If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle—one wrong product and suddenly you’re dealing with redness, irritation, or breakouts. The key is a gentle, minimalist routine that soothes, protects, and strengthens your skin barrier without overwhelming it.
Here’s a simple, dermatologist-approved routine designed for sensitive skin.
Morning Routine (Protect & Soothe)
1. Gentle Cleanser
Choose a fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin. Look for cream or milk cleansers instead of foaming ones.
Ingredients to look for: glycerin, ceramides, oat extract.
2. Hydrating Toner or Essence (Optional)
Skip if your skin reacts easily, but if tolerated, a lightweight hydrating toner can calm irritation.
Ingredients: rose water, panthenol, aloe vera.
3. Lightweight Moisturizer
A calming moisturizer locks in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier.
Look for ceramides, squalane, or colloidal oatmeal.
4. Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable)
Sensitive skin still needs daily SPF, but chemical sunscreens may cause reactions.
Choose mineral (physical) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Night Routine (Repair & Replenish)
1. Cleanser
Same gentle cleanser from the morning to remove impurities and sunscreen.
2. Treatment (Optional & Careful)
If you want to target redness or uneven tone, introduce soothing actives slowly.
Niacinamide (low concentration, 2–5%) or azelaic acid are great for calming irritation and reducing inflammation.
3. Rich Moisturizer or Night Cream
Choose a thicker, fragrance-free cream to restore your skin barrier overnight.
Look for shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Ingredients to Avoid with Sensitive Skin
- Alcohol-heavy toners
- Harsh scrubs
- Strong essential oils (like peppermint or citrus)
- High concentrations of retinol or exfoliating acids (unless guided by a dermatologist)
Extra Tips for Sensitive Skin
- Patch test every new product before applying to your whole face.
- Stick to fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas.
- Don’t overload your routine—less is more with sensitive skin.
- Maintain a consistent routine; frequent product switching can trigger reactions.