Redness after cleansing, tightness, or a sensation of heat when you try a new product... If this sounds familiar, you likely have sensitive skin. Good news: it doesn't need a complicated routine. On the contrary, fewer, well-chosen products often yield better results.
How can you tell if you have sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is not a skin type in its own right: it can be dry, combination, or oily. It is identified more by how it reacts:
- it reddens easily (cold, heat, friction);
- it feels tight or tingles after washing;
- it does not tolerate highly scented products or new skincare well;
- it reacts to stress, fatigue, or changes in season.
If your reactions are severe or persistent (rashes, significant itching), consulting a dermatologist remains essential.
Step 1: Cleanse gently
Cleansing is the step where we most often damage our skin. Forget harsh foaming gels and water that is too hot. Prefer a cleansing milk or emulsion, which you massage onto the face and then remove with a cotton pad or a warm towel.
Our suggestion: the Perle d'Eau Douce cleansing emulsion, a very gentle milky emulsion that cleanses without stripping.
Step 2: Tone (optional)
Toner is not mandatory, but it can provide a feeling of freshness and prepare the skin for subsequent skincare. Choose one that is alcohol-free, and apply it by patting rather than rubbing.
To try: the rose water and chamomile toner, to be tested first on a small area.
Step 3: Hydrate and nourish
Well-hydrated skin is more resilient skin. Opt for short formulas, with no added fragrance, rich in plant oils and butters that help strengthen the skin barrier.
Our favorite: the wild fruit balm, 100% natural, preservative-free and fragrance-free, which can be used on both the face and body.
Step 4: Pamper the eye area
The skin around the eyes is particularly thin and fragile. Once or twice a week, hydrating patches provide a real moment of comfort.
To discover: the hypoallergenic pineapple, cucumber, and aloe vera hydrating eye patches.
Step 5: Protect from the sun, every day
UV rays aggravate redness and sensitivity. Daily sun protection, even in the city and even in winter, is one of the best things you can do for sensitive skin.
Our selection: the Relief Sun SPF50+ sunscreen, with a lightweight texture and no white cast.
The 4 mistakes to avoid
- Changing products too often: introduce only one new skincare product at a time, and wait 2 weeks before adding another.
- Rubbing: dry your face by patting, never by rubbing.
- Over-exfoliating: once a week maximum, with a very gentle exfoliant.
- Forgetting the patch test: before first use, apply the product behind the ear or on the inside of the wrist for 24 hours.
In summary
For sensitive skin, the golden rule is: gentleness, simplicity, consistency. Cleansing without stripping, hydrating with short formulas, and protecting from the sun every morning is enough in most cases.
Find all our adapted skincare products in our Sensitive Skin selection.