The best products for ultra sensitive skin: face & body

Anything marked with a * was kindly gifted to me, without obligation to post.

 

My skin has always erred on the side of sensitivity, but even more so since becoming ill. I also grew up knowing that my mother had sensitive skin, so she had to be careful what she used.. Thankfully, my skin barrier seems to be getting stronger these days, and some ingredients that used to make my skin react previously (shea butter and Vitamin C), don't appear to at the moment. That said, I still always have a selection of products to use, should my skin flare up. I also remember very clearly periods when my skin would feel burnt, or possibly break out in cystic spots, which were so painful. If this sounds like your skin, I have some great recommendations for you.

Skincare: Obviously, gentle is the way to go, and I have products suitable for all budgets, so I'm not saying that it's necessary to buy everything!

Fresh Soy Cleanser*:  Probably the most gentle cleaner that I have used. I love the gel texture and how it doesn't strip the skin, despite thoroughly cleansing it. It is so calming, with a combination of cucumber extract, rosewater, amino acids and oils. It's perfect for both morning and evening use and no matter how irritated the skin is, this cleanser won't make it any worse.

Caudalie Grape Water: This is such a simple, yet effective product, with a really fine mist. It delivers hydration, as well as soothing the skin. It's a very underrated product that more people should know about, as it does a lot more than a simple water mist and is very affordable. Save 20% by using the code LYMIN on Look Fantastic.

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist: At the other end of the price spectrum, but oh so good, is this mist, from my favourite brand. It has the finest mist action of any brand I've ever used. It smells divine (rose and neroli, but not too overpowering), it soothes the skin, thanks to the patented Thermal Healing Concentrate™, and it also hydrates. So gentle, so luxurious and the limited edition bottles are always ridiculously pretty!

AHC Aqualuronic Toner*: One of my favourite brand discoveries last year, this range, in particular, is perfect for stressed, irritated and easily inflamed skin. This toner contains hyaluronic acid in three molecular weights, so it really penetrates the skin. Alongside that, we have ceramides and French Sea Water - skin is left so plump, hydrated and comfortable. It's a toner, but I prefer to use as an essence, by adding a few drops to my hands and patting them on to my face, however if you prefer to use as a traditional toner with a cotton pad, that works too. Save 20% by using the code LYMIN on Look Fantastic.

IT Cosmetics Miracle Water*: A brilliant, multi-tasking product, which can be used as a gentle cleanser in the morning, or a second cleanse, which ensures that all makeup has been removed, or as a toner or essence, patted into the skin. It soothes the skin, but also nourishes it, due to the "Secret Sauce Fermented Complex", which ensures that any product applied after this, has increased efficacy - hence the name miracle water, and this is what differentiates it from a micellar water.

Dermalogica Smart Response Serum*: The latest release from the brand that I've used for 17/18 years, with a full review coming soon. This serum is like a one stop shop - if your skin is dull, it will brighten it, if you need hydration, it can do that too, if your skin is stressed and needs soothing, it can do that - it basically responds to whatever your skin needs. It also replaces the need to use a number of serums. It's expensive, but if you were to tot up the price of the number of serums you have and use, I bet it's a lot more than just this one.

Zelens Power D: This is one of my skin's saviours - if I have any irritation at all, a few drops of this will sort my skin out, reducing inflammation and strengthening my skin barrier. It's pricey but a little goes a long way. It also boosts my skin's elasticity, which makes my skin look younger and bouncier. It's a non-negotiable, must-have for me. Save 20% by using the code LYMIN on Look Fantastic.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Calming Moisturiser*: If your skin is inflamed and is red, this moisturiser will counteract that, due to the green tint it has to it. It is also very cooling upon application, due to the cucumber and aloe vera it contains. It feels almost like you've applied a cooling mask, but it can be used daily, so it's ideal for irritated and reactive skin.

IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Gel Lotion: The moisturiser that completely changed my mind on gels, as I used to always favour creams, due to having such dry skin. Ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid - all of the good stuff is in here, yet it doesn't feel greasy and, equally, the nourishing and moisturised feeling doesn't disappear after a few hours, as it does with some gel moisturisers. It also helps to strengthen the skin's barrier, which keeps irritants out and locks moisture in. It's been a revelation for me, and a little goes a long way.

