Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Morning Routine (AM)

1. Cleanser

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser.

• Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or cucumber

• Recommendations:

  La Roche-Posay Cleanser

  EltaMD Cleanser

2. Toner (Optional)

• If you use a toner, choose alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and hydrating formulas.

• Look for panthenol, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.

• Recommendations:

  Tower 28 SOS Toner

  Paula´s Choice Toner 

3. Serum (Optional)

• Focus on hydrating and soothing serums.

• Look for: niacinamide (low concentration, ~5%), hyaluronic acid, or Centella Asiatica.

  Recommendations:

  Prequel Hydrating Serum

  The Ordinary Soothing Serum

4. Moisturizer

• Choose a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, barrier-repairing moisturizer.

• Look for: ceramides, squalane, allantoin, or colloidal oatmeal.

• Recommendations:

  Paula´s Choice Moisturizer

  Celimax Dual Barrier Moisturizer

5. Sunscreen (Essential)

• Use a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), as it's less irritating.

• Choose SPF 30+, fragrance-free, and non-nano if possible.

• Recommendations:

  ISDIN Sunscreen

  EltaMD Sunscreen

Nighttime Routine (PM)

1. Cleanser

• Same as morning. Double cleanse only if wearing makeup or heavy sunscreen:

• Step 1: Use a gentle cleansing balm or micellar water.

• Step 2: Follow with your regular cleanser.

• Recommendations:

  Juno & Co Cleansing Balm

2. Hydrating Toner or Mist (Optional)

• Use a calming toner or mist with low alcohol and no essential oils.

• Recommendations:

  Celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner

  3. Serum or Treatment (Optional)

• If introducing actives (like retinol), use sensitive-skin formulations only 2–3 times a week.

• Better options for sensitive skin:

• Azelaic Acid (10%): for redness, acne, and calming.

• Bakuchiol: a plant-based retinol alternative.

• Niacinamide (2–5%): for calming and strengthening the skin barrier.

• Recommendations:

  Anua Azelaic Acid Soothing Serum

  Anua Niacinamide Serum

  4. Moisturizer

• Same as AM or a richer version if your skin feels dry.

• Recommendations:

  ILLIYOON Ceramide Moisturizer

  5. Optional Spot Treatments

• Only apply to affected areas (e.g., acne or red patches).

• Choose non-drying, fragrance-free options like:

• Sulfur treatments

• Calamine lotion

  🧴 Additional Tips:

• Patch test new products.

• Avoid alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, and harsh exfoliants (like physical scrubs).

• Introduce new products one at a time, and give 1–2 weeks to see if irritation occurs.

• Keep your routine simple—more products can often mean more irritation for sensitive skin.