If you’ve experienced dry January in more ways than one, your skin may be in need of a serious thirst quencher. With the February chill and central heating sucking the moisture from our skin, sensitivity can spike — affecting more people than you might think.
About 20 percent of people in the UK have allergic reactions to environmental allergens. An even larger number, up to 71% , say their skin is sensitive.
Even when we’re religious with our skincare routine, we’re not immune from occasional flare ups. So when redness strikes, what’s the best way to calm and restore balance? Let’s find out.
What is sensitive skin?
Nearly half of all people say they have sensitive skin, often experiencing tightness, dryness, itching, burning, or redness. These symptoms happen when nerve endings in the skin’s top layer get irritated. This usually occurs because the skin barrier is weak. When this protective layer becomes compromised, irritants and allergens penetrate more easily, causing discomfort and inflammation.
How do I know if I have sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is not a medical condition. A group of symptoms shows your skin reacts more strongly than others.
This can happen with everyday products or environmental factors. If you often have redness, stinging, or irritation after using skincare products, your skin may be sensitive. Weather changes or stress can also cause these reactions.
What are the triggers?
Sensitive skin often has triggers. It can feel calm one moment and irritated the next. This makes it hard to manage, especially if you don’t know what causes your flare-ups. Some of the most common triggers include:
Pollution Stress Hormones Temperature Alcohol Diet Cosmetics/soaps How do you treat sensitive skin?
If your skin is easily irritated, keeping your skincare routine simple and gentle is key. Look for products formulated with soothing natural ingredients such as:
Aloe vera – Known for its cooling and hydrating properties, aloe helps calm inflammation and redness.Oa ts – Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, oatmeal is excellent for soothing dry and irritated skin.Avocado – Nutrient-rich and high in essential fatty acids, avocados are great for nourishing and hydrating your skin.Chamomile – this calming ingredient contains anti-inflammatory properties which help stressed out skin.Rose water – Can cool and soothe irritated skin. Stay away from harsh exfoliants , alcohol-based products, and synthetic fragrances. These can damage your skin’s natural barrier and make sensitivity worse. Instead, opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skincare and always patch-test new products before full application.
By finding triggers and using gentle, nourishing products, you can strengthen your skin’s barrier. This can help reduce sensitivity over time. Managing sensitive skin is about understanding what works best for you—because when your skin is happy, you feel better too.
Best moisturisers for sensitive skin
Evolve Organic Beauty , Pro+ Ectoin Soothing Cream , £32
Evolve Organic Beauty clinched gold in the Sensitive Skin category at the 2024 Natural Health Beauty Awards — so they clearly know a thing or two about soothing skincare. This cream uses chaga mushrooms to increase resilience, while ectoin and camellia oil help reduce redness and restore balance.
OSKIA Rest Day Comfort Cream , £62
Amino acids, probiotics, and ceramides — this nourishing moisturiser has it all. These strong ingredients work together perfectly. They do the hard work, allowing your skin to rest, recover, and glow.
Madara SOS Sensitive Moisturiser , £34.95
Hyaluronic acid and peony root extract come together to hydrate, replenish and comfort your skin.
Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light , £33
A natural beauty classic — your parched skin will thank you for making this a staple in your routine.
Green People Scent Free 24-Hour Cream 50ml, £27
A sensitive skincare saviour – this anti-ageing cream is a best-seller for a reason. Gentle on skin, it delivers a plump, radiant glow — and we’re obsessed.
Neal’s Yard Remedies, Wild Rose Beauty Balm , £43
Intensely nourishing, this beauty balm is infused with organic wild rosehip seed oil to soothe and restore. Versatile and deeply hydrating, it’s perfect for face, hands, and body — your go-to for any skin flare-up.
