Sensitive skincare

What is sensitive skin?

If you struggle with flushed skin, redness, persistent stinging or if you tend to have negative reactions to skincare products in general, your skin is likely sensitive. We’re here to help you understand sensitive skin better, so that you can finally source the right skincare for the soothing relief your skin deserves.

How to improve sensitive skin

It’s imperative that your sensitive skincare routine includes gentle ingredients that are proven to strengthen and defend the skin. All products in your routine should also be 100% fragrance free, as fragrance is a major trigger for sensitive skin. Our commitment to safe & smart beauty means our products are free of ingredients that research proves are irritating, drying or likely to worsen skin concerns.

To start with, dry sensitive skin needs a cream cleanser with mild cleansing agents that protect the skin while removing makeup, oil and impurities, leaving your skin soft, smooth and clean. If your sensitive skin has a combination or oily skin type, then look for a gel cleanser that is lightweight on the skin but still effective in removing excess oil and debris.

After cleansing, sensitive skin toners play a critical role by replenishing the skin with soothing antioxidants and proven skin-calming agents. We suggest a hydrating sensitive skin toner filled with soothing antioxidants to revitalise the skin and reduce redness.

People with sensitive skin may be unsure how to exfoliate sensitive skin at home or be tempted to skip exfoliating altogether. But all skin types can reap the benefits of gentle exfoliation if the right product is chosen. A non-abrasive, leave-on CALM 1% BHA Exfoliant is the perfect solution to smooth & soothe sensitive skin. BHA (beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid) has natural skin-calming properties that can reduce redness, unclog congested or enlarged pores and diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

When looking to add additional treatments into your routine, a sensitive skin serum is a great option. The right formula rejuvenates the skin with anti-ageing ingredients that research shows are also ultra-gentle and soothing. This is an important distinction, as some serums contain bio-active ingredients that can be too potent for sensitive skin. However, our Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum has a blend of antioxidants & nourishing plant oils to keep skin smooth, hydrated and youthful.

For a sensitive skin moisturiser to apply in the morning, turn to the Skin Recovery Daily Moisturising Lotion SPF 30 to soothe and protect dry skin in one simple step. The daytime formula must include sunscreen to protect sensitive skin, since unprotected sun exposure affects all skin types. Research has shown that sunscreens with only mineral active ingredients (titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) are the gentlest on sensitive skin.

Last but not least, end each routine with a Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturiser to instantly restore and hydrate. At night, your sensitive skin moisturiser should provide soothing relief. Dry, sensitive skin benefits from non-fragrant plant oils, antioxidants and skin-soothing ingredients. Oily, sensitive skin needs a special blend of non-greasy hydrators, gentle antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients.

More sensitive skin treatments

There are hidden factors that worsen redness and sensitivity, including factors from the environment and from what you consume. Wind, extreme heat from saunas and jacuzzis, spicy food, alcohol and caffeine can all be triggers.

Using the wrong skincare products can have the same negative effect – to reiterate, all sensitive skin treatments should be fragrance free. Avoid harsh scrubs, stiff cleansing brushes and skin-aggravating ingredients, including alcohol (SD or denatured), menthol and fragrant essential oils.

Surprising but true: There are no regulations around using the claim “for sensitive skin” so products labelled as such can and often do contain these types of irritating ingredients (especially fragrance). We created our Paula’s Choice Skincare CALM Collection with a 100% irritant-free, research-driven approach so that you don’t have to worry about harmful ingredients that might be hiding under a “sensitive skin” label.

What to do when sensitivity persists?

If your sensitive skin still needs help, visiting your dermatologist is the next step. A dermatologist can prescribe advanced sensitive skin treatments to keep redness and sensitivity under control. When coupled with a gentle skincare routine, you’ll have the best of both worlds for sensitive skin.