The Most Effective Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

It’s challenging to find a gentle but effective skincare routine for sensitive skin. The tiniest trigger (like washing off your makeup) can make it red and itchy. Sometimes hidden fragrances or ingredients will cause a breakout or rash. Unfortunately, sensitive skin can also have other issues: dryness, oiliness, breakouts, ageing. But we’ve got the solution — dermatologists share the best skin care steps to make sensitive skin strong, healthy and beautiful.

Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser

“Wash your face twice a day: in the morning and at night. Our skin is exposed to pollutants and irritants like dust or airborne bacteria even when we sleep. Your skin may also have residue from last night’s face masks and creams,” says Dr. Loretta Ciraldo.

Ciraldo says that overwashing is usually caused by the kind of cleanser you use, and not by how frequently you wash. She recommends getting a gently exfoliating cleanser that clears out pores and dirt but won’t strip away moisture.

We recommend Recherché Amino Acid Cleansing Mousse — the best cleanser for sensitive skin!

The secret is in its unique formula. Instead of harsh chemicals it uses natural cleansing agents that are made from amino acids (the building blocks of your skin). That’s two benefits in one: it cleans your skin, and restores it.

Even if it’s gentle, it’s effective! Nano-cleansing molecules break down everything from makeup to pollution. You don’t need to use makeup remover!

Any effective skincare routine for sensitive skin should also address other possible issues like dryness or acne. Recherche Cleansing Mousse has you covered! It has orange essential oil: natural antiseptic that fights infection, redness and swelling, and improves your skin’s ability to absorb Vitamin C and produce collagen. It also contains lavender oil tocalms the skin and kills bacteria that can cause acne. Both oils are packed with antioxidants that fight free radical damage and premature ageing!

Stay hydrated with a facial mist

Sensitive skin gets dry really quickly. Keep it hydrated the whole day by spraying or patting a facial mist every few hours. “Airconditioning can dry out your skin as much as a whole day outdoors,” says dermatologist Bill Sadick.

We recommend Wild Products 100% Pure and Organic Rosewater Mist. You can use it as a toner after cleansing (it will rebalance your skin and restore moisture) but you can also use it all throughout the day! Not only is this award-winning mist extremely gentle and refreshing, the rosewater helps control redness.

Wild Products 100% Pure and Organic Rosewater Mist can also be used as an emergency makeup remover! Spray on a cotton pad or cotton bud to remove smudged eye makeup or wipe your face clean before going to the gym.

“I really love this facial mist! It smells so good and feels refreshing. Unlike other toners, it doesn’t sting or feel painful when I reapply it. Definitely one of the best facial toners for people with sensitive skin like me!” says one beauty review.

Strengthen your skin with a facial oil

“People with sensitive skin usually have a damaged moisture barrier,” says dermatologist Wendy EIigenman. This is the top layer of the skin that traps moisture and shields other skin layers from external aggressors (dust, chemicals, allergens, etc). “Your skin’s natural shield is weak. Any effective skincare routine for sensitive skin has to repair it and make it stronger.”

We recommend Volcanic Earth Certified Organic 100% Pure Tamanu Oil.

Tamanu oil is one of the best skincare ingredients for sensitive skin. It helps cell regeneration, and is full of fatty acids and lipids that can restore your moisture barrier. It can also soothe sunburn and sun damage, fade blemishes, and relieve pain and irritation. Tamanu oil is also full of antioxidants and Vitamin E.

Volcanic Earth Certified Organic 100% Pure Tamanu Oil is harvested from the nuts of coastal trees rather than inland or man-made plantations. It has zero additives and hasn’t been diluted or processed.

Use a healing, non-irritating moisturizer

Dermatologist Sharon Keyes says that sensitive skin should be very careful when picking moisturizers.”You’re never sure what can trigger your skin, so pick a product that contains less chemicals and artificial fragrances or preservatives.”

The moisturizer should be hypoallergenic, and ideally developed especially for sensitive skin. We recommend Bio-Klinik Restorative Moisturiser.

This restorative moisturizer is one of the best skincare products for people with sensitive skin. It can help with eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. It’s also natural, vegan, and free from any known irritants. Your skin is safe — and becomes healthier and stronger over time!

“I have very sensitive skin that gets especially dry and itchy during the summer and allergy season. When I have a flare-up, my skin can feel as rough and tough as sandpaper,” says one beauty review. “This heavy-duty moisturizer worked miracles on my sensitive skin. It relieved the itchiness. After a week, I could really see and feel the difference,” says one beauty review.

Deep-moisturize twice a week with a mask

Sensitive skin needs extra TLC! Aside from daily cleansing and hydration, treat it with masks. “Masks are a great way to give deep-moisturization while targeting dullness and discoloration — which is a frequent side effect of having very dry and irritated skin.”

We recommend S-Labo Haikara Soy Milk Yogurt Pack. Just apply twice a week to infuse your skin with extra moisture. “My skin felt so soft and smooth after using this mask. I couldn’t stop touching it!” says one beauty review.

S-Labo Haikara Soy Milk Yogurt Pack doesn’t just soften the skin — it also helps prevent wrinkles and evens out skin tone. That’s because soy milk can even out skin tone. It has lactic acid — a gentle, mild alternative to AHAs and BHAs — that slough off dead skin cells and fade discoloration. It can make your skin look brighter, whiter and more even — without any irritation!

This award-winning mask also has honey and royal jelly to improve skin elasticity and heal damaged skin cells. With its mix if brightening, lightening, moisturizing and anti-ageing, it’s a welcome addition to any effective skincare routine for sensitive skin!