How to create a skincare routine for sensitive skin

One of the most beneficial things you can do as someone with sensitive skin is to become well acquainted with the “no-no list”. These are ingredients that typically aren’t well tolerated by anyone with sensitive or reactive skin.

What ingredients should you avoid if you have sensitive skin?

According to Cape Town-based aesthetician, Dr Varsha Padarchee, ingredients that sit high up on this list of things to avoid include alcohol, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, fragrance, essential oils, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth suphate (SLES). A quick Google will reveal an extensive list of potential irritants to avoid, but it’s always best to confirm these with your dermatologist. 

When shopping for products, ensure they’re free of the ingredients above and always introduce new products one at a time so you’ll know which of your newbies are causing irritation, if you find yourself having to eliminate products from your routine.

How to choose a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin 

When it comes to cleansing, Dr Padarchee suggests you look out for products that are clearly labelled as being suitable for sensitive skin and aren’t high-foaming – so, milk cleansers or those that are oil-based will generally fit the bill. 

As far as exfoliating goes, walk straight past the harsh scrubs and look for something a little gentler. Physical scrubs are often a better idea than using a chemical exfoliator because, if you see that your skin is becoming irritated, you can simply stop. “Lots of great French pharmacy brands like Avene and Bioderma make excellent exfoliators for sensitive skin,” she says. 

Hydrate and protect

When choosing a moisturiser, simply shop according to the no-no list, and don’t forget about sunscreen. Dr. Padarchee says, “Ninety percent of premature ageing is due to unprotected sun exposure,” – no matter your skin type, using sunscreen can’t be high enough on your list of skincare priorities. 

Many sunscreens are made with chemical UV blockers and, if you’ve got sensitive skin, these can cause irritation. For this reason, she suggests you look out for products that make use of physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium oxide or simply formulations that state that they’re especially made for sensitive skin. 

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