Soothing Solutions: A Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Ever feel like your skin reacts to… well, everything? When you have sensitive skin, it’s hard to tell which is worse: the bad reactions or the fact that they’re completely unpredictable. 

At MD GLAM—we get it. And as much as we love trying new products, we know sensitive skin types have to be a bit more meticulous about what graces their complexions. A sensitive skin routine might not make every reaction disappear, but it’s a start to making them less likely. 

Since navigating the nuances of sensitive skin is no walk on Rodeo, we’re here to guide you in the right direction. In this article, we take a closer look at the dynamics of sensitive skin, as well as a curated routine and tips to help your skin function at its best.

Why Sensitive Skin is So Sensitive

“Sensitive skin” is kind of a nebulous term. Some people think their skin is sensitive because they’re overusing irritating products, but in reality, that’s not actually their skin type.

So, how do you know which camp you fall into? Here are some tell-tale signs that you’ve got certifiable sensitive skin: 

• Your skin tends to experience allergic reactions or irritation with makeup and skincare products
• You struggle with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
• You’re prone to blemishes, but acne products seem to have the opposite effect
• You find that you sunburn faster and easier than the average person

The exact cause of sensitive skin is tough to pinpoint, but it’s often tied to subtle differences in the skin barrier. This is the outermost layer of your skin responsible for protecting the deeper layers underneath. Those with sensitive skin tend to have a weaker barrier than other skin types.

Fortunately, with the right product lineup, you can strengthen your skin barrier and minimize your chances of unwelcome irritation. 

Your MD GLAM-Approved Sensitive Skin Routine

Clean, medical-grade products are a game-changer for sensitive complexions. This is because they’re formulated with potent ingredients that support sensitive skin while keeping adverse reactions at bay. And when it comes to quality, they’re the crème de la crème. 

Ready to bid adieu to your sensitive skin troubles? Here’s a curated routine to get you going:

Gentle Cleansers

Look for gentle cleansers specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Unlike harsher cleansers on the market, these are designed to support your skin barrier and keep your natural oils intact. 

Our recommended cleanser for sensitive skin: Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser

Here’s why: Our cleanser’s fresh, foamy lather gently removes impurities without stripping your skin of its healthy oils. It’s also formulated with soothing vitamins and minerals that nourish your skin with every cleanse. 

Delicate Exfoliation

Sensitive skin exfoliation—is there such a thing? Your skepticism is valid. Most exfoliants are too aggressive, stripping away essential oils and causing microtears in your skin's fragile surface. But exfoliation is vital for removing dead skin cells and uncovering fresh ones underneath.

Our recommended exfoliant for sensitive skin: Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub 

Here’s why: This scrub uses extra-fine particles and enzymatic exfoliants to gently exfoliate without over-stripping or aggravating the skin. It also contains soothing ingredients to hydrate and fortify your skin barrier. 

Soothing Toners

Toners are notorious for containing astringents and alcohol. While this is ideal for some, these formulas can leave sensitive skin more inflamed and irritated. Instead, reach for soothing toners with gentle ingredients and zero alcohols, acids, or astringents. 

Our recommended toner for sensitive skin: Renée Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner 

Here’s why: This alcohol-free toner uses elderberry extract and Ylang Ylang to balance and calm freshly exfoliated skin. It also contains unique ingredients like biosaccharide bum-1 (sugar-derived compound) to retain moisture in your skin cells.

Calming Moisturizers

We’d be remiss if we didn’t reiterate the importance of moisturizing sensitive skin to fortify your skin barrier. The problem? Nowadays, many moisturizers are loaded with sulfates, parabens, and preservatives that wreak havoc on sensitive complexions. 

Our recommended moisturizers for sensitive skin: Daytime: DMAE Antioxidant Day Moisturizer, Bedtime: Hyaluronic Acid Night C-Complex

Here’s why: These formulas offer the tailored moisture and rejuvenation your skin needs when it needs it most. In the morning, you’ll get hydration and protection against environmental stressors. At night, double down on hydration and prime your barrier for overnight repair. 

Concentrated Serums

People tend to shy away from serums for sensitive skin, thinking it might be too much. But chances are, if the skin on your face is sensitive, the even more delicate area around your eyes is too. Don’t leave it hanging out to dry (pun intended). 

Our recommended serum for sensitive skin: Retinol-C Intense Eye Serum 

Here’s why: This potent, anti-aging serum renews the fragile skin around your eyes (but you can use it anywhere). We know what you’re thinking—isn’t retinol super irritating? It can be, but our serum uses a blend of ingredients (like ceramide and natural oils) to help offset that dreaded “retinol burn.”

Hybrid Protection

It’s not unusual to have a hard time finding sensitive skin protection. Why? Because most SPFs are riddled with irritating actives and alcohols. So while they might shield you from UV rays, they suck the moisture out of your skin in the process. Plus, you need protection from more than the sun, right?

Our recommended SPF for sensitive skin: Sunshout Sunscreen SPF 50

Here’s why: This SPF ticks all the boxes: light, fast-absorbing, and pore-friendly? Check. Broad-spectrum defense against UVA/UVB and blue light? Check. Skin-boosting ingredients (like antioxidants and vitamins) that hydrate, firm, plump? Check, check, check.

But caring for sensitive skin extends beyond your bathroom counter. Your daily habits also make a difference in how it looks and functions.

Beyond the Products: 5 Sensitive Skin Care Tips

Here are five holistic tips for giving your picky complexion the specialized TLC it needs:

1. Adjust your diet for sensitive skin

A healthy, balanced diet of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and natural foods can soothe sensitive skin and up your glow factor. 

2. Approach skincare fads with caution

Not all viral trends fare well with sensitive skin. Take triple-cleansing and slugging, for instance. They’re a godsend for some, but sensitive skin types might want to pass.

3. Patch test new products

Want to try a new product? Test a small amount on your skin the night before. If you awake with no irritation, you’re probably in the clear.  

4. Get to know your ingredients

If certain ingredients (like parabens or fragrances) trigger skin reactions, avoid products that contain them. When you know your triggers, you can tailor a routine around your skin’s preferences.

5. Don’t use expired products

Expired products are a no-go for any skin type. When you’ve got sensitive skin, however, they can be doubly damaging. Read your labels and know when it’s time to toss out products.

MD GLAM: Radiance Beyond Sensitivity

The bottom line? A well-planned sensitive skin routine can turn the tide on your skin and make those irksome reactions an occasional blip—not a regular occurrence.

It’s a harsh world out there, but with the right, scientifically proven ingredients, your sensitive complexion can thrive amidst the chaos.

Shop our collection of soothing, medical-grade skincare.