Dermalogica Barrier Repair: I tend to reach for this more during the winter months, but it can be worn all year round (I wore it on my wedding day, which was in August!). This leaves skin feeling velvet soft, and looking (and feeling) calm. It strengthens the skin's barrier function, contains oats (which calm the skin), anti-oxidants (which protect against environmental damage), and nourishes the skin with vitamin E and Evening Primrose Oil. It's not in the photo above, but I need to repurchase ASAP!

Dermalogica Melting Moisture Masque*: My favourite skincare discovery of 2021, so far! This mask is packed with nourishing fatty acids, ceramides and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It really is the perfect mask for irritated, dry, dull, tight skin and it transforms it overnight. Full review here.

Hair & Body:

Ecooking Shower Gel*: This brand, in general, is ideal for sensitive skin. I have used so many products from the brand and never had a reaction. Shower gels can be very stripping and leave the skin feeling dry and itchy - my mother said that my Dad was driving her mad, scratching his legs and arms at night and he would even end up bleeding! I introduced them to this gentle shower gel and they haven't looked back. Only a small amount is needed for each use, and it creates a nice lather that isn't stripping and has a gorgeous, subtle scent or orange blossom and lavender. It contains glycerin, which moisturises the skin as it cleanses. If you have dry, itchy skin, I would highly recommend using this. Plus, I love that it has a pump - so convenient for in the shower!                             

Ecooking Body Lotion*: I have used so many bottles of this body lotion, because it's hydrating, soothing, absorbs easily and isn't greasy. During my worst Covid and post-Covid days, my bones ached so much that massaging creams in was too painful, but this is so lightweight, that it was the perfect product to use. My skin is so dry that I can't go a day without moisturising it, but when you're in pain and low on energy, you want something that will work fast and not exasperate the pain when applying. It's perfect to use in both winter and summer and there is no waiting around for the product to absorb. It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin, aloe vera, cucumber water and more.

Ecooking Repair Shampoo*: Haircare is a recent addition to the brand's lineup, so I was delighted to be sent the products to try. Regular readers will know that I am very fussy when it comes to hair products, as I have naturally frizzy, knotty and dry hair, which also has colour and I use heated tools. I also lost a lot of hair last year, post-Covid, so I'm pretty demanding when it comes to products, as I want them to not only make my hair look and feel good, but also repair and strengthen it. I really don't ask for much, do I?! I also have a sensitive scalp, so I don't like to use a product that will irritate that, as I don't want to see flakes of my scalp on my head, after I put so much effort into styling it. This shampoo is different from a lot on the market, as it contains UVA protection - great for both the hair and scalp. It also contains peptides and amino acids, which nourish and strengthen the hair. It has a fresh, Spring-like scent, lathers well and doesn't leave the hair feeling stripped. Overall, I'm impressed and it's now in rotation with some other shampoos, which protect the blonde in my hair.

Ecooking Repair Conditioner*: The texture of this conditioner is quite dense - like a mask, so I was worried that it might be a bit heavy or difficult to rinse out, but thats not the case at all. This also offers UVA protection, amino acids and peptides, and it leaves the hair feeling silky soft. It could be used as a mask, if you don't want to buy a separate product, but I find that just combing it through, before rinsing, is enough. It doesn't irritate my scalp at all and I find that my hair is less knotty when I use this. Both of these products are ideal for those with irritated scalps, who don't want to use anything too harsh.

Omorovicza Scalp Reviver*:  Dry shampoo can be very irritating for those with sensitive skin, so this is a brilliant alternative. I have my hair trained to only need washing once a week (in the main, there are some occasions when I will need a mid-week wash), and this product has really helped. It's not touted as a replacement for a dry shampoo, however it does revive the hair, without the feeling of product buildup. It contains salicylic acid (which unblocks hair follicles and stimulates hair growth), silica (which absorbs excess oils),  and the brand's Thermal Healing Concentrate™ (which is soothing). It is slightly tingly on the scalp, with a menthol feeling, which feels refreshing, rather than irritating, and is the perfect pick-me-up for mid-week hair, or for gym-goers, who don't want to use dry shampoo, or wash their hair, too often.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Deodorant Balm*: So many deodorants can irritate the gentle under arm area, but this doesn't, plus it has a subtle scent and, most importantly, it's effective. Deodorant balms are the way forward.

Do you have sensitive/reactive skin? Have you used any of these products? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.