7 Tips to Help Soothe Sensitive Skin

Here's something you may not know: all skin can feel sensitive at times. External factors in our environment, like pollutants, the weather, our diet and irritants found in some beauty products, can all play a part in causing sensitivity, making skin feel tight, itchy or inflamed. Hooray. But while you can't change the weather, you can make some simple changes to your skincare routine, to help soothe and protect your skin, and help prevent those pesky reactions. Skincare for sensitive skin can be simple if you just follow these tips.

1. Get back to basics

The simpler the better when it comes to sensitive skin. Starting with your cleanser, forget harsh ingredients, chemicals, perfume and dyes. Instead, when you want the best facial cleanser for sensitive skin, look for soothing, gentle products that will work with your skin's natural pH balance. Over-cleansing?

It's a thing! Squeaky-clean is not how you want your skin to feel—we're looking for gently cleansed and refreshed. For the best face cleanser for sensitive skin, simplify your skincare kit with products like our Simple® Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water, which doesn't dry out skin but removes daily dead skin cells, impurities and excess oil, gently.

2. Remove your make-up before you sleep

Ah, we know it, the last thing we feel like before bed! But removing make-up before slipping between the sheets can quickly become a (good) habit. Skin can be aggravated by leaving make-up on when you're catching those Zs. A gentle foaming cleanser can help keep sensitive skin feeling fresh and clear at the end of each day. Worried the foam will leave your skin feeling tight? A soap-free cleanser, like Simple® Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash won't dry out your skin.

3. Handle sensitive skin with care

We can be a bit harsh when we cleanse. Without realizing it, rubbing, tugging and even drying post-cleanse can make skin more sensitive. Linger a bit longer when you're removing make-up. Use a cotton pad soaked in eye make-up remover, hold it over your eye a little longer and it'll have more time to dissolve stubborn make-up to sweep it away in a flash!

4. Safeguard sensitive skin against the sun

The sun doesn't have to be shining for skin to suffer from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Cloudy days can also harm your skin. Keep protected all year round by including a sunscreen in your daily skincare routine. For a more lightweight option—and to save on bathroom shelf space—try a moisturizer with added SPF for everyday use.

5. Keep skin cool

Excess heat can unsettle sensitive skin, so stick to lukewarm water to wash your face and avoid very hot showers. If you feel your skin needs some cooling down, pop a damp washcloth in the fridge to use as a cooling compress on irritated skin.

6. Protect against pollution

Throughout the day, pollution in the air can stick to your skin and damage your skin's barrier. Over time, these particles can build up on your skin and lead to irritation. Our suggestion? Cleanse often, at the beginning and the end of each day, to remove dirt and impurities. Out and about? Keep a pack of cleansing wipes in your bag for on-the-go cleansing.

7. Drink up

Help your skin to feel calm and clear by keeping hydration levels high. Moisturizing twice a day will help to balance your sensitive skin, while drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated. A pretty bottle on your desk is a great reminder to keep sipping!