HCD Blog

It’s no secret: sensitive skin can be a challenge to treat. I often hear patients say they get irritated by everything — their skin gets red and blotchy or breaks out no matter which products they use.

At Carruthers & Humphrey we don’t want you to feel like your aesthetic goals are out of reach just because you have sensitive skin. Whether you’re hoping to restore vibrance or minimize pigment, there is always something we can do for you — it just might take a bit of extra patience to find the perfect fit. By starting gently and building your way up to a complete skincare regimen slowly and deliberately, even the most sensitive skin can be treated safely and effectively.

Here are a few specific tips for those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.

1. Cleanse daily with a gentle product
   It might seem obvious, but if your skin is sensitive it’s imperative you avoid anything too harsh. Patients will often come in on a host of over-the-counter products that are affecting their skin; aggressive exfoliants with harsh chemicals or gritty beads. When it comes to a cleanser, consider something cream-based versus soapy. By choosing a gentler product, your skin will tolerate it better and you will see the improvement. Start by trying a cleanser like SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
2. Lock in moisture after you wash
   Dehydration can be a big factor when it comes to skin irritation. If you can boost your skin’s hydration levels, and maintain that hydration, it will help your skin calm down, decreasing redness, breakouts and rosacea. Apply a gentle moisturizer such as SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, SkinMedica Rejuvenative Moisturizer or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — regularly, especially straight out of the shower or after you wash your face.
3. Protect your skin year-round
   If your skin is already sensitive, we often recommend a mineral-based sunscreen like SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion or Sheer Physical Fusion. These options are very well tolerated and are just as effective at keeping your skin safe from the sun throughout the calendar year. Some patients with sensitive skin may also consider a sunscreen powder, such as ColorScience Sunforgettables Powder.
4. Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
   Even something labelled as “unscented” can have a masking perfume that is used to neutralize scents. Make sure that the products you’re using are truly fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to minimize the likelihood of product-led irritation or allergy.
5. Test products in a small area
   We’re often able to let patients sample skincare products before committing to a complete regimen, which is a huge advantage to those with sensitive skin. Test skincare products in a small amount before jumping to a full face application to reduce the chance of your skin reacting or breaking out.
6. Consider clinical treatments
   Laser-based treatments like IPL can be great for those with particularly sensitive skin, or patients with rosacea. IPL doesn’t damage the surface layer of the skin, and can reduce background redness and pigment gently with little to no downtime.
7. Talk to your dermatologist
   At the end of the day, we want to help you find products and treatments that work for your skin — no matter its tendencies or limitations. Book a consultation with a member of our physician team to ensure that the products you’re using are best suited to your skin.

Do you feel like your skin is too complicated for a regular skincare regimen? Visit our clinic for a personalized consultation and learn what you can start doing right away.