Finding the right skincare routine for sensitive skin can mean the difference between an inflamed, irritated complexion and one that feels calm and soothed. Read on to discover what sensitive skin is, what causes it and how to keep common issues at bay with a targetted sensitive skincare routine.
What is sensitive skin?
While everyone can experience skin sensitivity, those who struggle with sensitive skin are particularly prone to inflammation, redness and irritation as it is more reactive than normal skin.
A simple yet gentle skin care routine for sensitive skin can help to minimize irritation.
How to know if you have sensitive skin
Diagnosing sensitive skin can be difficult, as there isn’t a designated check list of criteria. However, tell-tale signs include redness, itching, stinging, burning, and a feeling of tightness when exposed to environmental aggressors or topical skincare products.
What causes sensitive skin?
Wondering ‘why is my skin so sensitive’? Skin sensitivity can be triggered by 3 main factors:
- Environment and products: Skin sensitivity can be genetic but is often triggered by environmental stressors (wind, sun, heat, cold, and pollution) and topical skincare products (harsh soaps, detergents, dyes, and fragrances).
- Skin damage: Sensitivity can also be caused by an unbalanced microbiome (the friendly and less friendly bacteria that live on the skin’s surface) or a damaged skin barrier.
- Aging: With age, skin often grows more prone to sensitivity as it becomes drier and more vulnerable to external aggressors.
How to treat sensitive skin
When struggling with sensitive skin, avoid harsh ingredients such as fragrance, alcohol and sulfates that can strip away essential moisture and cause irritation.
Doing a small patch test on the forearm or neck before applying any new products is also advised. If no signs of redness or discomfort appear after 24 hours, you can apply with confidence.
A skincare routine for sensitive skin
Step 1: Cleanse with a face wash for sensitive skin
Regular cleansers and soaps are often too harsh for sensitive skin, leaving the face feeling itchy and irritated. Instead, opt for a fragrance-free cleansing lotion that’s formulated with comforting and nourishing ingredients.
No7 Restore And Renew Cleansing Lotion is one of the best face washes for sensitive skin. Boasting a lightweight, creamy consistency, and supercharged with antioxidants and natural AHAs, its gentle formula dissolves makeup, impurities and pollutants without stripping away essential moisture. Skin is left feeling soothed and looking radiant and healthy.
Step 2: Tone to soothe after cleansing
A key step in every skin care routine for sensitive skin, toning can help to soothe and protect skin’s natural balance after cleansing.
No7 Radiant Results Revitalizing Toning Water is formulated with our Tri-Vit complex and red ginseng to help renew, revitalize and soften the feel of the skin. Apply onto a cotton pad, then sweep over the face and neck to reveal a clear, more even-looking complexion.
Step 3: Apply a serum for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is often lacking in hydration and can feel tight or tender to the touch. Applying a serum for sensitive skin that’s infused with deeply hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) can help maintain moisture levels throughout the day, and help skin feel more comfortable.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides to help hydrate and replenish the skin, while slowing the appearance of the signs of aging. For best results, apply morning and night after cleansing and toning.
The Best Serums for Sensitive Skin
Finding the best face serum for sensitive skin is key to keeping skin hydrated and healthy, without causing irritation.
Step 4: Apply an eye cream for sensitive skin
Much thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, the skin beneath the eyes is particularly prone to irritation. When looking for the best eye cream for sensitive skin, opt for gentle formulas that are created specifically for the delicate under-eye area.
Suitable for sensitive skin, No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Eye Cream boasts a gentle yet effective formula infused with hyaluronic acid, hibiscus and peptides. Apply morning and night to help reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and eye bags.
Step 5: Moisturize
The best moisturizer for sensitive skin will not only lock in moisture, but shield from environmental aggressors too. Opt for a fragrance-free formula filled with hydrating ingredients, antioxidants and SPF.
The new No7 Protect & Perfect, Lift & Luminate and Restore & Renew fragrance free SPF day creams make the perfect addition to any skin care routine for sensitive skin. Apply as the last step of your regimen to hydrate and smooth the appearance of skin without causing irritation.
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