At some time in our lives, we can all experience skin sensitivity. One day your skincare routine seems to be working perfectly, and the next you might find yourself dealing with redness, dryness, itching, tightness, burning or uncomfortable stinging.
Having sensitive skin doesn't mean you need to give up on skincare altogether. In many cases, a simpler, gentler routine can help your skin feel calmer, more comfortable and better nourished.
But what exactly is sensitive skin? What causes it? Which ingredients should you look for and which should you be cautious of? And is natural skincare actually better for sensitive skin?
In this guide, we'll explore how to care for sensitive skin, how to identify potential triggers and how to build a simple sensitive skincare routine that works for you.
Please note: Sensitive skin can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying skin condition. If your skin is persistently inflamed, painful, very itchy, cracked, bleeding or developing a rash, speak to your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist for personalised medical advice.
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is an all-encompassing term for a number of issues that mean your skin is more prone to reacting to products, environmental factors or other triggers.
Sensitivity can occur with any skin type, including dry, oily, combination or mature skin. You may have naturally sensitive skin, or your skin may become temporarily sensitive when its protective barrier is compromised.
Common signs of sensitive skin include:
- Redness or flushing
- Stinging or burning
- Itching
- Tightness or discomfort
- Dry, flaky or rough patches
- Small bumps or irritation
- Increased sensitivity to skincare products
- Skin that feels uncomfortable after cleansing
- Reactions to fragrance or certain cosmetic ingredients
Sensitive skin can also be associated with conditions such as eczema, rosacea, contact dermatitis or other inflammatory skin conditions. If you're experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it's important to find out whether there is an underlying cause rather than simply trying different skincare products.
Why does skin become sensitive?
There isn't one single cause of sensitive skin.
Your skin has a natural protective barrier which helps keep moisture in while protecting the skin from external irritants. When this barrier becomes disrupted, skin can become more dry, reactive and uncomfortable.
Your skin barrier can be affected by many things, including:
- Harsh or over-cleansing
- Hot water
- Excessive exfoliation
- Using too many active skincare products
- Fragrance and certain essential oils
- Cold, wind or very dry weather
- Sun exposure and hot weather
- Friction from clothing or skin rubbing
- Shaving
- Changes in hormones
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or contact dermatitis
Sometimes the cause is obvious. Other times, it can take a little detective work to work out what your skin is reacting to.
How can I find out what is causing my sensitive skin?
Before changing your entire skincare routine, it can be useful to take a step back.
If you've suddenly developed sensitivity, think about what has changed recently. Have you introduced a new cleanser, serum, make-up product, laundry detergent or haircare product? Have you been exfoliating more frequently? Has the weather changed?
You may also find it useful to keep a simple skincare diary, noting products used and any reactions that occur as well as any dietary or lifestyle triggers.
Remember that irritation isn't always immediate. Some reactions can take time to appear, particularly with contact dermatitis.
If you suspect an allergy or have persistent reactions, a doctor or dermatologist can help investigate the cause. Patch testing carried out by a medical professional can be used to identify certain contact allergies.
Always patch test new skincare
When introducing a new product, patch testing can be a sensible precaution, particularly if your skin is easily irritated.
Apply a small amount to a discreet area of skin and monitor it before applying the product more widely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions where available.
A home patch test can't guarantee that you won't react to a product, but it can help you identify obvious irritation before using it all over your face. We offer a sample postage service which you may find useful and you can always book a complimentary appointment at our studio if you want to patch test and get advice in person.
If your skin is already very inflamed or you have a history of significant allergic reactions, seek professional advice rather than experimenting with multiple new products.
How to care for sensitive skin
1. Keep your skincare routine simple
When your skin is reacting, it's tempting to add more products in the hope that something will fix it.
At Blomma Beauty we champion a minimalist approach to beauty. Rather than using lots of different products, concentrate on simple basics: gentle cleansing, hydration, moisturising and protection from the sun.
You can pinpoint what causes sensitivity more easily and then, once your skin feels comfortable, you can decide whether you actually need anything else.
An example of a simple skincare routine for sensitive skin might be...
Morning
- Gentle cleanse, or simply rinse with lukewarm water or a hydrosol if your skin doesn't need cleansing
- Gentle moisturiser
- Broad-spectrum SPF
Evening
- Gentle cleanser
- Moisturiser
- Optional face oil or soothing product if your skin tolerates it
2. Cleanse minimally and gently
Cleansing is important, but your cleanser shouldn't leave your skin feeling tight, squeaky or uncomfortable. For dry or sensitive skin, cleansing once in the evening may be sufficient, particularly if you don't wear heavy make-up or sunscreen during the day.
For sensitive or dry skin, look for a gentle cream, lotion, milk or balm cleanser rather than a harsh foaming cleanser. You want to remove dirt, make-up and excess oils without unnecessarily stripping the skin.
