A routine for sensitive skin can be much simpler than you might expect

I have a soft spot for sensitive skin. The kind that’s often red, irritated and especially unhappy when you want to try something new. Every step needs extra care and a gentle touch. Layering a bunch of active ingredients isn’t the best idea, because sensitive skin might accept vitamin C on Monday, then burn by Wednesday when you try to apply it again.

Flare-ups, triggered by food, workouts or even a new fabric softener, are unpredictable. Along with gentleness, sensitive skin, which often struggles with dryness, needs as few steps as possible, but with targeted effects that reduce visible redness and that uncomfortable feeling of irritation. This is when it’s key to choose formulas made specifically for sensitive skin’s needs.

From a gentle cleanser to sun protection that won’t sting, here are a few great products worth considering, along with suggestions for each step of a routine that brings relief and makes irritation less visible.

Ingredients that work well for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin often deals with a weakened barrier, recurring redness and irritation. Certain ingredients can be especially helpful in those moments.

• Ceramides: help rebuild the skin’s lipid barrier and restore elasticity
• Niacinamide: can boost the skin’s natural ceramide production
• Centella asiatica: reduces visible redness and irritation
• Panthenol: soothes the skin and provides deep hydration
• Licorice extract: calms irritation and reduces visible redness
• Jojoba oil: the oil most similar to our natural sebum, helpful for reducing skin sensitivity

Photo: Kaboompics.com

Cleansing sensitive skin

It’s easier than ever to find a gentle face cleanser that removes impurities without disrupting the skin’s lipid barrier. That’s especially important for sensitive skin. You can choose from different textures, from foams and gels to creams, and still stay confident that cleansing won’t make your skin more reactive.

Formulas like La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Caring Wash with niacinamide and soothing panthenol, or Bioderma Sensibio DS+ Gel Nettoyant, which targets the root of redness and flaking, are great examples of gel cleansers suitable for sensitive skin. If you prefer a cleansing milk, Biologique Recherche Lait Dermo-S calms the skin and feels comfortable, while the foam cleanser from cult Korean brand SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Ampoule line offers a mild cleanse with one of the best ingredients for sensitive skin.

For sensitive skin, cleansing once in the evening is enough, while in the morning it’s best to simply rinse with water.

Serum for sensitive skin

This second step, which works well both morning and evening, delivers targeted care. Serums for sensitive skin help reduce visible redness, repair and support the skin’s protective barrier, and some come with impressive technologies like Bioderma’s Sensibio Defensive Serum, which lowers skin reactivity. La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Serum is also a favorite for its quick soothing effect on irritated skin and redness, while The Ordinary’s Soothing Barrier Support Serum has gone viral for good reason. Another great option is Declaré’s Anti-Irritation Serum, which helps stressed skin by easing discomfort and irritation.

Nourishing cream for sensitive skin

When skin is sensitive, keeping the routine minimal really matters. In the evening, after cleansing and applying a soothing serum, you can move straight to a calming face cream to finish your routine.

Because it uses the same patent that helps reduce skin reactivity, Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich is a great choice, especially if your skin is dry. For combination or oily sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Fluid supports the microbiome and helps reduce redness and stinging. The multi-purpose Lait-Crème Sensitive Milk Cream from the beloved French brand Embryolisse nourishes and repairs the skin while reducing sensitivity. And for mature sensitive skin, Declaré offers what they call “meditation in a jar” with their Skin Meditation Soothing & Balancing Cream.

Sun protection for sensitive skin

Finding the right sunscreen for sensitive skin isn’t easy. Many formulas cause a stinging sensation, which is why people often turn to mineral options, though the white cast they leave behind can be frustrating.

A popular choice for sensitive and dry skin is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 SPF 50+, thanks to its soothing effect and high protection. If you still prefer mineral formulas, the Korean Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+ is one that won’t disappoint. For oily and combination sensitive skin, Kaine Green Fit Pro Sun 50+ with its strong calming effect is a great option, while Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50, with a light and silky texture, works well for most skin types.