The ideal sensitive skincare routine will focus on maintaining the skin's barrier, soothing irritation, and avoiding triggers that can cause reactions. As a dermatologist, I am often asked for a skincare routine for sensitive skin. Here is an easy routine you can make a habit of...

Simple Sensitive Skincare Routine

The best sensitive skincare routine is one that is gentle and fragrance-free and that avoids harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin. Here is a sample routine:

Morning:

1. Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser that is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores). Avoid cleansers that contain harsh ingredients like alcohol or sulfates. Ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and calendula can be soothing. Use lukewarm water and avoid hot water, which may dry out and irritate the skin. We recommend the gentle cleanser RE-JUV® Hydrating Vitamin C Cleanser. With daily use, this foaming cleanser packs a powerful punch of Vitamin C to refine skin texture, reduce wrinkle appearance, and help protect skin from the elements.
2. Moisturize: In the morning, apply a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to your face and neck. Look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. Ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and glycerin can help support the skin's barrier.
3. Apply sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your face and neck every day, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine, especially for people with sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Evening:

1. Cleanse: Remove any makeup and use a gentle cleanser on your face again.
2. Apply a treatment: If you are using a topical medication for acne or melasma, apply it at night.
3. Moisturize: Apply a richer, fragrance-free moisturizer to your face and neck.

Weekly:

Use a soothing and hydrating mask for a sensitive skincare routine. We highly recommend the RE-JUV® Age-Defying Bamboo Charcoal Pore Minimizing Masque.

• Use a mask (Weekly, Optional): Use soothing and hydrating masks with ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, or honey. Avoid masks with harsh exfoliants or irritating ingredients. We recommend the RE-JUV® Age-Defying Bamboo Charcoal Pore Minimizing Masque. It gently exfoliates, deeply cleanses impurities, hydrates to reveal smoother skin, and minimizes and unclogs pores, leaving the skin supple and glowing.

Additional Tips:

You may also want to consider using a toner or serum in your routine, but be sure to choose products that are gentle and fragrance-free. Here are some additional tips for sensitive skin: 

• Before incorporating any new product, do a patch test on a small area to check for adverse reactions.
• Opt for products with fewer ingredients to minimize the chance of irritation.
• Avoid fragrances and dyes. These can often cause irritation to sensitive skin.
• Avoid hot showers and baths. Hot water can dry and irritate the skin.
• Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months. Dry air can irritate sensitive skin.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing made from synthetic fabrics. These fabrics can trap heat and sweat, which can irritate the skin.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make sensitive skin worse.

If you have any concerns about your sensitive skin, please talk to your dermatologist about a skincare routine for sensitive skin. They can help you develop a personalized skincare routine for you.

Stella M. Bulengo, MD, FAAD, FASDP

Board-certified in Dermatology & Dermatopathology

Founder RE-JUV® SKIN MD

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These products were developed by board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Bulengo. They are specially formulated for melanated skin and made of all-natural plant-based ingredients.

References

https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/content/blog/sensitive-skin-routine

Photo credit: cottonbro studio