What to look for in a sensitive skin cleanser
Depending on your individual skin, you may prefer:
- Cream or balm textures
- Gentle cleansing oils
- Fragrance-free formulations
- Essential-oil-free formulations if you know fragrance is a trigger
- Simple ingredient lists
- Nourishing plant oils and butters
If you're using a cleanser that needs to be rinsed off, avoid very hot water and don't scrub.
Blomma Beauty product suggestion: Lyonsleaf Unscented Beauty Balm
3. Moisturise regularly
Moisturiser is one of the most important products in a sensitive skincare routine.
A good moisturiser helps hydrate the skin and supports the skin barrier, helping reduce moisture loss. Emollients are also commonly used to help manage dry and irritated skin conditions.
Look for a moisturiser that feels comfortable on your skin rather than choosing one simply because it is marketed as being for sensitive skin.
Depending on how dry your skin is, you may prefer a lightweight lotion, richer cream or facial oil or balm if you want to avoid preservation systems. And, if your skin struggles to retain moisture, applying your moisturiser onto damp skin can help create a moisture lock.
Blomma Beauty product suggestion: Silvan Skincare Pure Face Cream
4. Be careful with exfoliation
Exfoliation isn't necessarily forbidden if you have sensitive skin, but it is one area where less is usually more.
Physical scrubs, cleansing brushes and strong acids can all be too much for already irritated skin. If your skin is currently red, sore, flaky or stinging, take a break from exfoliating rather than trying to scrub away the flakes.
5. Introduce active ingredients slowly
Ingredients such as retinoids, exfoliating acids, vitamin C and acne treatments can be useful for particular skin concerns, but they aren't essential for everyone.
If you have sensitive skin, introducing several active ingredients at once makes it difficult to know what is causing irritation.
If you want to introduce an active ingredient:
- Start with one new product at a time
- Use it less frequently initially and dilute if possible
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions
- Don't introduce multiple new actives simultaneously
- Stop if your skin becomes persistently irritated
- Speak to a dermatologist or other qualified professional if you are treating a skin condition
Healthy skin doesn't have to mean using lots of active ingredients so you may wish to avoid them altogether.
6. Be cautious with fragrance and essential oils
Fragrance is one of the ingredients worth paying particular attention to if you have sensitive or reactive skin. This includes both synthetic fragrance and naturally aromatic ingredients such as essential oils.
Natural doesn't automatically mean non-irritating. Essential oils can smell beautiful and have a place in aromatherapy, but they can also cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
If your skin is particularly sensitive, consider choosing products that are fragrance-free and essential-oil-free, particularly for products that remain on the skin.
Also remember that "unscented" and "fragrance-free" aren't necessarily the same thing. If fragrance is a known trigger for you, check the ingredient list rather than relying only on the front of the packaging.
7. Don't assume that "natural" means better for sensitive skin
This is an important one, particularly for anyone shopping for natural skincare.
We love natural and organic skincare at Blomma Beauty, particularly because the ingredient list shows easily recognisable ingredients, but natural skincare isn't automatically better for sensitive skin.
Plants contain many powerful compounds, and some natural ingredients can irritate or sensitise the skin. Essential oils are a good example.
The most important thing is to find products that your individual skin tolerates well.
If you prefer natural skincare, look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and choose simple formulations that suit your particular needs. You can always ask us for advice as we stock a number of brands so aren't loyal to one particular product over another.
8. Protect sensitive skin from the sun
Sun protection is important for everyone, including people with sensitive skin.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and combine sunscreen with shade, clothing and a hat when appropriate.
If you find that some sunscreens irritate your skin, patch test different formulations until you find one that you can comfortably use. We refer mineral suncreams which you can learn more about here
Blomma Beauty product suggestion: Odylique Organic Mineral SPF 30
What should I do if my sensitive skin is having a reaction?
If your skin suddenly becomes red, itchy, sore or uncomfortable, stop using it immediately and rinse the area with water. Avoid applying any further products and seek medical advice if symptoms are persistent, severe, painful, widespread or accompanied by swelling or other concerning symptoms
Then remove that product and any others you think are causing irritation from your routine. Return to products and a simpler routine that you know make your skin feel comfortable. Avoid exfoliating or introducing new active ingredients while your skin is irritated.
Remember that skincare products can support the skin, but conditions such as eczema, rosacea and contact dermatitis may need specific medical treatment.
Our sensitive skin product edit
We carefully select the independent natural and organic beauty brands we stock at Blomma Beauty, and several have products that can be particularly useful if you're looking for gentle skincare. If you're shopping for sensitive skin, these are the product categories we'd suggest starting with:
Cleanser
We have lots of options here, including Casa Mencarelli's Tomato Cleanser which is rich in anti‐oxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins and carotenes, lycopene and phytosterols as well as other key nutrients that play an important role in promoting healthy, radiant soft skin.
