The Best Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

If your skin often reacts — with redness, warmth, or a stinging feeling — to products, fragrance, or the weather, you likely have sensitive skin. Not sure? See our guide to the 5 skin types or ask Lumi. Sensitive skin does best with less: a short, gentle routine built around soothing, minimal-fragrance formulas.

What sensitive skin needs

Sensitive skin has a more reactive or easily disrupted barrier, so the priorities are gentleness and barrier support. Look for calming, well-tolerated ingredients such as centella asiatica (cica), panthenol, madecassoside, and ceramides. Keep the routine simple, avoid strong actives and heavy fragrance, and introduce any new product one at a time.

The morning routine

1. Gentle, fragrance-light cleanser — or simply rinse with lukewarm water in the morning if that suits you better.
2. Soothing toner — a calming, alcohol-free toner. Look for: a cica or heartleaf toner.
3. Barrier-support serum — centella or panthenol to comfort the skin.
4. Gentle moisturiser — a ceramide-based cream to support the barrier.
5. Sunscreen (SPF) — a gentle, well-tolerated formula; mineral SPF suits many sensitive skins.

The evening routine

1. Gentle oil or balm cleanser — to remove sunscreen without scrubbing.
2. Mild cleanser — a soft second cleanse.
3. Soothing toner — calm and hydrate.
4. Barrier-support serum — the same calming step as the morning.
5. Comforting moisturiser — to support the barrier overnight.

Extra tips for sensitive skin

• Patch-test new products on the inner arm or behind the ear before using them on your face.
• Introduce one product at a time so you can identify any trigger.
• Avoid very hot water and harsh scrubbing.
• Winter: cold wind and indoor heating can trigger flare-ups — lean on barrier creams.

Please note: persistent redness, itching, or reactions may point to a skin condition that benefits from professional care. If in doubt, consult a dermatologist rather than self-treating.

Ready-made routine

Our Start Here set for sensitive skin keeps things gentle and simple, as a Starter Set or a Complete Routine.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. For persistent or specific skin concerns, please consult a dermatologist.