The Best Daily Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

With so many options available in the market, it can be tempting to want to use them all. However, people with sensitive skin do not have the freedom to use so many products as they might cause irritation or inflammation. While people with other skin types get to experiment with various products, those with sensitive skin always have the fear of damaging their skin.

The extent of a person’s sensitivity varies from person to person. Thus, follow the below-mentioned routine only as per your comfort and skin tolerance. Here are some steps you can follow to take care of sensitive skin –

Cleanser:

Any skincare routine begins with clean skin. You won’t be able to reap the benefits of the other products if you do not start on clean skin. If you do not cleanse your face, it will lead to clogged pores, breakouts, irritation, and inflammation.

Select an ultra-gentle cleanser that will not dry out your skin. Do not use physical exfoliators or cleansers with micro-beads as these might further irritate the skin. Use cleansers that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers that are paraben-free, and soap-free. Use only cool or lukewarm water for your skin.

Do not wash your face more than twice a day. An interval of 9-10 hours between each wash is ideal, as your skin cells will have sufficient time to regenerate. An oil or milk-based cleanser can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin.

Toner:

Toners are known to refresh your skin without drying them out. They also prepare your skin for post-cleansing moisturizers and aid absorption. It also further clears out the dirt and other residues from the skin, giving the skin an even skin tone and smooth texture.

Select ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The best ingredients in a toner for sensitive skin are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, green tea, chamomile, and witch hazel. Ensure that it does not contain any potential irritants like alcohol or synthetic fragrance.

Moisturizer:

While your skin is slightly damp, apply a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, water or gel-based moisturizer for better absorption. Well-hydrated skin is essential to reduce the risk of irritation. Always select a moisturizer with fewer ingredients as it indicates fewer potential reactions.

Stay away from too many acids like alpha-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid. Ensure that you limit the use of creams that contain steroids to once or twice a week or as prescribed by your doctor. A moisturizer with an added SPF of 15 or more would be a bonus.

Sunscreen:

Although your moisturizer contains sunscreen it is essential to apply sunscreen that gives UVA and UVB protection. An SPF of 30 will give you around 96.7% protection and an SPF of 50 might give around 98% protection. No sunscreen can offer 100% protection.

People with sensitive skin should invest in a mild sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide along with a higher SPF. Do not use sunscreens that contain paraben or oxybenzone as they irritate the skin and cause rashes.

Weekly skincare routine

Gel-based face masks:

Gel-based face masks are known to soothe and calm sensitive skin. For calming your skin further you can put the mask in the fridge for an added cooling effect. Select masks that deeply moisturize your skin and calm irritated and inflamed skin. Use these gel-based masks or sheet masks once a week to pamper your sensitive skin.

Mild exfoliators:

People with sensitive skin should avoid scrubs with hard exfoliating particles. Instead, look for gentle exfoliators like lactic acid and mandelic acid. However, always do a patch test before using these serums. Do not use if irritation or inflammation occurs.

The best skincare routine is the one that is doable. You need to enjoy your routine and ensure that you cover the basics; you can skip any extra steps. Your skin’s needs can change significantly due to season, weather, and other external factors. Look for signs from your skin and act accordingly.