Sensitive Skin

If you struggle with flushed skin, redness, persistent stinging or tend to have negative reactions to skin care products in general, you probably have sensitive skin. We’re here to help you crack the code and find the right sensitive skin care products for the soothing relief your skin deserves.

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Caring for Sensitive Skin

It’s imperative that your sensitive skin care routine includes gentle ingredients proven to strengthen and defend skin. All products in your routine should also be 100% fragrance free, as fragrance is a major trigger for sensitive skin.

To start, you need a sensitive skin face wash with mild cleansing agents that cushion skin while removing makeup and oil.

After cleansing, sensitive skin toners play a critical role by replenishing skin with soothing antioxidants (including green tea) and proven skin-calming agents (such as oatmeal). We suggest a hydrating milky toner filled with soothing antioxidants. .

Layered white skin care product swatches on top of seafoam green background People with sensitive skin may be tempted to skip exfoliating, but all skin types can reap the benefits of gentle exfoliation, if they choose the right product. A non-abrasive, leave-on BHA exfoliant is the perfect solution to smooth and soothe sensitive skin. BHA (beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid) has natural skin-calming properties that can reduce redness, while unclogging congested/enlarged pores and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles.

When looking to add additional treatments to your routine, a sensitive skin serum is a great option. Choose a formula that rejuvenates skin with anti-aging ingredients that research shows are also ultra-gentle and soothing. This is an important distinction because some serums contain bio-active ingredients that can be too potent for sensitive skin.

Last but not least, end each routine application with your sensitive skin moisturizer—one for day and one for night. The daytime formula must include sunscreen to protect sensitive skin (unprotected sun exposure makes all skin types worse). Research has shown that sunscreens with only mineral active ingredients (titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) are the gentlest on sensitive skin..

At night, your sensitive skin moisturizer should provide soothing relief. Dry, sensitive skin benefits from non-fragrant plant oils, antioxidants and skin-soothing ingredients. Oily, sensitive skin needs a special blend of non-greasy hydrators, gentle antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients.

More Sensitive Skin Treatments & Considerations

Paula's Choice Ultra-Rich Moisturizer There are hidden factors that can make redness and sensitive skin worse, including those from the environment and those you consume. Wind, extreme heat from saunas and Jacuzzis, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine can all be triggers.

Using the wrong skin care products can be just as bad—as we mentioned earlier, all your sensitive skin treatments should be fragrance free. Avoid harsh, jagged scrubs, stiff cleansing brushes and skin-aggravating ingredients, including alcohol (SD or denatured), menthol, and fragrant essential oils.

Surprising, but true: There are no regulations around using the claim “for sensitive skin”, so products labeled as such can and often do contain these types of irritating ingredients (especially fragrance). We created our Paula’s Choice Skincare CALM collection with a 100% irritant-free, research-backed approach so you don’t have to worry about harmful ingredients that might be hiding under that “sensitive skin” label.

What to Do When Sensitive Skin Persists?

If your sensitive skin needs further help, the next step is to visit your dermatologist. They can prescribe advanced sensitive skin treatments to help keep redness and sensitivity under control. When coupled with a gentle skin care routine, you get the best of both worlds for sensitive skin.