What is the best skincare routine for sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin requires a gentle skincare routine. Discover how to recognize sensitive skin and how to take good care of it thanks to our Bioderma experts' advice.

Sensitive skin needs specific attention, which is why it is important to find the best skincare care routine. Learn how to recognize sensitive skin symptoms and make sure to only apply products specially designed for your skin type.

How to recognize sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin manifests in many ways including redness, tingling, tightness, heating, and burning sensations.

We can distinguish two types of sensitive skin:

Sensitive skin prone to redness is a subtype of sensitive skin where the main feature is vascular reactivity leading to symptoms like redness or flushing.
Sensitive intolerant skin is a type of skin that reacts excessively and immediately to normally well-tolerated stimuli. The main symptoms are tingling, burning, stinging and tightness. This type of sensitive skin is mainly neurosensory.

Why do I have sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can be the result of both internal factors such as genetics and external factors like pollution, harsh products, etc.

In sensitive skin, there is a dysfunctional barrier function of the epidermis and a secretion of too many pro-inflammatory cytokines. These two factors promote skin dehydration and the penetration of potential irritants.

What are key Ingredients to look for in products for sensitive skin?

When you have sensitive skin, try to avoid harsh ingredients. Look for skin-caring active ingredients that effectively relieve sensitive skin:

Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient which provides hydration and improves suppleness. Find out more about hyaluronic acid and sensitive skin (link to article)
Glycerin is a humectant that draws water into the skin
Squalane is a lightweight non comedogenic oil that mimics skin’s natural sebum
Karanja oil is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant which helps calm inflamed skin, reduce redness and assist with healing

Bioderma skincare products range contain key ingredients for your sensitive skin:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is a gentle humectant which calms and soothes skin.
Sensibio Defensive Serum is an emollient which contains barrier-strengthening ingredients like squalane.

Salicylic acid can also be beneficial for sensitive skin. Discover how salicylic acid works on sensitive skin in our dedicated article.

What is the ideal skincare routine for sensitive reactive skin prone to redness?

The ideal skincare routine for sensitive reactive skin prone to redness includes gentle cleansing and soothing moisturizing anti-redness care.

Gently cleanse the skin

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is particularly recommended for sensitive reactive skin prone to redness as it gently cleanses and instantly soothes the skin. Remove makeup, fine particles and pollution gently with a cotton pad. No rinsing is needed.

Treat your skin

Bioderma Sensibio AR+ Cream is the perfect cream to apply after cleansing your skin. It is a daily skincare which immediately soothes sensations of discomfort and strengthens your skin barrier.

Apply Sensibio AR+ to clean skin everyday morning and evening. Good hydration is key to effectively caring for sensitive skin.

Gently massage your face

Massage your face with light and circular motions to stimulate circulation and help produce absorption of your daily cream. Avoid rubbing or pulling your skin.

If wanted, apply your makeup

Choose makeup with gentle ingredients, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to protect your sensitive skin.

What is the ideal skincare routine for sensitive skin intolerant to external aggressions?

The ideal skincare routine for sensitive skin intolerant to external aggressions include gentle cleansing and a defensive serum.

Gently cleanse your skin

Sensibio Foaming Gel is a micellar cleansing gel that respects your skin’s sensitivity. You can apply it on your face and your eyes. Apply on wet skin, work into a foam, rinse well with water, and gently dry.

Treat your skin

Sensibio Defensive Serum is a long-lasting soothing moisturizing concentrate that acts against external aggressors by boosting your skin resilience. It can be used on face and neck

If wanted, apply your makeup

Choose makeup with gentle ingredients and use clean brushes to avoid contamination and irritation.

Mistakes to avoid with sensitive skin

Sensitive skin requires extra gentle care as it is more reactive to certain ingredients and more prone to irritation. Keep the following tips in mind to avoid damaging your skin:

Over-cleansing or exfoliating: opt for gentle cleansers that contain soothing ingredients and do not over wash or exfoliate your skin to prevent dehydration.
Using harsh ingredients: avoid harsh ingredients and fragrances causing irritation and triggering skin issues.
Skipping sun protection: always apply sunscreen with an SPF 50+ to protect your skin against harmful UV. Expert panels have emphasized that alongside cleansing and moisturizing, photoprotection is a critical part of care for sensitive skin, to reduce inflammation and damage.
Layering too many products: simplify your skincare routine and use few products with simple ingredients.

Regardless of your skin type, skin sensitivity can sometimes be linked to an underlying skin condition, which is why it is important to consult a dermatologist. Thanks to his diagnosis, you will be able to adopt the best skincare routine and reduce your symptoms effectively. Remember that sensitive skin needs gentle care and effective hydration with products specially formulated to its type to strengthen the skin barrier and relieve irritation.