Sensitive Skin Skincare Routine

The best skincare routine for sensitive skin keeps it simple: a gentle cleanser, a barrier-repairing moisturizer, and a mineral SPF 50 sunscreen in the morning. At night, swap to an ultra-mild cleanser and a soothing night moisturizer. The fewer steps, the less opportunity for irritation. Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formulas are your best starting point.

Sensitive skin is less a skin type and more a skin condition that can occur alongside dry, oily, or combination skin. It's characterized by heightened reactivity, including redness, stinging, itching, or burning in response to common skincare ingredients or environmental triggers. The goal of a sensitive skin routine is to minimize these reactions by strengthening the barrier and reducing exposure to potential irritants.

Look for calming, barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. These ingredients hydrate the skin, reinforce the barrier, and reduce redness without causing irritation. Avoid synthetic fragrances, alcohol (SD or denatured), strong exfoliating acids, and sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Yes, but with caution. Sensitive skin can tolerate gentle exfoliation, like a mild lactic acid used once or twice per week, but harsh scrubs and high-percentage AHAs or BHAs can cause irritation. If you want to introduce retinol, start with a low concentration and apply it just once or twice a week at night. Always follow with a barrier-supporting moisturizer.

Yes, mineral (physical) sunscreens formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally better tolerated by sensitive skin than chemical sunscreens. Chemical UV filters can cause stinging or redness in reactive skin types, while mineral filters sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays without penetrating. Look for fragrance-free, oil-free options specifically formulated for sensitive or reactive skin.

Look for products labeled fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested. These are good indicators that a formula has been developed with sensitive skin in mind. When trying a new product, always perform a patch test by applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist or jaw for 24–48 hours before using it on your full face.