One of the biggest beauty challenges I’ve had to deal with is trying to navigate my super sensitive skin. I’ll be honest, it definitely hasn’t been easy. Having sensitive skin means possibly breaking out, triggering my mild rosacea, or dealing with redness and blotchiness when trying new skincare products or treatments. It’s something I always have to keep in mind before purchasing a new anti-aging serum or getting a facial. But the good news is, you don’t have to neglect your skincare needs in order to keep your skin from acting up. Fortunately, there are more than enough skincare products out there that target everything from dark spots, acne, and fine lines and wrinkles — all while calming your easily reactive skin. Here I break down a few of my favorite skincare goodies that keep my complexion glowing and free from a flare-up.
Cleanser
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I’m obsessed with cleansing oils but the truth is, not all cleansing oils are created equal. This 2-in-1 makeup remover and camellia oil not only gently removes impurities — including makeup — but it also calms and deeply hydrates my skin leaving it smooth, soft, and hydrated. That’s because unlike most cleansers, this one doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils and instead leaves it balanced. Certain oil cleansers can leave oily/sensitive skin like mine with clogged pores but this non-comedogenic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing formula leaves no oily residue behind. It’s a must-have in my beauty cabinet.
Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, $48, Available at tatcha.com
Toner
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Finding a toner that keeps that acne at bay while calming my skin is a rare find, which is why I’ve become so obsessed with the Dr. Oracle A-Thera Toner. Most toners dry out my skin. But this one not only clears skin but but also soothes and calms inflammation. It’s loaded with bamboo extract which works to soothe and heal skin while also boosting moisture. In less than a week, I noticed a clearer and radiant complexion, no dryness whatsoever, and less redness on my cheeks. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and mineral-oil free, making it perfect for anyone with skin that’s easily irritated. This is hands down my new favorite toner.
Dr. Oracle A-Thera Toner, $32, Available at sokoglam.com
Face mask
Face-masking is huge these days and the options are literally endless. There’s a face mask for every skin type, need, or problem. My favorite face mask for calming my skin is the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask. This super gentle formula is made with botanical extracts, including cucumbers papaya, chamomile, pineapple, sugar maple, sugarcane, orange, lemon, bilberry and aloe vera, all designed to help soothe irritated skin. The mega boost of moisture deeply hydrates dry skin and even works as a great facial detox. I recommend using it after a facial or when your face feels desperate for some relief.
Peter Thomas Roth, $52, Available at peterthomasroth.com
Rosacea treatment
Rosacea-prone sensitivity can be tough to tackle and treat. Finding a product that controls redness while also treating signs of aging is even more challenging to find. But the Renee Rouleau Redness Care Firming Serum corrects redness and calms irritated skin while also improving firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of peptides and antioxidants. After a few days, my skin was calm, significantly less red, and ultra-dewy. In fact, quite a few people had commented on my glow.
Renee Rouleau Redness Care Firming Serum, $45, Available at reneerouleau.com
Exfoliator
It’s not easy finding an exfoliator that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin — trust me, I know. But the OY-L Exfoliating Manuka Mask is made with Manuka honey blended with natural oils and organic lavender and rose buds for a gentle exfoliation that leaves skin polished, smooth, and deeply hydrated. I use it twice a week by taking a teaspoon amount of the mask and applying it to my face — after adding a little warm water to my skin — and gently massaging for a few seconds in a circular motion to remove any dead skin cells that might be clogging pores. Then I leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. My skin feels and looks amazing every time.
OY-L Exfoliating Manuka Mask, $60, Available at OY-L.com
Recovery Balm
There are a number of things that can cause sensitive skin to act up, including a facial, being out in the sun, new skincare products — the list goes on. When you’re having one of those days opt for a nighttime rescue balm that’s going to dramatically relieve irritation. The Red Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm has been recommended to me countless times for its ability to nourish and sooth skin overnight. This clean beauty product is formulated with natural ingredients only, including jojoba and sunflower oil that works to deeply moisturize and protect your skin’s protective barrier. It’s the kind of product every girl with sensitive skin should have on her nightstand — just in case.
REN CLEAN Skincare Everclam Overnight Recovery Balm, $48, Available at sephora.com
Dark Spot Corrector
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Finding a product that fades dark spots but doesn’t irritate my skin, leaving it with red bumps was my biggest sensitive skin challenge. By after months of trying different ones, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum finally came to my rescue. This gentle formula is made with 5% vitamin C making it incredibly effective when it comes to evening out my skin tones but gentle enough for super sensitive skin. After a few weeks, I noticed a drastically brighter and evener complexion — and those pesky dark spots are finally starting to disappear!
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum, $23, Available at Sokoglam.com
