Anyone who treats sensitive skin, either personally or professionally, knows it requires patience and a gentle hand. There are many reasons why skin sensitivity occurs, but these are some of the most common causes:
- Genetic predisposition to a thinner skin barrier
- Overuse of powerful skincare products such as retinol or exfoliants
- Too much sun exposure
- Side effect of medication
Regardless of the cause, the outcome is the same: skin that’s prone to itchiness, redness, breakouts, stinging, or dryness. The best way to combat sensitive skin is with a dedicated at-home routine and regular professional facial treatments. This guide will help you find the best skincare products and treatments that won’t cause irritation or damage.
Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Skincare for sensitive skin should be focused on gentle, high-quality ingredients and treatments.
This applies to facial products such as cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup, as well as hair products, soaps, and body lotions since sensitive skin can also affect the body.
While it may not be possible to make skin less sensitive, it is possible to improve your skincare routine to eliminate irritation and inflammation caused by certain ingredients, dryness, or excessive exfoliation.
Sensitive Skin Routine
Establishing a high-quality skincare routine is essential for sensitive skin. It protects the skin barrier and helps prevent irritation caused by harsh ingredients, aggressive exfoliation, or endlessly switching to new products. The tips below will help you find the right products and treatments to create a skincare routine that soothes and supports sensitive skin.
Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Cleansers for sensitive skin can be a tricky area. It’s important to remove makeup, sunscreen, pollution, and skincare products every night, but many face washes contain harsh ingredients that can leave sensitive skin irritated and painful.
When searching for the right cleanser, avoid products with fragrances, alcohols, physical exfoliants, and sulfates, as these are all common culprits in sensitive skin flare-ups. Instead, look for a product with limited ingredients focused on skin-calming options such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, colloidal oatmeal, and calamine. Reach for cleansers labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin.”
You can also try a face-cleansing product like a Makeup Eraser, a soft cloth that can remove dirt and makeup using only water. Whichever product you choose, avoid aggressively scrubbing the skin. Use gentle ingredients and a light touch to cleanse sensitive skin carefully.
Toner for Sensitive Skin
Toner helps remove any dirt or impurities left behind by your cleanser which could irritate sensitive skin. You can use toner twice a day after washing your face and before applying moisturizers or treatments. The most important thing to look for when choosing a toner is that it’s alcohol-free. Alcohol can be drying and is likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Treatments for Sensitive Skin Concerns
You can use targeted, at-home treatments for common sensitive skin concerns such as redness, irritation, and dryness. Here are a few options to try:
- An oatmeal bath for itchy skin
- Aloe vera gel for red, irritated patches on the face or body
- Hydrocortisone cream to combat skin inflammation on the body
- Hydrating masks to moisturize skin and eliminate tightness
- Moisturizing treatments containing ceramides, which support the skin barrier
- Skin supplements featuring vitamin D, probiotics, fish oil, or methyl-sulfonyl-methane (organic sulfur), which are known to support skin health
As you explore different treatments to find what works best, be sure to give your skin time to adjust to one new product at a time. Two to four weeks is a good timeframe. Trying too many products too quickly can cause more irritation, in addition to making it difficult to pinpoint which treatment caused an issue or worked well.
Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
A daily moisturizer is key for sensitive skin, even if you also struggle with oiliness. Keeping skin moisturized keeps the skin barrier strong, reducing the chance of damage and irritation. If you cleanse and exfoliate sensitive skin without moisturizing, it can become overly dry, produce excess oil, or become irritated and inflamed. It’s also important to remember that all of your skin needs moisturizer, not only your face.
Look for a facial moisturizer labeled “noncomedogenic,” which means it won’t clog pores (especially important for acne-prone sensitive skin). Avoid fragrances and sulfates. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are excellent ingredients to look for in a sensitive-skin moisturizer. They work together to plump the skin and seal the skin barrier to retain moisturizer.
Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Many people with sensitive skin avoid sunscreen because many sunscreen ingredients can be irritating, but sun protection is still a vital part of any skincare routine. Sun damage exacerbates sensitive skin issues, so it’s better to look for a high-quality sunscreen that is gentle on the skin rather than skip it.
Look for sunscreen that is labeled noncomedogenic and safe for sensitive skin. Also, check for zinc as an active ingredient. Zinc is a physical sunblock rather than a chemical one, and it can help soothe skin. Make sure to use at least SPF 30 or higher.
