If you’re one of many with sensitive skin, you’ll understand the struggle when it comes to finding the perfect skincare and makeup routine that won't lead to redness, inflammation, and discomfort.

Sensitive skin requires a gentle approach, and a carefully curated daily routine with products designed to calm, soothe and protect can help you achieve that coveted healthy glow without irritation. Keep reading as we discuss the best skincare and makeup routine, specifically tailored just for your sensitive skin.

Skincare routine for sensitive skin

1. Identify your skin concerns

First things first, understanding your specific skin concerns is crucial for tailoring your skincare routine. Sensitive skin can manifest in various ways, including dryness, redness, itchiness, and irritation.

2. Know your triggers

Specific ingredients and environmental factors can trigger skin sensitivity. Everything from fragrances and preservatives in soaps, beauty products and laundry detergents to the cold, sun and wind can cause skin irritation. Learn to know which are your triggers.
To learn more about why you could be suffering from sensitive skin click here.

3. Always choose gentle products with calming ingredients

Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic products to minimize the risk of irritation. And always check the ingredients. You want your skincare products to be formulated with ingredients that soothe and nourish sensitive skin, such as aloe vera, chamomile, calendula and ceramides. These natural extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sensitive skin and reduce redness.

4. Gentle Cleansing

Now it's time to start your routine! Begin with your gentle cleanser designed for sensitive skin, which means it’ll be free from alcohol and harsh ingredients. Remember cleansing should be a soothing experience, not one that leaves your skin feeling tight and irritated!
Try: Medicalia Gentle cleanser. Formulated with a unique natural blend of soothing Green Tea, Chamomile, and Oat Amino Acids, it beautifully cleanses skin both thoroughly and gently while preserving the skin barrier and reducing symptoms of inflammation too!

“This cleanser is perfect for my super sensitive skin. Love it. Have been using for years.” Jane

5. Hydration is key

Keeping your skin well hydrated is crucial for sensitive skin (as it is with all skin types!) Just be sure to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that provides optimal hydration without clogging pores.
Try: Phytomer Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream. It’s an outstanding comforting cream with a beautifully light consistency which literally rescues skin by strengthening its protective barrier. It soothes, calms and comforts skin, conveniently remedying red patches.

“I LOVE this cream. It feels wonderful when applied and I've noticed how much smoother and more radiant my sensitive skin is. Highly recommend!” Jo G

6. Don’t forget your soothing serum

Serums are essential in any skincare routine because they deliver vital active ingredients to the dermis quickly. Think of a serum as the secret weapon for treating skin issues like discolouration, dullness, fine lines, acne and of course skin sensitivities!
Try: Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate. For a truly nurturing, soothing serum this should be your go-to. It literally bathes skin in calming lavender and healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France, decongesting, enriching, alleviating and strengthening fragile skin.

“Truly Amazing. I knew this was the best healing treatment for my face when I ran out of it for a couple of weeks, something I'll never do again. Keeps my ultra-sensitive complexion creamy and cool. Love Propolis — and it smells divine!” Susanna V

Formulations that include hyaluronic acid can also be game-changing as it attracts and retains moisture keeping skin nourished, plum, soothed and supple.
Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum

“I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Mary C

7. Wear sunscreen every. single. day

Protecting your sensitive skin from the sun's harmful UV rays is imperative so sun protection is non-negotiable, especially since UV rays can exacerbate sensitivity leading to redness and irritation.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and you’re best to go for physical sunscreens like zinc or titanium dioxide. Fragrance-free formulas and those that are free of ingredients like phthalates and parabens will also reduce your exposure to formulas that might irritate your skin. Be sure to reapply if you are outside for a long period of time!
Try: Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield.

“Love this product it gives all day sun protection doesn’t mark clothing and gives my skin a healthy glow I’m hooked!” Jan C

8. Exfoliate skin but don’t over-exfoliate!

Exfoliation is essential, even for those of us with sensitive skin. This is because exfoliating can promote cell regeneration, unclog pores and improve skin texture. The problem is, that exfoliation can come with risks of irritation, inflammation and dryness, so it is essential to choose the right exfoliators!
Then there is also the issue of over-exfoliation, which can strip the skin's natural barrier leading to increased sensitivity. So if you have sensitive skin, start by limiting its use to only once a week and use a gentle exfoliator with mild exfoliating agents like fruit acids or enzymes.
For more on exfoliation and sensitive skin and what to do click here.

9. Stay consistent

And finally, consistency is key when it comes to caring for your sensitive skin. Once you’ve found what works, stick to it and daily.
Aside from your skincare routine, there are also other things you can do to help calm your sensitive skin. Stress less, sleep more and watch what you eat. Certain foods and drinks can contribute to your skin's sensitivities. Limit spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, and feast on a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin health from within.

Makeup tips for sensitive skin

Now you’ve got your skincare routine down pat, it's time to master your makeup!

1. Check ingredients

As with your skincare routine, make sure you opt for "non-comedogenic" makeup to prevent pore-clogging and potential breakouts. You’ll also want to invest in fragrance free formulas as artificial scents can be a common trigger for sensitivity. Mineral Makeup is best.

2. Clean makeup brushes regularly

We all know dirty brushes can harbour bacteria which in turn can further irritate already irritated skin! Make sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly!
To learn more about how often you should clean and replace your makeup brushes click here.

3. Less is more

Yes, we want to conceal sensitive skin whether it be facial redness or unwanted blemishes, but just remember less is always more!
Simply minimise the number of makeup layers you apply to your face to reduce the risk of irritation and if you’re suffering from facial redness, try using a multi-tasking CC cream.
Unlike tinted moisturisers, foundations and even BB Creams, these miracle formulas are colour correcting. So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover the redness, the CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, subtly illuminating the skin. This means less coverage is required if any at all. In fact, men can and do use CC Creams to even out their skin tone as it doesn’t look like makeup.
Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20, you’ll be so glad you did!

“I’m loving my new CC Cream! I was recommended it by a friend as I suffer from facial redness and sensitive skin and this product does an amazing job at colour correcting so the redness is beautifully concealed but my skin feels calm with a nice natural glow at the same time. Would highly recommend it.” Sarah M

If colour correction isn’t something you need make sure you go for a breathable, lightweight liquid formula.
Try; best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. It’s silky, mineral-enriched and provides skin with broad spectrum sun protection. Its liquid formulation glides beautifully onto sensitive skin setting as a soft, powder finish, however it does not clog skin! Brilliant stuff.

“The ELES liquid to powder is PHENOMENAL. I will never try another foundation. The foundation smooths over your skin so easily, providing good medium coverage, evening out skin tone, its completely non-irritating, and doesn't clog my skin.” Lucy G

4. Patch test

It’s always a good idea to patch test any new makeup products when it comes to sensitive or reactive skin, before applying all over your face!

5. Remove makeup before bed

And finally, always remember to remove your makeup before bed no matter how lazy you might be feeling! Use a gentle, fragrance-free makeup remover or micellar water. Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, so it needs to be free of any pore clogging dirt and grime!