Do you struggle with redness, sensitivity, and irritation? Are you tired of searching for low-toxicity skincare products that won’t upset your skin? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, I will share my step-by-step skincare routine for sensitive skin that has helped me combat redness, rosacea, and irritation. Let’s dive in!
Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin & What to Avoid!
Before we get into the details of my skincare routine, let’s go over some dos and don’ts for sensitive and irritated skin.
DOS:
✅ Consistency with a routine
✅ Washing with lukewarm water
✅ Introducing only one new product at a time
✅ Using mild exfoliants and gentle actives sparingly
✅ Consuming anti-inflammatory and gut-friendly foods
✅ Being mindful of sun exposure, especially during peak hours
✅ Patch testing products on your wrist or behind your ear before use
DON’TS:
❌ Excessive sun exposure
❌ Sulfates such as SLS/SLES
❌ Rinsing or showering with hot water
❌ Over-exfoliating with harsh exfoliants
❌ Essential oils and synthetic fragrances
❌ Trying too many new products at once
❌ Eating a lot of processed or inflammatory foods such as seed oils
❌ Having an excessive routine with lots of products (sometimes, less is more!)
❌ Using highly concentrated actives (such as retinol or aggressive forms of Vitamin C at high doses)
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into my simple and gentle skincare routine for sensitive skin.
Morning Cleanser: Raw Manuka Honey
To start my day, I use raw manuka honey as a mild morning cleanser. I simply splash my face with lukewarm water and massage about a teaspoon of manuka honey around my face, then rinse it clean. Manuka honey has amazing antibacterial properties and leaves my skin feeling fresh without drying it out.
You can use regular raw honey as well, but manuka honey offers even more benefits. It can also be used as a mask for additional benefits.
Nighttime Oil Cleanser: Dayspring Cacao & Coffee Bean Oil Cleanser
In the evening, I opt for a more powerful cleanser to remove makeup and grime. The Dayspring Cacao & Coffee Bean Oil Cleanser is a staple in my routine. It uses minimal essential oils and effectively melts away makeup without the need for a second cleanse.
I apply 2-3 pumps to dry skin and then emulsify it with water before rinsing. Oil cleansing helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and doesn’t disrupt the microbiome.
Second Shower Cleanser: Aleavia Purifying Facial Cleanser
If I shower at night and am wearing makeup, I first use the Dayspring cleanser to remove makeup. Then, while in the shower, I use the Aleavia Purifying Facial Cleanser as a second cleanse. This gel cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and effectively removes makeup without being harsh or drying.
Aleavia is known for its prebiotic, microbiome-friendly formulas, and this cleanser uses only 7 ingredients without any essential oils or fragrances.
Hydration Boost: Earth Harbor Tidal Rose Toner OR Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum
After cleansing, it’s important to add hydration before applying moisturizer. I either use a toner or a water-based serum, depending on my mood.
The Earth Harbor Tidal Rose Toner is essential oil-free and made with rosewater, white tea, seaweed, and Persian lilac. These ingredients are anti-inflammatory, healing, reduce redness, and even out skin tone.
Alternatively, a hyaluronic acid serum like the Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum is a luxurious way to hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that binds moisture and is safe for sensitive skin.
Morning Moisturizer: Grass-Fed Beef Tallow Balm
I know it sounds unconventional, but using grass-fed beef tallow as a moisturizer has been a game-changer for my sensitive skin. Tallow is loaded with nutrients and fatty acids that promote skin health and provide adequate moisture without disrupting the skin’s natural oils.
I use Sun & Moo’s grass-fed tallow balms, which are free of essential oils. They offer different formulas, but The Healer, which contains organic tamanu oil, is particularly soothing and nourishing.
Nighttime Moisturizer: Maya Chia Super Naked Face Oil
For my nighttime moisturizer, I indulge in the Maya Chia Super Naked Face Oil. This luxurious face oil is free of essential oils and packed with organic chia oil and organic virgin plum oil. It nourishes the skin and supports the skin barrier.
The oil is fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling on the skin. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
Eye Cream: Agent Nateur Ageless Eye Serum
While not necessary for everyone, I find that using an eye cream helps me be proactive about aging gracefully. The Agent Nateur Ageless Eye Serum, made with cucumber extract, lavender water, and calendula oil, is a soothing and comfortable option for sensitive skin.
It helps plump fine lines and has a fresh cucumber scent. Apply it around the eyes and lips for best results.
Mineral Sunscreen: Erin’s Faces Peptide SPF30 Lotion
Sun protection is essential for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Erin’s Faces Peptide SPF30 Lotion is a mineral sunscreen that acts like a silky lotion. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sun protection and uses organic cucumber extract, blue passion flower, and organic aloe to calm inflammation.
This fragrance and essential oil-free sunscreen is non-irritating and suitable for daily use.
FAQs
Q: Can I use these products on any skin type?
A: While these products are formulated for sensitive skin, individual experiences may vary. It’s always best to patch test products before use and consult with a skincare professional if you have any concerns.
Q: Can I use essential oils in my skincare routine?
A: Essential oils can be irritating for sensitive skin, so it’s generally best to avoid them. However, if you have experience using essential oils and they work well for your skin, proceed with caution and patch test before applying them on your face.
Conclusion
Finding the right skincare routine for sensitive skin can be challenging, but it is possible with the right products and approach. By following a gentle and simple skincare routine, using products specifically formulated for sensitive skin, and avoiding common irritants, you can help calm your skin and restore its balance.
Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect routine for you. Don’t be discouraged if a product doesn’t work for you—just keep experimenting until you find what works best for your skin.
For more personalized recommendations and guidance, consider working with a skincare professional for a custom consultation. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific skin concerns, preferences, and budget.
Thank you for reading, and here’s to happy and healthy skin!
