Sensitivity & Redness Playbook

Calm reactive skin, reduce redness, and rebuild tolerance to products.

This playbook is for you if you have:

  • Skin that reacts to many products
  • Redness, stinging, or burning sensations
  • Rosacea or eczema-prone skin

Keep in mind:

  • Simplify ruthlessly – fewer products is better
  • Patch test everything new
  • See a dermatologist if redness is persistent

Daily Routine Skeleton

Morning (AM)

1
Cleanse Optional

Cream or micellar cleanser (or water only)

daily

2
Soothe Optional

Centella or calming serum

daily

3
Moisturize

Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients

daily

4
SPF

Mineral sunscreen preferred

daily

Evening (PM)

1
Cleanse

Gentle, low-pH cleanser

daily

2
Moisturize

Rich, barrier-supporting cream

daily

3
Seal Optional

Occlusive balm on dry areas

as needed

Tip: Start simple. You don't need every step right away. Master the basics (cleanse, moisturize, SPF) before adding treatment steps.

Top Actives for This Goal

These ingredients have the strongest evidence for this skin goal. You don't need all of them – pick 1-2 to start.

Centella Asiatica (Cica)

Also called: centella asiatica, cica, madecassoside, asiaticoside

Soothes inflammation and supports healing.

soothingbarrier repairredness
Usage: Daily, especially when irritated
Low irritation

Ceramides

Also called: ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP

Repairs barrier and prevents moisture loss.

barrier repairmoisture retentionsensitivity
Usage: Daily, AM and PM
Low irritation

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Also called: niacinamide, nicotinamide, vitamin B3

Strengthens barrier at low concentrations (2-5%).

pore appearancebarrier supportuneven toneoil control
Effective: 2–10%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation

Azelaic Acid

Also called: azelaic acid

Calms redness without irritation; safe for rosacea.

rednessuneven toneacnerosacea
Effective: 10–20%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation

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