Sensitive skin: how to soothe it and what to avoid

If your skin turns red easily, burns with certain products, or feels tight after washing, it is sensitive or reactive skin, and it is more common than you might think: among those who have taken our online diagnostic test, half say their skin reacts. There is almost always a weakened skin barrier behind it. A short, gentle, and consistent routine usually helps a lot.

What is sensitive skin and how to recognize it?

We speak of sensitive skin when it overreacts to things that other skin types tolerate without any problem: a cleanser, cold, sun, or a new product. This can be explained by two things that usually go together. One is the barrier: if that layer of cells and lipids on the surface has gaps, it loses water more easily and lets in what should stay out, and the skin's nerve endings register this as burning or itching. The other is in those same nerve endings: in sensitive skin, they overreact and interpret stimuli that other skin doesn't even notice as burning. Frequent signs:

• Redness that appears quickly, sometimes in patches.
• Burning, itching, or a sensation of heat when applying a product.
• Tightness and discomfort, especially after washing the face.
• Reactions to temperature changes or wind.

Sensitive skin can be dry, oily, or combination. That is why in our diagnostic test we ask two things: what your skin is like and whether it reacts easily.

Why does skin become sensitized?

General causes

• A weakened skin barrier, which lets irritants pass through more easily and loses water.
• Using too many products at once or changing them often. Each formula adds surfactants, fragrances, or active ingredients that the skin has to tolerate.
• Over-exfoliating or scrubbing, which wears down the very layer that protects it.
• Certain skin conditions that only a dermatologist can diagnose.

Lifestyle and climate in Colombia

• Temperature changes. Going from the cold on the street to an office with heating or air conditioning, or from the sun on the coast to the icy air of a shopping mall. The skin's blood vessels dilate and contract, and this appears as redness.
• Cold and mountain wind, which dry out and redden the skin.
• Strong sun all year round. Due to the altitude, in Bogotá the midday sun often reaches the "very high" or "extreme" category on the UV index, even on cool days. Sensitive skin also needs protection.
• Very hot showers and stress, which increase the sensation of discomfort. Hot water strips away the lipids of the barrier.

Your routine for sensitive skin, step by step

Few products, well chosen, and one new one at a time.

Morning

1. Clean gently, with lukewarm water, without scrubbing. Pat dry.
2. Moisturizer that leaves the skin feeling comfortable.
3. SPF 50+ Sunscreen.

Night

1. Remove makeup without scrubbing, especially around the eyes.
2. Clean with the same gentle cleanser.
3. Apply your moisturizer or a soothing balm.

Before trying a new product

Test it for a few days on a small area, such as behind the ear or on the jawline. If burning, redness, or itching appears, do not apply it to the rest of your face. Introduce one new product at a time to know which one suits you well.

Products we recommend

• MICROALGAE REFRESHING CLEANSING GEL 390 mL: cleanser for all skin types that removes impurities without drying.
• Express Eye Makeup Remover 200 mL: biphasic makeup remover for the eye contour of all skin types; let it sit with a cotton pad and remove without rubbing.
• Nonstop 48H Hydrating Rich Cream 50 mL: if your skin is normal to dry, it leaves it nourished and comfortable.
• Soothing Repair Balm 40 mL: if your skin is sensitive and has blemishes, a balm with plant-based bisabolol that reduces tightness and discomfort.
• SOS Hydrating Mask 75 mL: fresh mask for all skin types that provides comfort, 1 or 2 times a week.
• Rejuvenating Eye Contour 15 mL: fresh, fragrance-free gel that respects the sensitive eye contour area.
• Multi-Protection UV Shield Cream SPF 50 30 mL: facial sunscreen SPF 50+ for all skin types.

A note: the Luminosity Intensifying Serum is not indicated for sensitive skin. If your skin reacts, choose other options.

When to consult a dermatologist

Make an appointment if the redness is permanent or appears with pimples and visible small veins, if the burning, swelling, or flaking does not subside, or if you react to almost all products. If a reaction was severe, with swelling of the eyelids or lips or hives, stop using the product and seek medical attention.

Frequently asked questions

Are sensitive skin and dry skin the same thing?

No. Dry skin produces less oil; sensitive skin reacts easily. They can go together, but there are also oily skin types that are sensitive.

Can I exfoliate sensitive skin?

Very sparingly, or not at all while it is irritated. First, the skin must regain its comfort.

What do I do if a product burns?

Remove it with lukewarm water, do not apply anything new that day, and stop using it. If the reaction is severe or does not go away, consult a dermatologist.

Do I need sunscreen even if my skin is sensitive?

Yes. The sun is one of the factors that irritates it the most. Test it first on a small area.

Continue exploring

• Hydra Végétal Line
• Sebo Active Clear (sensitive skin with blemishes)
• Take the free facial and hair diagnostic test: less than a minute and it recommends a routine based on your answers.
• Other guides by need: dry skin, skin spots, oily skin, wrinkles and expression lines.