My skincare journey has been long and hard, but I’m finally at a place where I can say I know what does and does not work for my skin. Before reaching this point my skin would get red and irritated. Sometimes it would even feel like it was stinging and burning. It was pretty miserable, and I definitely don’t even want to experience it again! I hope you’ve never had this type of reaction on your skin, but if you have these are some of the best products for sensitive skin that I’ve found over the past couple of years that really work to keep my skin hydrated, healthy, and happy! Also, read to the bottom for a special surprise that will help you snag some of these products for yourself!
*This post contains affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.*
Before Introducing New Products, TRY THIS:
Before starting any kind of new skincare regimen, I highly recommend doing a “skin reset.” This is where you cut out ALL products; no cleansing, no moisturizing, no makeup, for at least two weeks. This gives your skin a chance to breath and reset back to it’s natural state. Have you ever thought you had oily skin? Well, would it surprise you to know all that excess oil might be because your skin is actually dry and trying to hydrate itself? Literally this is what was going on with my skin. I had dry, dehydrated skin, which led to excess oil production, which I was then trying to get rid of my over-cleansing and stripping my skin even more, and it just got a point where it was pissed and totally shut down on me.
At that point, I knew I had to make a change, so I cut out all products for two weeks. I gently cleansed my face with warm water morning and night, and at first, my skin felt pretty dirty and grimy. But after a few days, it actually started looking healthier! The redness went away, my skin stopped feeling like it was melting off my face, and I started reintroducing good products that would treat my actual skin conditions, and not the ones I thought I had.
Skincare Products to Try First
When reintroducing products for sensitive skin back into your skincare routine after a reset, it’s important to start slow. I highly recommend sticking with products that are meant for sensitive skin, that don’t contain too many chemicals, and that are from reputable brands. Nothing against drugstore products (I use a lot of them!), but this is a sensitive time in your skin’s life and it deserves the best 🙂
Cleanser –
You’re going to want a cleanser that is super gentle. There are a few I recommend, first is the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. This one is great for cleansing without stripping and it doesn’t have any added perfume. I also really like the Murad Prebiotic 4-in-1 MultiCleanser because it’s a pre-cleanser and a regular cleanser all in one. It’s also super gentle and helps to balance out your skin’s microbes. Lastly, if you are looking for a gentle cleanser that is vegan and/or gluten free but also helps refine for younger looking skin, I’d recommend the Arbonne RE9 Advanced Smoothing Facial Cleanser. This is my #1 favorite cleanser of all time! After just two uses I can tell a difference in my skin. It’s a great product for sensitive skin, and leaves your skin looking younger. Who doesn’t want that??
Moisturizer –
There are so many moisturizers out there that work great for sensitive skin, but here are my favorites:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – amazing drugstore option and the one I used for a long time after my skin reset. Works great, adds lots of hydration without weighing skin down!
- Origins Ginzing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer – I love this one because the scent really wakes you up. Gel moisturizers are also really great for sensitive skin because they tend to not clog your pores.
- Lancôme Renergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Firming & Dark Spot Correction Moisturizer SPF 30 – longest name ever but such a good product! I was obsessed with this stuff for the longest time (I ran out not too long ago so need to stock up). It’s gentle and has SPF, but also targets a few skincare aging concerns as well!
Products for Sensitive Skin to Add in Later
Once your skin settles down and you’ve been using your new cleanser and moisturizer for a few days, it’s probably safe to add in some additional products for sensitive skin. I’d recommend starting with a mask. I love overnight sleeping masks because they really soak into your skin.
Masks –
The first one I used when I was having my skin craziness was the Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque. This guy was such a lifesaver for my skin! After one 20 minutes use, my skin was less red, less irritated and much happier. I would 100% recommend this to anyone! The other mask that I actually use nightly as a sleeping mask is the Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask. This product is GOLD. Literally there is no better product for sensitive skin out there. It’s also really great for acne prone skin, and it’s vegan!
Serum –
Serums are the last thing I would incorporate into your skincare routine after a skin reset. I would go for something that is hydrating and gentle, so no acids, peels, or vitamin C serums. The one I started with is the Julep What Your Skin Needs Restorative Facial Milk. This is a Korean skincare brand and the product is great for re-balancing and restoring stressed out skin. I also love the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Serum because the texture is really nice and it doesn’t irritate my skin at all.
Additional Products I Use on my Sensitive Skin
- Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil (pre-cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and oil. See my full list of favorite pre-cleansers here!)
- Murad Prebiotic 3-in-1 Multimist (hydrating mist that can be used to prime and set makeup and refresh skin throughout the day)
- Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel (definitely don’t add this in until your skin is healed! This is a great peel that doesn’t dry out the skin and you see immediate results!)
- Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel (great moisturizer if you have more oily skin)
What type of skin do you have? Let me know in the comments along with what your favorite product is for that skin type!
xo,
B
GIVEAWAY!!
OK loves, I want to help you snag some of these products for yourself, so I’ve teamed up with a group of fellow bloggers to offer you the chance to win a $450 Nordstrom gift card! This is just in time for the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so enter below for a chance to win big!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is an awesome giveaway !
Thank you, good luck!! <3