Skincare routine for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin reacts quickly to external stimuli: redness, a burning sensation, dryness, or itching can occur with even minor changes in your routine or environment. The key is a simple, calming routine with products that support the skin rather than burden it.
What makes skin sensitive?
Sensitive skin often has a weakened skin barrier, allowing external irritants to penetrate more easily. This can be hereditary or caused by incorrect products, excessive exfoliation, stress, or environmental factors such as wind, cold, or dry air.
"For sensitive skin, less is always more. A simple routine with mild, soothing products gives the skin the rest it needs to recover and stay balanced."
Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician
The ideal routine for sensitive skin
Step 1: Cleanse gently
Start with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. The IK SKIN Perfection - SILK+ mild 3-in-1 facial cleanser effectively cleanses without stripping or irritating the skin. Use lukewarm water and pat the skin dry without rubbing.
Step 2: Soothe with a serum
After cleansing, sensitive skin needs soothing and hydration. The IK SKIN Perfection - Calming Serum Layering Routine is specifically formulated for sensitive, reactive skin and helps reduce redness and calm the skin.
Step 3: Strengthen the skin barrier
The Cenzaa - Calming Power supports sensitive and reactive skin and helps strengthen the skin barrier step by step. Ideal for redness, sensitivity, and reactive skin.
Step 4: Hydrate and protect
Finish the routine with a soothing, protective cream. The Cenzaa - Derma Sculpture provides the skin with a protective layer against dehydration and external stimuli, and supports its natural recovery capacity.
Step 5: Use daily SPF
UV radiation is one of the biggest irritants for sensitive skin. Use a daily mineral SPF, such as the IK SKIN Perfection - SUN BALANCE FACE SPF 50, which protects the skin without causing irritation.
Complete routine for sensitive skin
Do you want to start immediately with a complete, coordinated routine? The IK SKIN Perfection - Daily Sensitive Skin Solution Set offers everything sensitive skin needs daily in one set.
What to avoid with sensitive skin
- Fragrance and alcohol in skincare
- Strong active ingredients like retinol or high concentrations of vitamin C
- Excessive exfoliation
- Introducing too many different products at once
- Showering or washing with water that is too hot
Tip: Always introduce new products one by one, with at least a week in between. This way, you'll know exactly which product your skin tolerates well.
About the author
This article was written in collaboration with Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician, owner of Salon Rustique in Musselkanaal and owner of sQincare.shop. Salon Rustique is affiliated with ANBOS and specializes in skin improvement, skin problems, and medical skin care. Thanks to her daily practical experience and additional dermatological training, she combines in-salon treatments with expert product advice for home use.