The Best Skin-Care Routine for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

Cleansersthat leave you with that squeaky clean feeling are likely too harsh for sensitive skin, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a gentle cleanse while washing away makeup and impurities. Makeup artistSofiia Strykovasays soothing ingredients like cucumber extract and rosewater make this Fresh cleanser “perfect for extra-sensitive skin.” She explains that it “leaves your skin toned and brightened, eliminating an extra step from your skin-care routine.” It also contains soy proteins that are rich in amino acids, which help keep skin soft.

From fighting free-radical damage to reducing the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, there’s not muchvitamin Ccan’t do. It’s powerful, and some formulas can cause redness or peeling, so dermatologistElizabeth Tanzirecommends sticking with this lightweight serum from PCA Skin that she says can “easily integrate into a skin-care regimen” and doesn’t “cause irritation.”

Retinol is another double-edged sword for sensitive skin. Since it speeds up skin-cell turnover and boosts collagen production,retinolis a dermatologist darling for treating wrinkles and acne — but it’s also a strong ingredient that might irritate more delicate skin types. Along with starting with a low percentage of retinol, look for a formula that is designed to be nonirritating, like this Versed serum. “This nongreasy gem is a creamy, gentle retinol serum specifically formulated for sensitive skin types and first-time retinol users,” saysHope Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology. “The duo of microencapsulated retinol and natural retinol alternatives arophira and bakuchiol deliver the best of all worlds.” It’s also free of parabens and synthetic fragrances, two other potential irritants.

If you’re prone toredness, dermatology nurse and celebrity aestheticianNatalie Aguilarrecommends this calming serum. “It contains Aldavine [an anti-inflammatory peptide derived from algae] and bisabolol [found in chamomile] to reduce redness and hypersensitivity,” she says.

While a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medication forrosaceasymptoms like swollen red bumps and broken blood vessels, an at-home treatment like this one can also be helpful. Aesthetician Candace Marino calls this serum, a favorite among her clients with the condition, “the most compelling rosacea product I have ever worked with.” It contains shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and aloe-vera juice to hydrate and soothe the skin plus peptides and antioxidants to protect from further damage.

When you have sensitive skin and pimples, it can be tricky to find an acne treatment that won’t be too harsh. A lot of the usual suspects in fighting acne — like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — can cause dryness and flaking that may make sensitive skin worse. Instead, Corey L. Hartman, dermatologist and founder ofSkin Wellness Dermatology, recommends this azelaic acid from the Ordinary that is both gentle and effective in treating acne and hyperpigmentation. “It helps to improve brightness and reduce the appearance of blemishes and acts as an antioxidant,” he says.

For a soothing lightweightmoisturizerthat is suitable for sensitive skin, dermatologistGeorgina Ferzliof Sadick Dermatology recommends this noncomedogenic formula that contains antioxidants and rice-protein peptides that encourage collagen production and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. “I tend to recommend this product for patients with sensitive, non-acne-prone skin who are looking for a rejuvenating moisturizer,” she says.

If your skin is on the drier side or you want to splurge on something more nourishing, thisrich creamis so soothing that it’s actually recommended for people who have overexfoliated with acids or undergone chemical or laser facial procedures that made their skin extra-sensitive. “It hits heavy with moisture, without the weight you feel with most creams,” says Marino. “It promotes deep hydration, decreases inflammation, and stimulates collagen and elastin production.” The star ingredient is heparan, a sugar molecule that is naturally found in the skin that has rejuvenating qualities.

Sunscreen typically falls into two camps, chemical and physical, and dermatologists tend to recommend the latter for those with sensitive skin because it’s less likely to cause irritation or rosacea flare-ups. A physical blocker with a green tint to counteract redness, this Colorescience sunscreen is a top pick of both SkinSpirit aesthetic nurse practitionerShawna Jonesand Farhaad Riyaz, a dermatologist and medical adviser atDocent. Riyaz likes that it contains niacinamide, which he says “helps restore the skin barrier, which helps protect the skin from temperature changes and free radicals — both big rosacea triggers.”

To relieve burning and redness, dermatologistJoshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, likes this wash-off mask from Avène’s Antirougeurs (anti-redness) line. “Thermal spring water and calming peptides help reduce facial redness,” he says. Other ingredients like vitamin E andRuscus aculeatusroot extract also work to soothe irritation.