For sensitive skin, look for soap-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free products. In general, products with fewer ingredients are more likely to not irritate the skin. I like to think of the tonic as a large glass of ice water for the face, so it should be refreshing and effective enough to restore pH levels without affecting the skin's barrier function. Any skincare routine should start with a cleaner.
You may have the best products you can buy with money, but if you place them on dirt, pollution, makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities that may remain on the surface of your skin, they won't do their job. If you don't clean your skin, you run the risk of clogging your pores, which can cause everything from rashes and irritation to dull skin. Look for a gentle formula that doesn't strip the skin of needed oils. We recommend the CeraVe hydrating Facial Cleanser.
One of our editors with dry and sensitive skin opts for the gentle drugstore formula. Serums are a great addition to any skincare routine, as they can treat specific problems such as wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and more. For sensitive skin, we recommend the prebiotic Vichy Minéral 89, which helps maintain skin moisture levels and reduces the appearance of redness. We also love the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives serum with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and moisturize the skin.
Second, do your best to look for gentle formulas that have been tested specifically for sensitive skin and keep your routine as basic as possible. An individualized approach is crucial to finding the right skincare products with the right ingredients for your skin. If you're looking for anti-aging properties or invest in medical-grade skincare products, the list of ingredients will naturally be a little longer. According to cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, skin type is the most important factor in determining which skincare products will work better for you.
For a tonic, you'll need to look for skin care products that don't contain alcohol or harsh astringents that can irritate your skin. Instead of doing detective work, it may be easier to follow the popularity and opt for skincare products (and ingredients) with cult followers, especially in the era of beauty influencers. Understanding why skin care is important starts with knowing what ingredients work best for your specific skin type and which you should consider. It can be very frustrating to find a skincare routine that actually works for you, and sometimes it seems like nothing is going to help you with that annoying sensitivity.
Sensitive skin care starts with choosing skin care products that don't contain common irritants, such as alcohol and fragrances. That's why we've adapted Eastern skincare philosophies with gentle, multi-level routines for long-term results. For example, if you have reactive skin that turns red or blotchy when exposed to certain elements, such as UV rays from the sun or certain skincare formulas, it's likely to be sensitive. The negative reaction faced by some popular skincare brands and products can serve as a reminder that while something gets the vote of popularity, it doesn't mean it's popular for the right reasons or that it's the right product for you.
Many factors can cause sensitive skin to react, and that's precisely why caring for sensitive skin is so important. Some of the best products for sensitive skin care include ingredients such as petroleum jelly, aloe, glycerin, seed oils, and hyaluronic acid. From swiping left on drying cleansing products to letting yourself be swept away by moisturizers that are too light, you may feel like you're always looking for the right care for your sensitive skin.
