For skin that needs a little extra loving care.
Diving into the world of skincare can be intimidating for anyone — there seems to be an endless list of different kinds of gels and creams and oils, each for a different purpose, condition, and skin type. For people with sensitive skin, skincare can be even more overwhelming. And who wants to spend money on a product that only makes their skin red, dry, or irritated?
Have no fear! We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about dealing with sensitive skin: what to do, what not to do, and what ingredients to look for.
What exactly is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is actually quite an ambiguous term, comprising a range of skin issues from severe allergies to genetic conditions such as eczema or rosacea. Sometimes, what people describe as “sensitive skin” is actually just a reaction to a specific product or ingredient, rather than their actual skin type.
Sensitive skin doesn’t have a “one size fits all” definition, but can describe skin that is prone to redness or irritation, has dry patches or broken capillaries, is sensitive to UV rays, reacts poorly to bad weather, or breaks out easily.
How to help sensitive skin
How to help sensitive skin1. Simplify your routine
After walking through the skincare aisle (or watching an influencer’s routine on Instagram), it’s easy to feel as though your skincare routine needs to include at least twenty different steps in order to be effective.
For people with sensitive skin, the most effective care is often the most simple: cleansing, moisturizing, and applying a sunscreen for added protection.
2. Focus on strengthening your moisture barrier
Your skin is an incredibly effective and adaptable protective barrier, but unspecialized care, harsh exfoliating products, and over-cleansing can compromise its resilience. For those with sensitive skin, maintaining a healthy moisture barrier is essential.
3. Avoid harsh exfoliants and over-cleansing
If there’s a single phrase that sums up sensitive skin treatment, it’s this: be gentle. Sensitive skin needs time to strengthen itself, and harsh exfoliators and scrubs will hinder this process — even if they make your skin feel good in the short term.
Instead of scrubs and exfoliators, choose a gentle, non-foaming cleanser — and wash your face with tepid water instead of hot. And remember, don’t overdo it! Over-cleansing can not only irritate your skin, but also damage your moisture barrier and strip away natural oils that your skin needs.
What’s the difference between double-cleansing and over-cleansing?
Over-cleansing is different from double-cleansing (hint: we like double-cleansing!) A double-cleanse is exactly what it sounds like — two separate cleanses, one right after the other. The first cleanse removes makeup, SPF, oil, and sweat from the surface of your face, while the second gets down to the nitty gritty of cleaning out the impurities from your pores. Over-cleansing, on the other hand, refers to cleansing too often (e.g., any time your face starts to feel a little oily throughout the day), which can harm the skin’s moisture barrier and cause irritation. A cleanse (or double-cleanse) in the morning, and another at night, is all you need.
4. Patch-test new sensitive skin products
Introducing new products to your sensitive skin is kind of like introducing yourself to a new pet — you have to do it carefully, to make sure they’re friendly. If your products don’t like you, they may cause irritation or an outbreak that could actually worsen your skin’s sensitivity.
To patch-test, apply a small amount of the new product on your skin and leave it for 24 hours. If it doesn’t cause irritation (yay!), you should be able to continue using it.
Patch-testing will also help you identify your triggers, or ingredients that are problematic for your skin. Keep track of which products irritate your skin and compare them, looking for ingredients they have in common. Yes, this is a bit of work, but it’s worth it for happy skin!
5. Keep showers short, cool, and effective
Sensitive skin doesn’t exist only on your face — it’s important to treat sensitive skin on your body gently, too.
A long, hot shower may feel great, but taking shorter showers (under ten minutes) with tepid water is much gentler on your skin. Avoid using loofahs or rough exfoliating brushes, which can irritate your skin. And don’t forget to lock in the moisture after your shower with a hydrating body moisturizer.
What to avoid
Sensitive skin varies from person to person, but there are a few things that everyone with sensitive skin should avoid.
Sun
Sensitivity to the sun and UV rays is one of the main indicators of sensitive skin. While everyone and every skin type should wear sunscreen every day — yes, every day! — sun protection is even more important for those with sensitive skin.
To combat the sun’s harmful rays, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and avoid synthetic sunscreens — mineral sunscreens like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are much kinder to sensitive skin.
Fragrance
For sensitive skin, fragrance is a big no-no. This includes perfumes, essential oils, and undisclosed fragrance (which just means that a manufacturer doesn’t have to tell you which chemicals make up the fragrance). Skin is great at hiding when it’s unhappy — so even if you don’t see immediate irritation after using products with fragrance, damage can occur deep within the skin that won’t manifest itself until years later, when it suddenly becomes red, inflamed, and easily irritated.
For products that do not stay on your face long, such as a cleanser, avoiding fragrance is less important; but be sure you are always using fragrance-free moisturizers and serums.
