Sensitive Skin 101: Causes, Care, and Best Products

Sensitive skin reacts easily to things like skincare products, weather changes, or even stress. It may feel dry, itchy, or sting with certain triggers. This guide explores what causes sensitive skin, how to recognize it, and the best ways to care for it with a gentle routine.

What Is Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin isn’t a medical condition, but it’s a way of describing skin that reacts more easily to things like skincare products, temperature changes, or even certain fabrics. People with sensitive skin may find that their skin doesn’t tolerate products or conditions as well as other skin types. Common signs of sensitive skin include redness, itching, dryness, or stinging when using certain products.

Sensitive skin can result from genetics, environment (extreme weather), harsh ingredients (like alcohol, fragrances, or sulfates), over-exfoliation (weakening the skin’s barrier), or allergies.

Pop Quiz: Which Picture Shows Sensitive Skin?

This is a trick question! We don’t know which picture shows sensitive skin. Sensitive skin isn’t always visible—it’s based on how a person’s skin reacts to certain triggers, not necessarily on how it looks. Skin may appear calm and normal (Option A) or show redness and irritation (Option B) depending on recent exposures, but either could be sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is usually identified through a person’s history of reactions rather than through visible signs alone.

If you are interested, Option B shows a damaged skin barrier. You can read more about it here.

Signs of Sensitive Skin

If you suspect you have sensitive skin, look for these common signs:

Frequent Irritation: If your skin often reacts to new products, even those labeled “gentle,” this could mean your skin is sensitive. For example, if your skin turns red, itchy, or feels uncomfortable after using new skincare products, that’s a sign.

Seasonal Flare-Ups: Many people with sensitive skin notice changes with the seasons. For instance, you might experience more redness, dryness, or irritation during winter when the air is cold and dry. If your skin tends to act up in certain weather conditions, it could mean your skin is more sensitive than average.

Reaction to Cleansers: Pay attention to how your skin feels after washing. If your skin feels tight, dry, or itchy after cleansing, it could be a sign of sensitivity. A gentle cleanser should make your skin feel clean but comfortable, not dry or tight.

Redness: Sensitive skin often shows redness or blotchiness, especially after applying products or during weather changes.

Burning or Stinging: Products can sometimes cause burning or stinging sensations. This reaction can be a sign that your skin barrier is too weak to handle even mild ingredients.

Dryness or Flaking: Sensitive skin may also feel dry or have flaky patches, especially in harsh weather. When skin loses moisture, it can feel tight and look dull.

Itching: This is another common sign of sensitivity. You might feel an urge to scratch or rub your skin after using certain products or when your skin becomes too dry.

Knowing these signs can help you identify if you have sensitive skin and help you take the right steps to care for it.

How to Care for Sensitive Skin

Caring for sensitive skin requires a gentle and thoughtful approach. It’s essential to choose products that soothe and protect your skin instead of irritating it. The main goal is to keep your skincare routine simple and effective, avoiding harsh ingredients that could cause further sensitivity. Listening to how your skin responds to different products is also crucial. By focusing on the basics of skincare, you can help strengthen your skin barrier and make it feel more comfortable and healthy. Here are some key steps to follow for taking care of sensitive skin:

Choose Gentle Products

Use only gentle, fragrance-free products. Use a mild, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Moisturizers should be fragrance-free. Choose a sunscreen with mineral filters.

Test Products Before Use

Always patch test new products. Apply a small amount on your inner arm or behind your ear and wait 24-48 hours to check for a reaction before using it on your face.

Find the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

Fragrance-Free vs Unscented

Fragrance-free (👍🏻) means that fragrance materials or masking scents are not used in the product. Unscented (👎🏻) means that the product may contain chemicals that mask the odors of other ingredients.

Soft Girl Era

Clothing and bedding can affect sensitive skin. Opt for soft, natural fabrics like cotton and use mild, fragrance-free laundry detergents.

Simplify Your Routine

A complicated routine with too many products can cause irritation. Stick to the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once your skin is stable, you can slowly add other products.

Friend or Foe?

If you have sensitive skin, sometimes “hydrating” and “calming” ingredients actually can irritate. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be irritating.

The Ordinary Exfoliating Lactic Acid 10%

Avoid Strong Active Ingredients

Some active ingredients can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Here are ingredients to use cautiously or avoid: retinol, glycolic acid (lactic acid can be okay), and certain types of Vitamin C.

KEEP THE RECEIPTS

Always keep the receipts when trying new skincare products, so you can return them if they cause irritation or don’t meet your expectations.

Sensitive Skin Skincare Routine

Creating a skincare routine for sensitive skin means focusing on gentle, soothing products that won’t irritate or disrupt the skin barrier. Here’s a simple routine to help keep your skin calm, hydrated, and protected:

Morning Routine: Use a gentle cleanser in the morning. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type—gel cleansers work well for oily skin, while creamy ones are better for dry skin. After cleansing, apply a hydrating moisturizer. Finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Night Routine: Before bed, start by cleansing your face to remove the dirt, oil, and any leftover makeup or sunscreen from the day. This step helps prevent clogged pores and prepares your skin to absorb other products. After cleansing, apply moisturizer to help repair and hydrate your skin while you sleep.

