A Simple Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin
For those with a sensitive complexion, it’s important to avoid doing anything that might irritate it further or cause an adverse reaction. Simplicity is often the key as well as using gentle, calming ingredients that soothe redness, irritation and inflammation. Steer clear of ingredients that sensitive skin doesn’t tend to tolerate well such as Alcohol, Mineral Oils, AHAs, Limonene, Fragrance, Parabens, Sulphates, and Linalool.
Always check the credentials of any skincare product that you’re considering purchasing, particularly in the case of sensitivity. After all, we’re constantly bombarded with marketing terms like hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and alcohol free which can be confusing. These clinical terms mean different things and sadly, sometimes there are products out there that play on such ambiguity.
Whatever your complexion, you should always read the label and find out what’s in a product. Any brand worth their salt will list the benefits and contraindications of their ingredients on their website and product descriptions and if in doubt, google them. With a little bit of detective work, you can usually find out what clinical tests a skincare brand has conducted and information about their results. You want to ask the question, what makes this brand qualified to say that the product is dermatologist-tested? If this information is not freely available on their website, take that as a warning sign!
Simple Skincare Routine
Although having a sensitive complexion may mean that you’re slightly more limited when it comes to skincare products, that doesn’t mean that you should skimp on skincare. It’s still essential to keep your skin clean and moisturised as well as managing any irritation. That way, you’ll keep it looking its best for as long as possible.
So, what’s necessary? Well, if you want to have a convenient, simple routine, three steps should be enough. A cleanser can be used to clear away daily grime and prevent pores from clogging. A long-lasting moisturiser that delivers maximum nourishment and hydration will also defend against dryness and chapping which often goes hand in hand with sensitive skin.
Then, depending on your primary skincare concern, you can add another product in. For instance, if you suffer redness or rosacea, you might want to incorporate a product that specifically targets the redness. But if you’re worried about lines around the eyes, look for an anti-ageing product. The key thing is that anything you do use should be formulated so that it's suitable for sensitive skin.
Sensitive Skincare Routine
For a great start to your morning and evening routine, your go to product is Dr Barbara Sturm Cleanser. Perfect for deep cleansing, this is gentle enough not to upset the skin’s natural balance. It expertly clears away dirt, make-up, excess oil, and environmental pollutants, leaving the skin utterly purified and ready to receive follow-on products like serums and moisturisers.
A montage of super sensitive ingredients has been incorporated into this formula including Panthenol and Aloe to calm and soothe the complexion. Anti-ageing powerhouse, Purslane is also in there to tackle those frustrating signs of premature ageing.
The next step for your skincare routine is SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel. Apply twice daily after cleansing and let this revolutionary lightweight gel containing natural botanicals like cucumber, thyme and olive leaf plus hyaluronic acid soothe and moisturise the complexion. Not forgetting that it’s wonderful at reducing the redness, sensitivity and inflammation associated with acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation and even post-procedure skin. This amazing green gel-like fluid also strengthens the skin’s barrier, preventing irritants from getting through so you can achieve a clear, fresh, healthy, hydrated complexion.
The third key step in this simple skincare routine is your hydration product. We love the best-selling Obagi Hydrate® for the daytime and the extra-strength and ultra-rich overnight moisturiser, Obagi Hydrate Luxe® for your evening routine.
If you’re not already acquainted with Obagi®, it might interest you to know that they have over 30 years of experience creating clinically proven, dermatologist tested products and pride themselves on formulating products that are suitable for sensitive skin.
These non-irritating, non-sensitising, allergy-tested hydrators use the advanced ingredient, Hydromanil™ to fight dehydration. These are special molecules, derived from the Tara Seed which form a tight matrix across the skin’s surface. This has several benefits because not only does it supply instant hydration, but it prevents water loss, ensuring that moisture is retained, and enabling nourishment from other active compounds to be gradually delivered over the course of eight hours as demonstrated by their clinical tests.
With the addition of natural nourishers, Shea Butter, Mango Butter and Avocado to naturally soothe the skin, the complexion is transformed from within, correcting damage to reveal rejuvenated and younger looking skin.
With this simple, but highly effective skincare routine, you can be sure to soothe and nourish your sensitive skin. With regular use, you can expect it to look even more healthy, radiant and youthful over the longer term too.
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