Irritating Ingredients
Fragrance isn’t the only thing on the ingredient list to watch out for — keep an eye out for all types of irritating ingredients. Sulfates, alcohol, preservatives such as parabens and methylisothiazolinone, chemical sunscreens, dyes, and even essential oils can cause dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions. Make a habit of reading the ingredients, and look for hypoallergenic products, like Aveeno® Calm + Restore™ Oat Gel Moisturizer.
Ingredients to look for
The following ingredients are especially good for sensitive skin:
- Feverfew extract delivers high antioxidant and anti‐irritant benefits, and significantly reduces the appearance of redness and irritation.
- Prebiotics such as oats encourage the growth of healthy microorganisms on the skin and strengthen its natural defense barriers.
- Colloidal oatmeal helps fight dry skin by maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier, or stratum corneum, which keeps the good things in and the bad things out. Colloidal oatmeal is made by grinding oat grain into a fine powder.
Building your perfect sensitive skin routine
With all of the above to consider, how do you build a simple, effective routine that gives your skin the soothing, strengthening, irritation-free care it deserves? Formulated with the power of prebiotic oat and feverfew — and free of irritants, dyes, and chemicals — New Aveeno Calm + Restore™ instantly soothes skin’s moisture barrier for stronger, more resilient skin over time. Here are a few products to consider as you build a routine for sensitive skin:
AveenoCalm + Restore™ Nourishing Oat Gel Cleanser
This fragrance-free cleanser uses soothing prebiotic oat to gently remove dirt, oil and makeup, while strengthening skin’s moisture barrier.
AveenoCalm + Restore™ Triple Oat Serum
Using the soothing, hydrating power of prebiotic oat and calming feverfew, this serum is perfect for irritated, dry, or sensitive skin. It’s free of fragrances, dyes, and irritants, and contains hydrating glycerin to keep your skin plump and fresh.
AveenoCalm + Restore™ Oat Gel Moisturizer
This hypoallergenic moisturizer for sensitive skin is formulated with nourishing prebiotic oat and soothing feverfew, and has a lightweight texture that’s free of irritants, dyes, and fragrances.
Aveeno® Positively Mineral™ Sunscreen, SPF 50
This easy-to-apply SPF 50 sunscreen will help protect your sensitive skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It contains pure oat essence and naturally sourced 100% zinc oxide, and is sweat and water resistant.
Summing it up
To help soothe, protect, and strengthen your sensitive skin, 1) be gentle, 2) read ingredient lists, and 3) become best friends with your sunscreen. Above all, remember that sensitive skin is different for everyone, and what works for someone else may not work for you. It may take some experimenting to find the right combination of ingredients, products, and practices for happy, healthy skin — but the results will be well worth the time and effort.
FAQs
Sensitive Skin: Your Daily Care | AVEENO®? ›
Instead of scrubs and exfoliators, choose a gentle, non-foaming cleanser — and wash your face with tepid water instead of hot. And remember, don't overdo it! Over-cleansing can not only irritate your skin, but also damage your moisture barrier and strip away natural oils that your skin needs.
What is the daily care of sensitive skin? ›Instead of scrubs and exfoliators, choose a gentle, non-foaming cleanser — and wash your face with tepid water instead of hot. And remember, don't overdo it! Over-cleansing can not only irritate your skin, but also damage your moisture barrier and strip away natural oils that your skin needs.
Is CeraVe OK for sensitive skin? ›If you experience skin redness, itching, burning, or stinging—especially when you apply skincare products—you may have sensitive skin. CeraVe's face cleansers for sensitive skin gently and effectively remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil, while hydrating and nourishing your skin.
Do dermatologists recommend Aveeno? ›Instantly soothe and relieve itchy, dry, sensitive skin with this nourishing itch relief balm. Create a healthy foundation for your skin with this anti-aging daily face moisturizer.
Why is it important to have a daily skincare routine? ›Good skin care is important for the following reasons: It helps your skin stay in good condition: You're shedding skin cells throughout the day, so it's important to keep your skin glowing and in good condition. An effective routine can help prevent acne, treat wrinkles, and help keep your skin looking its best.
What are the 4 types of sensitive skin? ›According to Dr. Lewis, sensitive skin can generally be divided up into four main types: naturally sensitive, environmentally sensitive, reactive, and thin.
Which daily cream is best for sensitive skin? ›- Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer. ...
- Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Day Cream. ...
- Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Nourishing Moisturizer. ...
- Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream with Rose Geranium and Vitamin E. ...
- Aveda Intense Hydrating Rich Creme. ...
- Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturiser.