Ingredients to Calm Sensitive Skin

Here are some key ingredients known for calming the skin:

Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates irritated skin; great for reducing redness and inflammation.
Green Tea Extract: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce redness and irritation.
Chamomile Extract: Known for its calming effect, chamomile reduces inflammation and soothes sensitive skin.
Colloidal Oatmeal: A gentle, hydrating ingredient that relieves itching and reduces irritation, often used for eczema-prone skin.
Panthenol: Soothes and deeply hydrates, helping to reduce redness and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Licorice Root Extract: Brightens and calms the skin, also helping to reduce redness and inflammation.
Allantoin: An anti-irritant that soothes and promotes healing, ideal for sensitive and damaged skin.
Centella Asiatica (Cica): Often called “cica,” it’s known for its calming and healing effects, especially on sensitive and inflamed skin.
Cucumber Extract: Hydrates and cools the skin, reducing puffiness and calming irritation.
Squalane: Hydrates and soothes without clogging pores, providing moisture and comfort to sensitive or irritated skin.

The above ingredients are great for regular, daily use to calm sensitive skin. HOWEVER, if your skin barrier is CURRENTLY damaged (tight, red, burning, itchy, breakouts), follow the routine suggested in Skin Barrier 101.

Let’s move on to the best products to use regularly for sensitive skin!

Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, you need a cleanser that is gentle and soothing without irritating it. In this section, we’ll explore the best cleansers for sensitive skin that clean effectively while minimizing redness and discomfort.

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel that foams upon activation
Bromelain: Gently exfoliates
Amino Acids: Help maintain moisture
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to oily skin, sensitive skin

Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser

Texture: Gel that lathers lightly
Oat Extract: Soothes and calms skin
Glycerin: Hydrates
Panthenol: Moisturizes and softens skin
Best For: Sensitive, dry skin

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Texture: Clear, lightweight gel
Glycerin: Hydrates
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Gently cleanses without irritation
Free of: Dyes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates
Best For: Sensitive, reactive skin

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Texture: Rich, creamy
Glycerin: Hydrates
Pro-Vitamin B5: Soothes and moisturizes
Polyglycerin: Enhances moisture retention
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

Texture: Light, non-greasy lotion
Glycerin: Hydrates and retains moisture
Petrolatum: Seals in moisture
Free of: Dyes, fragrance, and parabens
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

Aveeno Calm + Restore™ Oat Gel Moisturizer

Aveeno Calm + Restore Moisturizer

Texture: Lightweight lotion
Oat Extract: Soothes and calms skin
Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer

Texture: Lightweight cream
Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier
Niacinamide: Calms and soothes
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to dry, sensitive skin

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Texture: Thick, creamy
Petrolatum: Locks in moisture
Glycerin: Attracts and retains moisture
Free of: Fragrances, dyes, parabens
Best For: Very dry, sensitive skin

Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

Moisturizers for sensitive skin are formulated to soothe and protect without causing irritation. They also often feature skin-repairing components such as ceramides or squalane to reinforce the skin's natural barrier. Avoid fragrances, alcohol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, as these can exacerbate sensitivity.

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer

Protection: SPF 30 (Mineral)
Texture: Lightweight cream
Vitamin E: Antioxidant
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 50 (Mineral)
Texture: Silky, fluid-like lotion
Vitamin E: Antioxidant
Silk Extract: Soothes and supports skin barrier
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to dry, sensitive skin

Dr. Jart Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 50 (Mineral)
Texture: Fluid-like lotion
Vitamin E: Antioxidant
Panthenol: Soothes
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to dry, sensitive skin

Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 45 (Mineral)
Texture: Lightweight, tinted lotion
Vitamin E: Antioxidant
Willow Bark Extract: Soothes skin
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to oily skin, with uneven skin tone

Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

The best sunscreens for sensitive skin are mineral-based, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients sit on the skin's surface to physically block UV radiation, minimizing the risk of irritation. With an SPF of at least 30, these sunscreens provide effective coverage and are ideal for those prone to skin reactions.

FAQ

What causes sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be caused by a weakened skin barrier, allergies, irritants, or conditions like eczema or rosacea.

How do I care for sensitive skin?
Use fragrance-free, gentle products with calming ingredients like aloe vera, oat extract, or niacinamide. Avoid alcohol-based products and harsh exfoliants.

Is sunscreen important for sensitive skin?
Yes, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal for sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation.

How can I test new skincare products for sensitive skin?
Perform a patch test by applying the product to a small area of skin, like behind your ear or on your wrist, and wait 24-48 hours to check for irritation.