Dr Kara Johns
Creator and Director of SBK
hello@sbk.store
Sensitive skin - it’s a term we hear all the time, but what does it actually mean? Despite what many people think, sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a way to describe how skin feels and reacts. If your skin often feels irritated, tight, red, or reacts easily to products, you might say you have sensitive skin. But why does this happen, and how can you care for your skin if it seems to be easily upset? Let’s break it down.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
There are many reasons why someone may experience sensitive skin. It’s often linked to a weakened skin barrier - which is the outermost layer of skin that functions as a protective shield - and there are various reason why a skin barrier may become weakened. Some common causes include:
- Skin conditions – such as eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis impact the quality of the skin barrier and lead to sensitivity symptoms.
- Harsh skincare products – exfoliants, alcohol-based toners, or fragranced products can weaken the skin barrier.
- Environmental factors – pollution, temperature changes, and even water quality can play a role in weakening the skin barrier.
- Allergies and intolerances – certain ingredients in skincare, makeup, or even laundry detergents can weaken the skin barrier in some people.
When someone tells me in clinic that they have 'sensitive skin', I want to know the why - as figuring that out is the first step in managing the issue. Often it is a combination of an underlying mild skin condition and what we are doing to our skin.
How to Identify If You Have Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin doesn’t have one clear-cut definition given it is not a medical diagnosis and there are many causes, but there are some tell-tale signs:
- Redness – Your skin flushes easily, especially after using new products or being exposed to wind, heat, or cold.
- Tingling or burning sensations – Your skin feels uncomfortable when applying certain products, even mild ones, typically for more than 30 seconds
- Dryness and flakiness – Your skin often feels tight, dry, or prone to peeling.
- Acne/acne like lesions - raised bumps that can be red and sore.
- Reactions to skincare or makeup – You frequently find yourself reacting to new skincare, fragrances, or cosmetics with a type of rash.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms regularly, you likely have sensitive skin and would benefit from thinking about the reason and then sticking to a sensitive skin friendly skincare regime.
How to Care for Sensitive Skin
This may mean seeking a medical opinion and is always a sensible idea if you have been struggling with your symptoms. For the majority of us sensitive skin types, this is more to do with thinking about our skin and what we are doing to it. If you had eczema as a child, or prone to dermatitis as an adult, we know your skin barrier is weaker in general. In this case, you need to take a practical approach such as:
1. Simplify Your Routine
Stick to gentle cleansers, and soothing moisturisers.
Avoid layering too many active products at once and find what your skin can tolerate rather than what the product says.
2. Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Look out for potential irritants like fragrance, alcohol, and essential oils - this includes citrus oils/peel extracts.
Instead, opt for hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
3. Moisturise Generously
A well-hydrated skin barrier is your best defense. Use a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser that locks in hydration without causing irritation.
Apply your moisturiser soon after cleansing, when you skin is still slightly damp. This reduces your skin over drying and also can help with locking in more moisture.
4. Be Gentle with Cleansing
Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser and avoid over-washing. If your skin feels tight right after cleansing, the product is too harsh. Look for a hydrating cleanser that nourishes your skin barrier while cleaning it.
Hot water can strip the skin, so stick to lukewarm water when cleansing.
Pat your skin dry, don't rub your skin.
5. Introduce Actives Slowly
If you want to use exfoliants or retinoids, start slow. Choose low concentrations and use them less frequently to allow your skin to build tolerance.
6. Always Wear Sunscreen
UV exposure can make sensitive skin worse. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
The best sunscreen is the one that your skin tolerates! You may need to try a few products to find the best one for you. Mineral based sunscreens are typically better tolerated by people with sensitive skin, but it is more important to find one that your skin likes than sticking to a specific rule.
7. Patch Test New Products
Before applying a new product to your face, test it on a small patch of skin (like behind your ear) to check for reactions.
How SBK Supports Sensitive Skin
At SBK, we understand the frustration of trying to find effective skincare that doesn’t irritate. That’s why we’ve formulated our products with science-backed ingredients that are gentle yet effective and inclusive for people with sensitive skin! I was fed up with having to search through ingredient lists of brands to see if individual products were going to be okay for me to use
- Fragrance-Free & Non-Irritating – Our products avoid common irritants like synthetic fragrance, essential oils and alcohol.
- Barrier-Supporting Formulations – We focus on hydrating and supporting the skin barrier with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, centella asiatica, green tea extract, oat extract, rice extract and even lactobacillus ferment!
- Tested on Real, Reactive Skin – Our products are designed with sensitive skin in mind, ensuring they are soothing, non-stripping, and supportive.
Whether you’re dealing with redness, dryness, or just want a skincare routine that won’t leave your skin feeling tight and irritated, SBK has your back. Your skin deserves calm, nourishing care—without compromise.
Ready to Support Your Sensitive Skin?
Discover SBK’s gentle yet effective skincare range here and start your journey to healthier, happier skin today!
Sensitive skin isn’t something to ‘fix’—it’s about understanding and supporting your skin’s needs. With the right approach and carefully chosen products, you can keep your skin feeling comfortable, resilient, and glowing.
