Calming

Characterised by hyperreactivity, sensitive skin is the result of your immune system responding to a perceived threat. For many, it’s caused by a thinner-than-average stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer) and compromised hydrolipidic film (the skin’s external barrier). This impaired barrier increases the skin’s permeability, which leaves its lower layers more vulnerable. Sensitive skin often manifests as dry, itchy, stinging, red, rough and bumpy skin.

Sensitive skin can be easily triggered by fluctuations in temperature, wind, pollution and airborne grime as well as sun exposure, cosmetics, and skincare with select active ingredients in potent doses. Hormonal changes, alcohol, stress, and even spicy food are internal factors that can trigger skin’s hyperreaction. Rosacea is also a major cause of skin sensitivity.

As a precaution, we recommend keeping active products (like Retinol and exfoliating acids) to a few nights per week max, avoiding hot showers and wearing sunscreen daily. Keeping hydrated and getting plenty of sleep will also help.

• Fragrances (both natural and synthetic) are common triggers for sensitive skin and are best avoided.
• Over-washing and over-exfoliating can further damage and strip the skin’s protective layer.
• Our skin’s natural bacterial flora helps boost our immune system and minimise bad bacteria. When this sensitive pH balance is disturbed (on the skin and internally), inflammatory markers increase, which can exacerbate acne, rosacea and similar conditions.
• Keep your skincare simple. Use gentle formulas, and approach actives like Retinol, Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid with caution.

Transepidermal water loss can exacerbate sensitive skin, so it’s important to keep it hydrated with an emollient-rich moisturiser. Welcome humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid into your regime to help the skin retain moisture, and give extra love to products with calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients.

A novel, soothing compound, Aloe Vera helps to calm the skin while boosting collagen content and cross-linking for improved skin integrity. Embrace Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which improves epidermal barrier performance by boosting production of Ceramides; the latter aids moisture retention to keep skin soft and supple.

Getting to the root cause of why your complexion is acting up is one part of the journey (you can read more on that here), but in the meantime, it’s essential to reach for ingredients that will soothe and repair.

What ingredients help soothe skin?

When it comes to sensitivity, look towards molecules that will increase hydration (like humectants) or reinforce the barrier – this is where occlusive, lipid-rich formulas shine):

• Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a much-loved humectant that draws water into the skin. Because dehydration and irritation go hand in hand, it’s a great staple ingredient to keep your complexion plump and comfortable. It’s also supremely gentle, so there’s no risk of irritation.

Try: Expert Revitalise Hyaluronic Jelly Mask

This lightweight, cooling treatment floods the skin with hydration, leaving it softer and plumper in minutes.

• Panthenol

A derivative of Vitamin B5, Panthenol is a water-soluble molecule that also has humectant properties. It helps with water retention and barrier function and is a great ingredient to soothe the flaking and rough texture issues that come with conditions like eczema.

Try: Gentle Cleanser

It’s essential to avoid harsh, stripping cleansers when your skin is irritated. Enriched with Panthenol, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, Gentle Cleanser purifies without disrupting the skin’s pH.

• Aloe Vera

If you remember your parents applying fresh Aloe Vera to your sunburn as a kid, text them to say ‘thank you’ — it’s actually a fantastic way to calm redness and promote healing. It’s rich in polysaccharides, sterols (similar to fatty acids) and antioxidants, so will work to prevent water loss and reduce redness.

Try: Laser Aid

Think of Laser Aid as a do-it-all sensitive-skin salve. It’s cooling, reduces inflammation and works quickly to correct redness. Use it as a spot treatment or leave-on mask.

• Niacinamide

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why the skincare world is obsessed with topical Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). It improves barrier function (a must for stressed-out skin), boosts collagen production and regulates oil flow, promoting a calmer, clearer complexion. Think of it as a multitasker that targets breakouts, redness and blotchy tone.

Try: Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream

Not only is this moisturiser rich and softening, it’s also a top choice to calm and comfort skin prone to fine lines and redness, and you can use it day and night.

• Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids that are found naturally in the upper layers of our skin – like a glue that holds the cells together. If your barrier is damaged, ceramides are perfect to help strengthen and repair, plus they also help to treat dryness and discomfort.

Try: Repair Balm

For seriously stressed skin, Repair Balm functions like a protective layer, blocking out external aggressors while locking in moisture. Use it in place of your moisturiser, or on any flaky spots as needed.

Try: Multi-Active Oil

Face oils are an easy but effective way to boost your lipid profile and reinforce the barrier. Multi-Active Oil is light and easily absorbed — try pressing a few drops into clean skin or add a drop to your moisturiser.

Shop our calming formulas for their protective, hydrating and soothing properties.

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