7 Skin Care Rules for Sensitive Skin

Do you have sensitive skin? Welcome to the club! As a member, there are a few rules that you should keep in mind to help keep your complexion in tip-top shape. Much like having dry skin or oily skin, you can’t just wing it! Here, we’re sharing five sensitive skin care tips, including how to find the best skin care products for sensitive skin. Without further ado, it’s time to become a standout member of the sensitive skin club. Introduce these sensitive skin care rules to your skin care routine to help keep your complexion happy.

SENSITIVE SKIN CARE RULE #1: READ PRODUCT LABELS BEFORE USING

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin care products formulated with fragrances, soaps, or oils can irritate sensitive skin. And that’s no fun! So, check the label before adding a new skin care product to your routine.

SENSITIVE SKIN CARE RULE #2: CLEANSE GENTLY

When it comes to cleansing sensitive skin, you’ll need a facial cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – Normal to Dry Skin, L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser - Normal to Oily Skin, or the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water - Waterproof All Skin Types. This no-rinse facial cleanser is free of oil, soap, and alcohol and even says right on the packaging that it’s suitable for sensitive skin. This facial cleansing option won’t strip the skin and cause dryness, rather it’s gentle on skin while removing makeup and dirt in one step. Skin is left feeling hydrated and soothed, in addition to being perfectly clean. To use, saturate a cotton pad with the liquid and sweep it over your skin. No harsh rubbing required.

SENSITIVE SKIN CARE RULE #3: TAKE SUN PROTECTION SERIOUSLY

Sun protection should play an important role in your skin care routine, regardless of your skin type. And that holds true for sensitive skin. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily and reapply at least every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating).

It’s also important to remember that sun protection goes beyond wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen. According to the FDA, there are other measures you should take in addition to applying (and reapplying!) your sunscreen. Limit your amount of time in the sun, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, seek shade whenever possible, and cover up exposed areas with long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

SENSITIVE SKIN CARE RULE #4: SKIP STEAMY HOT SHOWERS

Taking a super-hot shower might feel relaxing in the moment—but it can do a number on your sensitive skin. Hot water can strip your skin of essential oils, making it feel drier. The next time you hop into the tub, turn down the temperature and wash off in lukewarm water instead. Once you’re done showering, don't towel off immediately. According to the AAD, the best time to apply a moisturizer is when your skin is damp, as this can help lock in hydration. Keep a body lotion near your shower for easy access, then apply it before toweling dry.

SENSITIVE SKIN CARE RULE #5: USE A COLOR CORRECTING CONCEALER

Does your sensitive skin tend to resemble the red hue of a lobster? Don’t sweat it! Reach for green color correcting products to help neutralize the appearance of skin redness. Try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Color Correcting Crayon in Green (a green concealer) and the L’Oréal Paris Magic BB Anti-Redness (For All Skin Tones) (a green BB cream). Color correcting concealer should be applied before foundation and flesh-toned concealer. Meanwhile, BB cream is a multi-tasking product that can help hydrate and perfect the look of your skin in one step, so you can skip applying other face makeup products.

SENSITIVE SKIN CARE RULE #6: HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

Sensitive skin can often be very dry, especially during the cold winter months. Make sure to keep it hydrated by using a moisturizer that’s safe for sensitive skin. Add the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Day Cream and the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Night Balm to your routine. Both are suitable for sensitive skin and provide nourishing comfort to mature, very dry skin.

SENSITIVE SKIN CARE RULE #7: EXFOLIATE WITH CARE

The AAD states that mechanical exfoliation can be particularly irritating for sensitive skin. If you’re going to exfoliate, make sure to use a gentle scrub only once or twice a week as to not cause redness or discomfort.

Need more help taking care of your sensitive skin? Next, find out how to use Our Best Skin Care Products for Sensitive Skin.