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   ![10 Expert Rules For Sensitive Skin](https://media.sheerluxe.com/keHAh37u1QMzUzQ-qvoqz8zEIKo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2018%2F03%2Fsensitiveskinthumb.jpg?itok=dYXb3gI1)

  

 

 



 

 

[Skincare](/beauty/skincare)

 /  14 March 2018  

#  10 Expert Rules For Sensitive Skin  


Is your complexion prone to itching, burning or stinging? Find products frequently irritate or break you out? If you've got sensitive skin, you needn’t suffer from the side effects – from the ingredients to avoid, to when to seek expert help, here are the professionals’ words of wisdom to follow.  


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## **See An Expert** 

“Many women see sensitive skin as a cosmetic issue, and never seek medical attention, which means underlying causes – such as rosacea or allergies – aren’t investigated or ruled out. Don’t be afraid to see a dermatologist – it could be the answer to a clearer complexion.” – Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at [The Cadogan Clinic](https://www.cadoganclinic.com/)

## **Know Your Type**

“It’s too easy to blanket diagnose sensitive skin although I personally feel there are two types. The first – reactive – can be recognised by a rash, inflammation, dryness or area of irritation that is often a histamine reaction. The second – responsive – is diagnosed by frequent flushing, redness and being prone to reacting to temperature changes.” – [Abigail James](http://www.abigailjames.com/), facialist

## **Recognise Your Triggers**

“There are a huge number of potential triggers for skin sensitivity and many more we are yet to recognise. Diet (namely spicy foods and cheese), alcohol intake, hormones, sun exposure, ingredients in make-up and stress can all be triggers. Try to keep a diary of your symptoms and notice when they worsen.” – Dr Anjali Mahto

## **Be Wary Of Labelling**

Just because a product claims to be hypoallergenic or fragrance-free doesn’t mean it’s suitable for sensitive skin, so be cautious. Often ‘unscented’ means there are other chemicals in there to take the scent away.” – Abigail James

## **Steer Clear Of Aromatherapy**

“Essential oils seem soothing and calming, but they can irritate sensitive skin. If in doubt, try to avoid natural products with aromatherapy in. The only exceptions are ingredients such as chamomile and calendula, which can be helpful to sensitised complexions.” – Abigail James

## **Keep It Simple**

“Skincare for sensitive skin should be kept as simple as possible. It’s a good idea to avoid ingredients such as fragrances, witch hazel, alcohol, sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium lauryl sulphate, methylisothiazolinone, salicylic acid, and some AHAs. Regarding acids, be extremely wary of using these as they can trigger sensitivity; the only exceptions are azelaic and hyaluronic acids. If in any doubt, speak to a dermatologist.” – Dr Anjali Mahto

## **Be Brand Savvy**

“Natural and organic brands sound like they’ll do your skin some good, but be cautious, as natural doesn’t necessarily mean safer or better. In my opinion, you’re far better off with a French pharmacy brand such as Avène and La Roche Posay – which both do great ranges for sensitive skin I recommend to my clients.” – Dr Anjali Mahto

## **Be Prepared To Make Changes**

“Reviewing the products you use at home and making changes is key if you want to improve your sensitive skin. As tricky as it may seem, stepping away from traditional beauty halls, which are often packed with synthetically fragranced brands, could be the answer. Keep your skincare to a minimum for a month or so and then try adding products back in, one at a time, to see if it supports or irritates your skin.” – Abigail James

## **Don’t Forget SPF**

“While all skin types should use an SPF daily, those with sensitive skin should make this a priority. UV damage can be a trigger for many people with sensitive skin and can expose the skin to free radicals, which exacerbate redness and sensitivity.” – Face Experts at [Gazelli](https://www.gazelli.com/)

## **Try A Peel**

“For people with sensitised skin, try a gentle peel to encourage the damaged skin’s surface (which has lost its healthy barrier and can’t protect itself ) to be replaced with new, healthy skin cells. Always get this done professionally and ask your therapist about lactic acid – since it’s a bigger molecule, it doesn’t tend to create an aggressive reaction in the skin.” – Skin Experts at Gazelli

 

 

 

 

 ![Redness Relief Moisturizer from Avene](https://media.sheerluxe.com/wVxhhB_hWN4VJImQXAX6ac56hdo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2018%2F03%2Favene-antirougeurs-jour-redness-relief-moisturizing-protecting-cream.jpg?itok=aIwb9Yl_)

 

 

 

[#### Redness Relief Moisturizer](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&p=http%3A//www.boots.com/avene-antirougeurs-jour-redness-relief-moisturising-protecting-cream-spf-20-40ml-10136797%3Fcm_mmc%3Dbmm-_-Google%2BBoots%2BPLAs-_-BAU-_-C%3D%2528GB%253A)

##### Avene, 



£14.50

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/15478 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Sensibio H20 Wipes from Bioderma](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Yrkcs20lgZZlogffJ-a2v42mN4Q=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2018%2F03%2Fbiodermasensibiolingettesh2opng.jpg?itok=KnI2ugJN)

 

 

 

[#### Sensibio H20 Wipes](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&p=http%3A//www.boots.com/bioderma-sensibio-wipes-10216773)

##### Bioderma, 



£5.32

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/15478 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Ultracalming Cleanser from Dermalogica](https://media.sheerluxe.com/uALAJGXMUBI5q5JogL1Bz1K6Wpg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2018%2F03%2Fdermalogica-ultracalming-cleanser.jpg?itok=m5dlF46I)

 

 

 

[#### Ultracalming Cleanser](http://www.dermalogica.co.uk/ultracalming-cleanser%C2%A050ml/5-00,en_GB,pd.html?start=1&q=ultracalming%20cleanser)

##### Dermalogica, 



£10.50

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/15478 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum from Murad](https://media.sheerluxe.com/UmUQtVO0mh0DeKTkgml0en7fhEc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2018%2F03%2Fmurad-sensitive-skin-soothing-serum.jpg?itok=7TWTCL28)

 

 

 

[#### Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum](https://www.murad.co.uk/sensitive-skin-soothing-serum)

##### Murad, 



£49.50

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/15478 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask from Ren Skincare](https://media.sheerluxe.com/n_pFZiFWwuil5QJRb-2tkGu1o0M=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2018%2F03%2Fren-evercalmtm-ultra-comforting-rescue-mask.jpg?itok=aNt61oyK)

 

 

 

[#### Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6748&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&p=https%3A//www.renskincare.com/uk/evercalm-ultra-comforting-rescue-mask.html)

##### Ren Skincare, 



£30

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/15478 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Toleriane Dermo Cleanser from La Roche-Posay](https://media.sheerluxe.com/oOHbQ4UfBrl9zCMo1aUL1W1_JqA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2018%2F03%2Frocheposay-toleriane-dermo-cleanser.jpg?itok=JwRd_UOP)

 

 

 

[#### Toleriane Dermo Cleanser](https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/toleriane-dermo-cleanser)

##### La Roche-Posay, 



£12.50

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/15478 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

  

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