You should not use CeraVe SA Renewing if you are allergic to it. Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
Is CeraVe or Cetaphil better? ›CeraVe is the safer bet for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. It's the one I use most often. If you want something for normal, combination, or oily skin, Cetaphil is a better place to start.
Do dermatologists really recommend CeraVe? ›Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
Why do dermatologists like Cetaphil? ›
For patients with acne, rosacea and eczema — all conditions that cause inflammation and skin irritation — Dr. Palep says that the Cetaphil cleanser helps to keep skin balanced when used as a part of a gentle skin care routine.
Is Cetaphil or Aveeno better? ›Compared to other skincare products, both Aveeno and Cetaphil are full of natural ingredients. However, Aveeno definitely has more. Aveeno is also more forward with how they go about being eco-friendly with specific action steps on their website. Therefore, when it comes to ingredients, Aveeno is the winner.
Does Jennifer Aniston really use Aveeno moisturizer? ›In a 2019 interview with InStyle, she stated she's been using moisturizing lotion since her teen years — for over three decades. Now as the face of Aveeno, Aniston's ageless skin is a testament to its effectiveness..
What are the 3 most important skin care products? ›- Step 1: Cleanser. ...
- Step 2: Moisturizer. ...
- Step 3: Sunscreen. ...
- Taking it to the next level: Antioxidants and retinoids. ...
- 3 (or 5) simple steps to beautiful skin.
- Step One: Gentle Cleanser. ...
- Step Two: Clarifying Toner. ...
- Step Three: Pitera™ Treatment. ...
- Step Four: Targeted Serums. ...
- Step Five: Anti-Aging Moisturizer.
The forehead and fingertips are the most sensitive parts to pain, according to the first map created by scientists of how the ability to feel pain varies across the human body.
What lotion is good for sensitive skin? ›Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Vanicream is a great option for very sensitive skin because it's incredibly gentle, says Kassardjian. Consider it a no-brainer for what it doesn't contain: common irritants, such as dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde.
Serious side effects of CeraVe
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
The products
This is because it is ideal for removing excess dirt and oil without irritating the skin's natural barrier. Cleansing is the first step to any skincare routine, and this one helps refresh the skin by maintaining its moisture balance. This helps to achieve an overall hydrated look.
The beauty of CeraVe is that it works across all skin types and tones — normal, oily, acne-prone or sensitive. Praised for its gentle and restorative qualities, all CeraVe formulas are made without fragrances, a common irritant for those with sensitive skin.
Is Neutrogena better than CeraVe? ›
Unlike the Cerave cleanser that is better used in your AM routine, the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser can be used in both your AM & PM routines. Whether you want a quick easy cleanse or you want to combine it with your cleansing oil for your deep cleanse, the Neutrogena cleanser is perfect.
What brands are better than CeraVe? ›- Earth Rhythm Restore Hydrating Cream Cleanser. Earth Rhythm Restore Hydrating Cream Cleanser. ...
- Globus Salicylic Acid Face Wash. ...
- Re'equil Moisturiser. ...
- Cetaphil Moisturising Cream. ...
- Neutrogena Oil Free Face Moisturizer SPF 15. ...
- Dr.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion wins this comparison if you have dry skin. While both are lightweight lotions and CeraVe contains ceramides and sodium hyaluronate, Cetaphil packs in moisturizing and soothing ingredients like avocado oil, panthenol, and vitamin B5, making it an excellent choice for dry skin.
Is it OK to use CeraVe everyday? ›How often should I apply CeraVe Moisturizing Cream? CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be applied as a face cream twice daily (morning and night), or as needed when your skin is feeling dry. For your body, apply liberally as often as needed.
What brands do dermatologists recommend? ›- Bioderma. Bioderma has long enchanted the driest of skin with its extraordinarily well-made creams and lotions. ...
- CeraVe. This is probably the most common drugstore skincare brand recommended by dermatologists. ...
- La Roche Posay. ...
- Cetaphil. ...
- Avène. ...
- EltaMd. ...
- Neutrogena. ...
- Sebamed.
Not suitable for very dry and very oil skin. Can irritate if applied over damaged or broken skin.
Is Cetaphil good for sensitive skin? ›Cetaphil is suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive skin and those prone to conditions like eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. Our gentle yet effective products are compatible with topical treatments.
What are the disadvantages of Cetaphil products? ›Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual changes in the skin (such as turning white/soft/soggy from too much wetness), signs of skin infection. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
What brand is as good as Cetaphil? ›cetaphil.com's top 5 competitors in April 2023 are: neutrogena.com, aveeno.com, ulta.com, cerave.com, and more.
Can I trust Cetaphil? ›Cetaphil was designed over 70 years ago for patients with sensitive skin, and to support dermatologists with products formulated to help them treat patients' skin concerns. And the brand has been trusted by dermatologists and skin experts ever since.