For more sensitive acne-prone skin that can handle a little essential oil, Lyonsleaf's Beauty Balm is ideal (they also have a fragrance free option which has no essential oils). It's made with organic shea butter, macadamia and jojoba oils to calm, heal and lift away dirt and grime for gentle everyday cleansing.
Moisturiser
Sensitive skin shouldn't stop you from enjoying a luxurious face cream. Silvan Skincare have formulated 5 different moisturisers for the most common skin types including the Pure Face Cream which is an essential oil free day and night moisturiser. It's a blend of really gentle, easily absorbed oils like apricot and jojoba to keep skin hydrated and soothed, it's also Vegan Society certified making it our best vegan skincare for sensitive skin.
If the thought of applying a rich cream into your skin would be too painful. Why not try a really gentle lotion like Odylique's Repair Lotion which is so light you can gently pat it into your skin. It's suitable for the face and body and for all ages from 3 months onwards so is an ideal choice for the whole family's skincare needs. There's biodynamic chickweed, anti-inflammatory chamomile and calming calendula to help heal, soothe and hydrate irritated skin.
Face Oil
We have two organic face oils in our range that are essential oil free and formulated specifically for sensitive skin; Lyonsleaf's Facial Oil which is a smoothing and plumping blend of anti-inflammatory plant oils; and Casa Mencarelli's Sea Buckthorn Serum which is a lighter consistency for fast absorption but still gives tonnes of hydration and softness.
Makeup
All three of the natural make up brands we stock at Blomma Beauty are ideal for sensitive skin. For flawless coverage using loose mineral pigments, opt for vegan and cruelty free make up brand BareFaced Beauty; shimmery evening looks, it's Bomonde Make Up and for that everyday natural make up look, choose certified organic make up from Odylique.
Sensitive skin FAQs
Is sensitive skin a skin type?
Sensitive skin is better described as a tendency for the skin to react to particular products, ingredients or environmental factors. It can occur alongside any skin type, including dry, oily, combination and mature skin.
Is natural skincare better for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily. Natural ingredients can still cause irritation or allergic reactions. Essential oils and other naturally fragrant ingredients, for example, aren't suitable for everyone with sensitive skin. The best skincare is skincare that your individual skin tolerates well.
Is fragrance bad for sensitive skin?
Fragrance isn't necessarily a problem for everyone, but fragranced products can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some people. If your skin is particularly sensitive or you know fragrance is a trigger, choosing fragrance-free products may be a useful place to start.
Should sensitive skin use essential oils?
If your skin is very sensitive or reactive, you may prefer to avoid essential oils in leave-on skincare. Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic plant extracts and can cause irritation or sensitisation in some people.
How often should you exfoliate sensitive skin?
There is no set frequency that works for everyone. If your skin is irritated, dry, red or stinging, it's best to pause exfoliation. Once your skin is calm, you can decide whether gentle exfoliation is actually necessary and introduce it cautiously.
What is the best moisturiser for sensitive skin?
The best moisturiser is one that provides enough hydration for your skin without causing irritation. If your skin is particularly reactive, you may want to start with a simple, fragrance-free or essential-oil-free formulation.
What is the best cleanser for sensitive skin?
A gentle cream, lotion or balm cleanser can be a good option for sensitive skin because it can remove dirt and make-up without the stripping feeling that some harsher cleansers can cause.
Can I use face oils on sensitive skin?
Yes, if your skin tolerates them. Choose a simple facial oil and introduce it gradually. If you're very reactive, an essential-oil-free formulation or a simple single-ingredient oil may be a good place to start.
Is mineral make-up better for sensitive skin?
Mineral make-up can work well for some people with sensitive skin, but being mineral doesn't automatically mean that a product won't cause irritation. Always check the full ingredient list and patch test new products if you're prone to reactions.
Can sensitive skin use retinol?
Some people with sensitive skin can use retinoids, but they can also cause dryness and irritation, particularly when first introduced. If you're interested in using retinol, introduce it slowly and consider seeking advice from a dermatologist or skincare professional, particularly if you already have an inflammatory skin condition.
How can I calm irritated skin?
The first step is usually to identify and remove the potential trigger. Simplify your skincare routine, avoid exfoliation and harsh products, use gentle cleansing and moisturising, and give your skin time to recover. If irritation is persistent or severe, seek medical advice.
When should I see a dermatologist about sensitive skin?
Consider seeking professional advice if your skin is persistently red, itchy, painful, inflamed or peeling, if you frequently react to skincare products, or if you suspect you may have eczema, rosacea, contact dermatitis or another skin condition.