Routine guide
Sensitive Skin routine (AM/PM)
A commonly-advised routine structure
☀️ Morning (AM)
- Gentle cleanser
- Targeted active, if advised
- Moisturiser
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen — essential in the Indian sun
🌙 Night (PM)
- Cleanser
- Treatment active
- Moisturiser
⚠️ Go slow
- Introduce one active at a time
- Patch-test new products
- Do not layer clashing actives
Ingredients commonly recommended for sensitive skin
- Ceramides — Commonly advised to restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture in sensitive-skin routines and moisturizers.
- Hyaluronic acid — Commonly recommended to hydrate without causing irritation.
- Niacinamide — Commonly advised to calm redness and strengthen the skin; also used in soothing serums.
- Shea butter — Commonly recommended to soften and protect the skin.
- Squalane — Commonly advised as a softening, protecting ingredient for sensitive skin.
- Glycerin — Listed among safe, hydrating ingredients commonly recommended for sensitive skin.
- Aloe vera — Commonly cited as a soothing ingredient for sensitive skin (noted as a long-used skin-calming botanical).
- Oatmeal / oat extract — Commonly advised as a calming, soothing ingredient in serums and products for sensitive skin.
- Bakuchiol — Listed among safe ingredients commonly recommended for sensitive skin as a gentler alternative.
- Green tea — Cited among safe ingredients commonly recommended for sensitive skin for soothing benefits.
- Petrolatum (petroleum) — Commonly recommended as a protective, occlusive ingredient safe for sensitive skin.
- Urea — Listed among safe hydrating ingredients commonly recommended for sensitive skin.
- Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) — Commonly advised as broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection; top-rated by dermatologists and noted to help reduce redness.
Full Sensitive Skin guide with sources → · Check your own routine for conflicts →
Commonly advised to avoid
- Fragrance and essential oils — commonly advised to avoid due to allergic reactions or irritation
- Alcohol (denatured or isopropyl) — strips moisture and weakens the barrier
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES) — harsh cleansers that can dry the skin
- High concentrations of exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) — overuse can cause sensitivity
- Preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde releasers — potential irritants for reactive skin
- Layering multiple active ingredients at once — raises risk of irritation
- Scrubbing, harsh towels, and hot water — can worsen irritation
- Frequent switching of brands/products — can overwhelm sensitive skin
🇮🇳 For Indian skin & climate
The reviewed Indian source (IJDVL, from a dermatology department in India) frames sensitive skin as triggered by physical factors including ultraviolet radiation, heat, cold, and wind, as well as chemical exposures (cosmetics, soap, water, pollution)—all relevant to India's hot, sunny climate and high pollution. Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+) is commonly emphasized, which is particularly pertinent for sun exposure and pigmentation-prone skin in Indian contexts. Note: the sources do not provide India-specific pigmentation guidance beyond general sun-protection patterns.
Frequently asked
What is a good routine order for sensitive skin?
A common structure is cleanse → treat → moisturise → sunscreen in the morning, and cleanse → treat → moisturise at night. Introduce actives one at a time.
Is this a personalised plan?
No — it is a general structure from published guidance. A free CureSkin dermatologist assessment can tailor it to your skin, climate and history.
General educational information for Indian skin, compiled from published dermatology literature and structured ingredient data. Not medical advice or a diagnosis.