Sensitive skin requires special care, as it tends to react more easily to environmental factors, skincare products, and certain ingredients. Studies reveal that more than 50% of women and 40% of men report experiencing sensitive skin, often characterised by burning, stinging, itching, tightness, or redness. These reactions can be triggered by harsh weather conditions, pollution, hormonal changes, or strong cleansers, making everyday skincare choices crucial.
To maintain a healthy skin barrier and reduce redness, choose gentle cleansers, mild formulas, and calming ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. The wrong products can disrupt hydration, clog pores, or lead to irritation.
Skincare for Sensitive Skin: 7 Expert Tips
Taking the right steps can help soothe and protect your skin. Here are seven expert-backed tips for caring for sensitive skin and keeping it balanced, hydrated, and resilient.
Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products
Fragrances—whether natural or synthetic—are among the most common skin irritants. Many skincare products include fragrances to enhance their sensory appeal. However, these ingredients can trigger allergic reactions, disrupting the skin barrier and making it more vulnerable to irritation. Strong cleansers, alcohol-based toners, and heavily perfumed moisturisers can strip away essential lipids and hydration, exacerbating dryness and sensitivity.
At BALENSE®, we believe that skincare should focus on essential, skin-loving ingredients. That’s why our entire range is fragrance-free. Every product is designed to soothe, protect, and support skin health rather than compromise it. Instead of unnecessary additives, we prioritise calming ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants that strengthen the skin’s natural defences.
Facial oils can be an excellent addition to a routine for those with sensitive skin. They provide everyday hydration without the risk of clogging pores or causing irritation. Avoid heavy creams that can overwhelm sensitive skin; instead, opt for lightweight formulations that nourish and protect.
Stick to a Minimalist Routine
Social media is flooded with skincare trends promoting multi-step routines that include dozens of serums, treatments, and actives. While these regimens might seem like the ultimate path to flawless skin, they can be overwhelming and even damaging—especially for sensitive skin types. Overloading your skin with too many products increases the risk of irritation, clogged pores, allergic reactions, and an impaired skin barrier. This can lead to redness, breakouts, and inflammation.
For sensitive skin care, less is more. Instead of layering strong actives like retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids all at once, focus on a gentle, effective routine that nurtures your skin without stress. Start with a mild cleanser and a soothing moisturiser with calming ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid. Finally, use a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to provide the essentials without unnecessary complexity.
By simplifying your skincare routine, you allow your skin barrier to recover, maintain hydration, and minimise the risk of irritation from environmental factors or hormonal changes. A minimalist approach ensures that your skin gets the care it needs without the risk of over-processing or sensitivity flare-ups.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
The ingredients you avoid are just as important as the ones you use. Many skincare products contain harsh exfoliants, alcohol, and highly acidic formulas. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural lipids and moisture. The result is often dryness, irritation, and an impaired skin barrier.
Alcohol-based products can cause stinging, redness, and excessive dryness. This is especially true for products that contain denatured alcohol, SD alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol. These effects can make the skin more prone to breakouts and inflammation. Strong exfoliants like high-concentration AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) may work for some skin types. Still, if overused on sensitive skin, they can lead to burning, stinging, and an uneven skin tone.
Instead, opt for gentle skin cleansers and calming ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. These natural ingredients help soothe and hydrate without disrupting your skin barrier. If you want to incorporate exfoliation, stick to mild formulas with polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) or enzyme-based exfoliants that provide a gentle, effective renewal.
Use Sunscreen Daily
Daily sunscreen application is essential for everyone, but especially for those with sensitive skin as they are more prone to sunburn, redness, and irritation from sun exposure. In Australia—where UV levels are some of the highest in the world—skin cancer rates are among the highest globally. According to the Cancer Council Australia, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, and excessive sun exposure is the leading cause.
Despite these risks, many still neglect daily sunscreen use. A study found that while 85% of Australians are aware of the importance of sunscreen, only 55% apply it regularly. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to protect the skin barrier and collagen production.
Patch Test New Products
Sensitive skin can react unpredictably to new skincare products, even those labeled as gentle or dermatologist-approved. To avoid irritation, redness, or allergic reactions, always perform a patch test before incorporating a product into your daily routine.
To conduct a proper patch test, apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of your skin, such as behind your ear, on your inner wrist, or along your jawline. Leave it on for 24 to 48 hours without washing or touching the area. If you experience redness, itching, swelling, or stinging, it’s a sign that the product may not be suitable for your skin type.
For sensitive skin care, it’s important to be especially cautious with strong exfoliants, retinol, vitamin C serums, and products containing alcohol or fragrance. Instead, opt for mild formulas, calming ingredients like aloe vera, and skincare products designed to soothe and protect the skin barrier.
Hydrate and Protect
Sensitive skin tends to be prone to dryness and a weakened skin barrier. This makes hydration an essential step in any skincare routine. When the skin lacks moisture, it becomes more susceptible to external aggressors like pollution, harsh weather conditions, and allergens. Proper hydration helps keep sensitive skin types comfortable and strengthens its natural defenses.
Choose moisturisers with calming ingredients that support the skin barrier and retain moisture. Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Hyaluronic acid helps to draw in hydration, keeping the skin plump and supple. Ceramides, essential for replenishing the skin’s lipid layer, work to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Using a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide protects against sun exposure. Avoid heavy creams or pore-clogging ingredients, as these can cause breakouts or irritation. Instead opt for lightweight, hydrating serums and lotions designed specifically for sensitive skin care.
Be Mindful of Temperature
Extreme temperatures—whether from hot showers, cold winds, or dry indoor heating—can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. Hot water, in particular, strips the skin of its natural oils and protective lipids, leaving it more vulnerable. While a steaming shower may feel relaxing, it can weaken the skin barrier. It makes it harder for the skin to retain moisture, and increases sensitivity over time.
To minimise irritation, always cleanse your face and body with lukewarm water. This helps gently remove dirt and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s hydration balance. When drying your skin, pat—don’t rub—with a soft towel to avoid unnecessary friction that can cause redness and stinging.
During dry seasons or in air-conditioned environments, using a humidifier can help restore moisture to the air. When exposed to harsh weather conditions like cold winds or strong sun, apply a protective layer of moisturiser. Choose hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or aloe vera to help reinforce the skin barrier.
Give Your Skin the Gentle Care It Deserves
By focusing on gentle, nourishing products, and avoiding harsh or irritating ingredients, you can help maintain the balance and health of sensitive skin. Always listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly to avoid flare-ups or discomfort.
Discover BALENSE®’s range of gentle, science-backed skincare designed for sensitive skin. Shop now and give your skin the care it deserves.