What skin type is Cetaphil best for? ›
Cetaphil has specially formulated skincare products to suit all skin types including dry, combination, normal and oily skin. Cetaphil's products are also created to help address specific sensitive skin that is prone to conditions including eczema, acne, excess oil, and redness.
What cream does Jennifer Aniston promote? ›Jennifer Aniston Anti Aging Serum,Reju Skin Serum Jennifer Aniston, Anti-aging Collagen Serum for All Skin Types (2PCS)
What foundation does Jennifer Aniston wear? ›Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops
It's all thanks to Aniston's longtime makeup artist, Gucci Westman, who told Marie Claire Australia that Aniston uses the hydrating skin tint foundation.
As a spokesperson for Aveeno, Aniston says she's all about Aveeno Protect+Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($9) and Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Sheer Hydration Lotion ($9).
What are the four skincare products everyone should use? ›The Core Four includes a cleanser, an exfoliant, a moisturizer, and a SPF. Cleansing is the most basic aspect of skincare, everyone should do it daily – from the guy with perfect skin, to the MAC makeup artist.
What is the number one ingredient in skin care? ›#1 Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies, and it's effective because it holds a thousand times its weight in water [1]. This not only helps skin retain moisture but also prevents that moisture from evaporating into the air [2].
Use products that will regenerate the skin at night. Look for repairing, exfoliating, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Some of the best ingredients to find in night creams are retinols, hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and antioxidants. Retinols help with fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots.
Which serum is best for face? ›- LAKMÉ Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Brightening Face Serum. ...
- Garnier Skin Naturals, Face Serum. ...
- L'Oréal Paris Brightening Serum. ...
- Plum 15% Vitamin C Face Serum. ...
- Good Vibes Rose Hip Radiant Glow Face Serum. ...
- Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum.
Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps: Cleansing — Washing your face. Toning — Balancing the skin. Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.
What is the 7 skin routine? ›In short, the '7 skin method' is the process of layering three to seven layers of toner or an essence-and-toner-in-one onto your skin immediately after cleansing. As for the name, Koreans call toning and essence products "skin," thus, the seven-skin method was born.
What is the best simple skin care routine? ›
- Use a gentle daily cleanser. Getty Images. ...
- Always wear sunscreen. Getty Images. ...
- Moisturize twice a day. Getty Images. ...
- Exfoliate occasionally, not every day. Getty Images. ...
- Add an anti-aging product. ...
- Don't overthink it.
- take short 5 to 10 minute showers with warm — not hot — water.
- avoid harsh astringents and exfoliants.
- use a gentle, fragrance-free soap.
- use essential oils instead of perfumes.
- use a gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent.
- try using organic cleaning supplies.
Three Main Steps. Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps: Cleansing — Washing your face. Toning — Balancing the skin. Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.
What should be in my daily skin care routine? ›- Wash your face. Morning and night, rinse your face water and rub a small amount of gentle cleanser between clean palms. ...
- Apply toner. ...
- Apply serum. ...
- Apply eye cream. ...
- Use spot treatment. ...
- Moisturize. ...
- Apply retinoid. ...
- Apply face oil.
Dry or Sensitive Skin
Whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or both, you should still wash your face twice daily. Use a creamy, non-foaming cleanser to maintain a protective barrier and avoid stripping away the skin's natural oils.
- Sulfates.
- Petroleum.
- Fragrance.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
- Glycolic Acid.
- Lactic Acid.
- Benzoyl Peroxide.
- Alcohol (or Ethanol)
Sensitive Skin
It is a delicate skin that needs more care to fight dryness, roughness and its usual appearance. Sometimes, it is referred to as irritated skin instead of sensitive, but these terms are synonymous and there are no dermatological differences between them.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a basic three step routine—cleanse, moisturize, and apply sunscreen. Of course, this can be modified, and products can be added depending on your individual skincare needs. For example, if you're struggling with acne, you may consider adding a spot treatment.
What is the correct order of skin care products? ›- Step 1: Cleanser. After removing all your makeup, cleanse your face with an oil-based or water-based cleanser—or both if you're doing a double cleanse! ...
- Step 2: Toner. ...
- Step 3: Serum. ...
- Step 4: Spot Treatment. ...
- Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
- Step 6: Moisturizer. ...
- Step 7: Face Oil.
But here is what dermatologists look for when diagnosing sensitive skin: Skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, or skin erosion. Very dry skin which doesn't properly protect nerve endings in the skin. A tendency toward blushing and skin flushing.
How long should you wash sensitive skin? ›
Active ingredients are great for people with specific concerns and a minimal routine — but for any kind of cleanser to work its best magic, you need to be gently washing your skin for 60 seconds.