Your Sensitive Skin Survival Guide: What to Use (and What to Avoid)

Navigating the world of skincare can be tricky—especially if you have sensitive skin. If stinging, burning, or itching sound all too familiar, the good news is that with the right approach, you can manage and even prevent these discomforts. Our experienced aestheticians are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you choose the best products and routines for your skin.

1.  Understand Your Triggers

Sensitive skin can react to certain ingredients, environmental factors, and even lifestyle choices. Common irritants include fragrance, dyes, and parabens in skincare products, as well as pollution, weather changes, stress, and poor nutrition. Working with a dermatologist or one of our aestheticians can help you pinpoint and manage these triggers.

2. Choose Medical-Grade Products Designed for Sensitive Skin

Not all “gentle” products are truly gentle. Many store-bought brands, like those found at Sephora or Ulta, contain added fragrances, preservatives, and unnecessary ingredients that can trigger irritation. Our medical-grade skincare lines—EltaMD, SkinBetter Science, SkinCeuticals, and Revision Skincare—are specifically formulated to support sensitive skin while avoiding ingredients that can cause breakouts or inflammation. Our aestheticians can help you find the best options from our curated selection.

3. Keep It Simple

Sensitive skin does best with a “less is more” approach. Stick to a streamlined routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you’re adding an exfoliator, opt for a mild chemical exfoliant instead of a harsh scrub. Our aestheticians can guide you in choosing the right products while keeping your routine simple and effective.

4. Be Smart About Introducing New Products

When trying something new, go slow. A patch test—applying a small amount of the product to your jawline—can help catch potential reactions. Use new products every few days at first and wait at least two to three weeks before adding another. Our team can walk you through the best way to incorporate new skincare safely.

5. Be Gentle With Your Skin

Your skin barrier is already delicate – don’t make things worse by scrubbing too hard or using harsh tools. Wash with light pressure, cleanse just once a day, and exfoliate only once or twice a week with the right product. Need a demo? Our aestheticians can show you the best techniques to care for your skin without irritation.

6. Your Hair Care Products Might Be the Problem

If you have sensitive skin, it’s not just your facial products that matter—your shampoo, conditioner, and styling products could be causing irritation too. Ingredients like sulfates, silicones, and artificial fragrances in hair care can lead to breakouts, itching, or redness, especially around your hairline, neck, and back. Talk to your dermatologist or one of our aestheticians to find gentle, skin-friendly hair care options that won’t undo all the hard work you’re putting into your skincare routine.

7. Take a Break After Reactions

If your skin suddenly flares up, pause all new products and let your skin reset. Slowly reintroduce one product at a time, and if irritation continues, consult with your dermatologist or aesthetician to find out what’s causing the issue.

The Ultimate Sensitive Skin Routine

To keep sensitive skin happy, a consistent, well-chosen routine is key:

• Cleanse: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser twice daily to remove dirt and oil without stripping your skin.
• Tone: If using a toner, choose an alcohol-free, soothing formula.
• Moisturize: Hydrate with a non-irritating moisturizer rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid. At Midwest Dermatology, we have many options for moisturizing and hydrating without all the redness and irritation from store bought products.
• Exfoliate: If tolerated, use a gentle chemical exfoliant once or twice a week (our aestheticians can help you choose the right one).  Avoid scrubs that can strip your skins natural moisture and damage the skin barrier.
• Protect: A mineral-based sunscreen (like EltaMD or SkinBetter Science) is your best defense against irritation from sun exposure.

If you’re unsure about the right products for your skin, our aestheticians can customize a routine tailored just for you using our medical-grade skincare lines.

Sensitive skin doesn’t have to mean constant irritation. With the right guidance and professional-grade products, you can enjoy calm, healthy skin. Book a consultation with one of our aestheticians by calling (402) 933-0800, or book online at midwestderm.com, to find the best products for your needs—your skin will thank you.