Credit: Courtesy of brands
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Sensitive skin? Overhaul your routine with these skin, make-up and bodycare saviours
3 months ago
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4 min read
From hypoallergenic make-up to soothing shampoo, here’s how to calm sensitive skin from head to toe.
If you suffer from sensitive skin, it’s likely it won’t just be limited to your face. While there are plenty of cleansers, serums and moisturisers all targeted for sensitive skin types, the skin all over our body is often affected – and that includes your scalp and body.
Sensitive skin often has triggers, meaning that it can seem calm one minute and hot, irritated and inflamed the next. Managing sensitive skin can be particularly difficult if you haven’t figured out what triggers your flare-ups.
Potent skincare actives or products containing fragrance can often lead to increased sensitivity, so on the whole, it’s best to avoid these if you want to calm your complexion. Look for products that are rich in ceramides, centella asiatica and ingredients like aloe vera or oatmeal as these are great at soothing the skin’s surface and helping to repair a damaged skin barrier. “The sensitivity of the skin is closely related to microbiome changes, so prebiotic and probiotic-based products are highly recommended,” says Dr Tinna Meder, dermatologist and founder of Meder Beauty Science.
We’ve rounded up some great options for those with sensitive skin. From soothing shampoos that calm dry and itchy scalps to a foundation that’s been specially formulated for sensitive skin types, here are 11 products to make room in your beauty bag for…
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm SPF50
Loved by skin experts and dermatologists, this thick and balmy cream is great for soothing stressed-out skin that’s red and inflamed but is also gentle enough to be used daily. You can use it on your face or any other areas of dryness, irritation, eczema or psoriasis.
Shop La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm SPF 50 at Cult Beauty, £12
Saie Hydrabeam Sheer Brightening Under Eye Concealer
Shop Saie Hydrabeam Sheer Brightening Under Eye Concealer at Cult Beauty, £22
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
If you get dry, itchy or rough patches of skin on your body, this is a great lotion to try. It’s formulated with cocooning ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid that work in synergy to moisture and protect the skin’s natural barrier.
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Shampoo
If shampoos often send your scalp out of whack, try this gentle formula. Made without fragrance, essential oils, lactose, soy or gluten, it’s hypoallergenic and great for anyone whose scalp is easily triggered.
Shop Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Shampoo at Cult Beauty, £24
Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask
If you’ve got sensitive skin, it can sometimes feel like indulging in skincare just isn’t for you. Thankfully, this ultra-nourishing face mask not only allows you to take some self-care but also works to calm redness, irritation and sensitivity too. Passionflower oil and cornflower water work to calm and soothe, while hydrating squalane keeps skin feeling plump and balanced.
Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Oat Milk Hair Remedy Hypoallergenic Mask for Delicate Hair
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
Anyone with sensitive eyes will know how irritating some mascaras can be, causing your eyes to itch and water, resulting in the dreaded panda eyes by noon. Thankfully, this new fibre-rich formula is different. It’s ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes, meaning you can get full and fluttery lashes without the irritation.
Shop Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara at John Lewis, £27
Murad Heartleaf Calming Cream
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Shop Kosas Revealer Skin Improving Foundation at Sephora UK, £35
Ilia The Base Face Milk
This non-comedogenic vegan face milk sinks in on contact, flooding skin with a calming boost of moisture. With every wear, it’s clinically proven to reduce redness, smooth texture and strengthen the skin barrier. Lightweight and layerable, use it as your moisturiser to lock in hydration or under a cream when skin feels dry.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating
A good way of mitigating sensitivity with make-up is to invest in a hydrating primer to create a barrier between your skin and the rest of your make-up. This one from Laura Mercier is perfect as the vitamin and aloe vera-rich formula helps to hydrate and soothe skin, creating a flawless base for make-up.
Shop Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating at LookFantastic, £38
Images: courtesy of brands
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