Tips for Sensitive Skin Care
In addition to establishing a skincare routine using high-quality products, you can also care for sensitive skin by following these tips:
- Avoid ingredients that could irritate your skin, such as alcohols, fragrances, and dyes
- Limit exfoliation to no more than twice a week
- Keep your skin hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water
- Always cleanse skin after exercising or sweating to prevent breakouts and irritation (face and body)
- Use high-quality, limited-ingredient products for your skin and hair to reduce the chance of skin irritation
- Wash and condition your hair, and then wash your body to ensure no hair product residue remains
- Use lukewarm water to wash your face and limit or avoid very hot baths and showers, which can sap moisture from the skin
The Best Facial for Sensitive Skin
Professional facial treatments can make a dramatic difference in sensitive skin care. The best facials can calm irritation and inflammation with advanced skincare techniques and ingredients, such as ultrasound and oxygenation technology, which aren’t readily available for at-home use.
Regular professional facial and body treatments can help rebuild the skin barrier and activate natural processes within the body (e.g., collagen production and faster cell renewal) that will protect the skin from the inside out. They’re especially beneficial for people who also struggle with dryness or oiliness because professional treatments can help balance these skin types.
Some standard facials can help sensitive skin, but you risk harsh ingredients and inconsistent results. Geneo’s facials soothe and strengthen sensitive skin using natural ingredients and advanced technology. They provide fantastic, long-lasting results with no downtime. Whether you’re looking for the best facial to treat your sensitive skin or need the perfect solution for clients with sensitive skin, Geneo fits the bill.
Geneo Detox Facial for Sensitive Skin
Geneo Detox Facial is the best solution for sensitive skin. It calms irritated skin and uses antioxidant-rich ingredients to fight environmental stressors, such as pollution and allergens, that contribute to damage and inflammation. It also boosts cellular renewal, which smooths and brightens skin from the inside out for long-lasting results.
During this facial, the Geneo Oxypod, which is filled with all-natural ingredients, reacts with the Geneo Primer Gel to gently exfoliate the skin and create a bubbly, CO2-rich environment on the skin’s surface. The body responds by sending a surge of oxygen to the skin, creating ideal conditions to nourish and transform the skin.
The Detox Facial uses highly effective natural ingredients without being harsh on sensitive skin. These ingredients are infused into newly oxygenated and exfoliated skin with ultrasound and massage technologies for deep healing and rejuvenation. The facial includes:
- Green Tea Extract – Contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties to repair UV damage and photo-toxicity
- Copper Gluconate – Helps inhibit damage from environmental stressors while stimulating collagen synthesis and skin cell regeneration
- Marula Oil – Helps fight free radicals and assists in staving off skin damage caused by UV rays and pollution
- Calamine – A conditioning agent that relieves irritation in red or sensitive skin
- Gorgonian Extract – Soothes irritation and assists in reducing signs of aging
- White Water Lily Extract – A smoothing and moisturizing ingredient that helps balance cell renewal and eliminates toxins to reveal a brighter, more even skin tone
- Horsetail Extract – Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce acne and soothe irritation
Caring for Sensitive Skin FAQ
We’ve got answers to your most common sensitive skin questions.
What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
Avoid products with long ingredient lists and those that include fragrances, sulfates, alcohol, and dyes.
Why is my skin so sensitive?
Sensitive skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including a genetic predisposition for a thin skin barrier, sun or wind damage, exposure to pollution or allergens, and using products with harsh ingredients or physical exfoliants.
What is the best facial treatment for sensitive skin?
The best facial for sensitive skin is one that uses gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredients that are known to soothe irritation and inflammation. The Geneo Detox Facial is specifically formulated to alleviate sensitive skin issues while using the body’s natural oxygenation process to heal skin from the inside out. Geneo’s unique method of exfoliation does not include any pulling or tugging on the skin so it is suitable and comfortable for sensitive skin.
Get Healthy, Happy Skin with Geneo Facial Treatments
Caring for sensitive skin can be frustrating, but the process is easier when you follow the tips covered here to seek out the right products and professional treatments. To book a Geneo Detox Facial to eliminate your sensitive skin issues, find a Geneo provider today.
Are you looking for the perfect facial to treat clients with sensitive skin? Learn more about becoming a Geneo provider to add these beneficial treatments to your service list.