Creating a Gentle Morning Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Having sensitive skin can make daily skincare maintenance a bit tricky.

With harsh treatments and temperatures frequently causing irritation, it’s important to approach your skincare regimen with a soothing method.

In the morning, your skincare routine can be both refreshing and revitalizing when you use the right gentle products for your sensitive skin (See Amazon).

Here’s a simple guide to creating a gentle morning skincare routine for sensitive skin.

The first step in your gentle morning skincare routine should be to cleanse your skin.

Look for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser (See Amazon). Sulfates can irritate already-sensitive skin, so it’s best to avoid them.

A micellar water or a cleansing milk or lotion cleanser (See Amazon) can do the trick since these types of cleansers contain fewer irritants and can be very effective at removing impurities and excess sebum (See Amazon) without exacerbating your sensitive skin.

For some with sensitive skin, exfoliating can be too harsh.

However, if you feel that your skin could benefit from a gentle exfoliation, opt for a chemical exfoliant.

Look for one that contains gentle AHA or BHA acids (See Amazon), as these can help to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you feel that even a chemical exfoliant is too much for your skin, try using a softer, natural exfoliant (See Amazon) such as oatmeal or sugar once or twice a week to help maintain your skin’s natural brightness.

Applying a serum is an important part of your morning gentle skincare routine.

Serums (See Amazon) can be loaded with antioxidants, hydrating agents, and anti-inflammatories that can soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness and irritation, and help repair and protect against environmental stressors.

Look for a serum that contains chamomile, green tea, or vitamin C can be especially gentle and soothing to sensitive skin.

After serum application, use a gentle and non-greasy moisturizer (See Amazon).

Look for a moisturizer that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, dyes, or parabens, all of which can trigger allergic reactions and dry out your skin even more.

Opt for a moisturizer that contains hydrating and soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and rosehip oil (See Amazon), which can help to retain moisture in your skin and soothe inflammation.

Protecting your skin from the sun is an essential part of a morning skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Look for a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin (See Amazon). It should be oil-free and noncomedogenic, as well as provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

If possible, try to find a sunscreen that contains physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (See Amazon), since these can be gentler on your skin than chemical filters.

Remember to reapply every 2-4 hours, especially if you’ll be spending time outside.