A beauty writer’s no-BS guide to stop your sensitive skin freaking out.

I've been in tears because of my sensitive skin. Call me a drama queen, but at some point or another, we've all been there, right? 

The dry patches, rashes, dreaded redness, unexpected breakouts, and the tightness that feels like your face is about to stage a revolt. 

If you have sensitive or reactive skin, or suffer from it from time to time, you’ll know how important it is to find skincare products that you not only trust but can also work to keep your skin barrier happy and healthy.

So, now that you're introduced, here's my top tips for how not to mess up your skin barrier and regret everything. 

1. Opt for gentle ingredients.

When it comes to finding the right products for sensitive skin, it starts with looking at the ingredients list. Common ingredients such as soaps and synthetic fragrances can break down the skin barrier and cause various issues, such as dryness, redness, and irritation. A good rule of thumb is to opt for nourishing ingredients such as hemp seed oil, calendula, oatmeal, and comfrey extract. These ingredients are not only calming, they also don't strip the natural oils from your skin's barrier. 

For me, a recent addition to my skincare rotation is The Little Green Cream Co. range, recent winners of the Clean and Conscious Award for Sensitive Skin Care. Their range is a 100 per cent natural, Australian-owned skincare brand made in Perth, specifically for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Since my skin is more on the sensitive side, I know to avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives as they irritate my skin and make it more likely to react. So far, The LGC Co.’s range of milder products has kept my skin happy, with no redness, itching, or allergies in sight.

Behind the brand is a husband and wife duo, who happen to both be pharmacists (and one a naturopath!). When they couldn't find effective products for their kids’ sensitive skin, they began making their own. Their products use evidence-based ingredients to ensure they're clinically effective in helping soothe and support your skin barrier. Another great thing about these products is that you can use them anywhere on your body, not just on the face, and for parents, they’re gentle enough for baby's skin too.

Image: Supplied.

2. Use soap-free products. 

The thing is, soap can irritate the skin. It removes the skin's natural oils and disrupts its protective barrier, making it more susceptible to redness, itching, and blotchiness.

Since dealing with the wrath of sensitive skin for quite some time, the best thing you can do is use a mild, soap-free cleanser, (the experts recommend this too). I've recently switched to DermaWash, and have been loving it sick. It's super gentle and keeps my skin all moisturised or day long, thanks to its ingredients like organic aloe vera juice concentrate and The LGC Co.'s signature hemp seed oil.

The best part is, DermaWash is soap-free and balanced to a skin-friendly pH of 5.5. It not only cleans but also hydrates, leaving your skin feeling incredibly soft. Plus, it removes makeup, even that stubborn waterproof mascara. 

Image: Supplied.

3. Hydration, hydration, hydration. 

Hydrating products are my skin's love language. When my skin's dry and feeling extra sensitive, it’s essential that I have a replenishing routine.

I’ve been using The LGC Co. Dewy Rise & Shine – a morning oil full of all the good stuff like natural sources of vitamin C, fatty acids, and antioxidants, massaged into my face and décolletage for intense hydration. 

I've recently returned from a two-month Europe trip, and as a result, my complexion has become a little uneven from neglecting my usual routine. I've noticed now in using it consistently, it's helped balance my skin tone and give me a dewy glow. 

My skin's equally been loving the Dewy Rest & Restore night formulation. This product is a rich source of natural retinols and antioxidants, formulated to target fine lines and wrinkles and supports collagen production. 

The great thing about both these blends is that they contain only active ingredients, no fillers to bulk up the volume, so you know you’re getting amazing value out of them. They’re also great for us acne-prone girlies too, multitasking on both skin hydration and oil control without clogging pores.

Image: Supplied.

4. SPF is your bestie. 

Without a doubt, one of the most important steps to protect your skin barrier is to use sunscreen as if your life depends on it – because it quite literally does. 

An intact skin barrier does the job of shielding it against UV radiation which can become weakened by everyday exposure to the sun.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF 15 every day you leave your house and SPF 30 if you plan to be in the sun most of the day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

The Hydr-8 Rise & Shine SPF15 is a rich and intensive hydrating cream that has 8 active nutrients, including squalane, hemp, vitamin E, calendula, vitamin B5 and comfrey extract. It also includes non-nano, transparent zinc for the SPF, which dries without any visible white cast, unlike more traditional zinc sunscreens.

It's formulated to leave a non-greasy matte finish and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. It can also be used on its own or under makeup to help protect your skin against the ageing effects of the sun's harmful rays.

So, there you have it – my top tips for looking after your skin barrier and getting happy, healthy-looking skin.

Shop The Little Green Cream Co.'s range of all natural, hemp-based skincare, crafted by pharmacists and naturopaths to cater to those with eczema prone or sensitive skin. 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Feature Image: Supplied.