, which can dry out skin and cause it to have even more of an intense reaction.

All of our cleansers are suitable for sensitive skin, but here are three of our favourites and what they’re amazing for.

The best skin barrier repair cleanser

We can’t get enough of our NEW Active Skin Barrier Care Replenishing Cream Cleanser.

It’s an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula powered by Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide Boosters. Our technology reaches through up to 10 skin layers and supports your skin’s natural repair processes.

Just lather up gently onto skin and massage in a circular motion before removing with warm water.

The best cleanser for the delicate eye area

Super-delicate areas like the eyes can often be more prone to redness and irritation, so it’s important to keep friction to a minimum when you’re removing your makeup.

Our Kind to Skin™ Eye Make-Up Remover is specifically designed for eyes, so it has just the right blend of ingredients to dissolve and lift make-up - yes, even waterproof mascara

It works quickly, effectively and gently, without the need to rub. Just hold your soaked cotton pad over the eye for a few moments, then sweep away.

The best cleanser for quick cleansing

Our Micellar Water is also one of our favourite skin care products for sensitive skin. It’s a quick and easy cleanser powered by micellar technology.

In just a sweep of a cotton pad, it helps remove contaminants known to irritate skin and leaves it clean and fresh. It also instantly boosts skin hydration by up to 90% with no need to rinse.

You can read about our top tips for cleansing like an expert here.

2. Soothe with a toner

For extra calming benefits, choose ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like Pro-Vitamin B5, to help to soothe your sensitive skin.

Our bestselling Soothing Facial Toner calms and rebalances your skin’s pH level, as well as prepping it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

 

3. Support with a serum

As we mentioned earlier about Vitamin C, serums are a great way to target skin concerns.

All of our Booster Serums are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, which means you don’t have to miss out on any of their active ingredients.

If you have dry, sensitive skin then adding our 3% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum will give your skin the hydration upgrade it’s been waiting for. These actives work together to draw moisture to the skin, replenish and lock it in.

Niacinamide  Serum could also be good to reach for if you have oily, sensitive skin to help keep blemishes in check while supporting your skin barrier.

Just smooth a few drops onto your skin before your moisturiser.

4. Nourish with a moisturiser

Nothing calms sensitive skin quite like a good moisturiser. Again here, it’s a good idea to choose something that doesn’t contain perfume or colour - like all of our range.

Go for a cream that’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t block pores). A formula like Active Skin Barrier Care Soothing Water Cream is made to soothe dry, irritated skin – without any perfume or colour that could cause it to flare up. 

Remember, all skin types can be affected by UV rays. Overexposure can cause things like burning and premature ageing.

Sun protection is especially important if you have sensitive skin because it’s so easily inflamed and irritated.

Sensitive skin can also sometimes have a reaction to sunscreen, making it even more important to find the right formula for you.

Luckily, protecting skin that’s sensitive is possible thanks to our moisturisers with SPF that have been developed and tested to make sure they work for everyone.

When you’re doing your morning skincare, reach for one like our Protect ‘N’ Glow™ Radiance Booster SPF 30, which also leaves your skin super smooth and glowing. Just apply a small amount and allow it to sink in.

Remember to top up on SPF during the day, though, if you’re going to be out in the sun for a few hours.

Looking for more skin care advice?

So, there you have it. That’s everything you need to know about the best skincare for sensitive skin.

Want to get even more clued up on how to get the best out of your skincare products, the latest launches and more? We’ve got lots of articles for you to check out right here on our blog.

Don’t forget to join us on our social channels for even more updates and advice –
 see you there!