Sensitive Skin Care: Ingredients to Avoid and the Must-Have Routine

Sensitive skin requires a delicate approach, as it’s more prone to irritation, redness, and dryness than other skin types. At Helwé, we specialize in creating skincare that’s gentle yet effective, prioritizing nourishing and protective ingredients over potentially harsh ones. Below is a detailed guide on what to avoid and how to care for sensitive skin, along with our product recommendations.

 

Understanding Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts more easily to environmental factors, skincare products, or even stress. This can lead to redness, irritation, breakouts, or a stinging sensation when using certain products. Sensitive skin requires careful attention to ingredients and routines to avoid aggravating these issues.

 

Ingredients to Avoid for Sensitive Skin

For those with sensitive skin, it’s essential to steer clear of ingredients that may cause irritation. Here are the most common irritants:

1. Alcohol: Alcohol is often used in skincare products but is drying and harsh on sensitive skin. At Helwé, we do not use alcohol in our formulations, ensuring that our products hydrate rather than strip moisture.

2. Scrubs: Physical exfoliants, such as scrubs, are too abrasive for sensitive skin. The friction caused by scrubbing can lead to micro-tears, redness, and irritation. At Helwé, we do not offer scrubs for retail, only in professional treatments.

3. Exfoliating Acids (AHAs and BHAs): Acids like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids can irritate sensitive skin. We recommend avoiding products such as Lotion Exfoliante Peau Nette, Lotion Exfoliante Peau Parfaite, or Masque Clarté, as these contain exfoliating acids that may cause redness or irritation.

4. Essential Oils: While natural, essential oils can sometimes trigger reactions in sensitive skin. Products like Sérum Nuit Essentielle or Sérum Nuit Active, which contain essential oils, should be avoided if your skin tends to react easily.

5. Retinoids: Retinoids are powerful anti-aging ingredients, but they can be too strong for sensitive skin, often causing redness and peeling, especially in delicate skin types. Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, works well for sensitive skin due to its gentler properties and anti-bacterial benefits. It is found in Crème Jeunesse and Sérum Perfection. However, while Crème Jeunesse is suitable for sensitive skin, Sérum Perfection also contains Palmitate de Retinyl, a retinoid derivative, which makes it less suitable for sensitive skin compared to Crème Jeunesse.

6. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): While L-ascorbic Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient, it can sometimes be too strong for sensitive skin, causing irritation. In Sérum Radieux, we have combined L-ascorbic Vitamin C with squalane, a soothing ingredient that helps calm and balance the skin, making it more tolerable for sensitive skin. However, as skin sensitivities vary, it's best to try it and see how your skin reacts. For a gentler option, Sérum Éclat, which contains a Vitamin C derivative, is generally better suited for sensitive skin.

7. Chemical SPF: Some chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, can irritate sensitive skin, leading to redness or breakouts. These chemical filters are often too harsh for sensitive skin types. At Helwé, we offer a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, providing broad-spectrum protection without causing irritation.

 

Recommended Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin thrives with soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Here are the top ingredients to include in your skincare routine:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin without irritation.
• Red Vine: Rich in resveratrol, it provides antioxidant protection and soothes sensitive skin.
• Squalane: A moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin's natural oils, leaving it soft and hydrated.
• Bisabolol: Known for its calming properties.
• Chamomile Hydrosol: Reduces redness and irritation.
• Italian Helichrysum Hydrosol: Anti-inflammatory, great for healing sensitive skin.
• Centella Asiatica: Known for its soothing and healing properties.
• Aloe Vera: Hydrates and calms irritated skin.
• Pomegranate Extract: Antioxidant-rich, it reduces inflammation and protects against free radicals.
• Vitamin B5: Calms the skin and promotes healing.
• Royal Jelly, Beeswax, and Propolis: Anti-inflammatory and great for skin repair.
• Zinc Oxide: Provides soothing and healing benefits, especially for irritated or inflamed skin.
• Vegetable Oils and Calendula Macerate

 

Helwé Products for Sensitive Skin

At Helwé, we have crafted a range of products that are safe for sensitive skin:

1. Prodige Démaquillant Hydratant: A gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup while nourishing the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated without causing irritation.

2. Brume Douce: A mist that refreshes and soothes the skin, providing an extra layer of hydration throughout the day, perfect for calming sensitive skin.

3. Sérum Longévité: Packed with resveratrol and hyaluronic acid, this serum provides hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits.

4. Sérum Hydratation Intense: Ideal for deeply moisturizing sensitive skin without causing irritation.

5. Booster d'Énergie: Formulated with macadamia oil and pomegranate extract, this booster is gentle enough for sensitive skin while providing essential hydration.

6. Sérum Éclat: Features a liposoluble Vitamin C, making it a gentler option for brightening and revitalizing sensitive skin without irritation.

7. Crème Prodigieuse / Majestueuse: Contains soothing ingredients like beeswax, squalane, and calendula, perfect for daily moisturizing.

8. Crème Éternelle / Perpétuelle: Formulated with centella asiatica, a powerful calming and healing ingredient, this cream helps soothe and repair sensitive skin while providing long-lasting hydration.

9. Crème Jeunesse: Contains bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, offering anti-aging benefits without the irritation, making it perfect for sensitive skin

10. Masque Pulpeux: With ingredients like aloe vera, royal jelly, and zinc oxide, this mask calms redness and irritation, providing a soothing treatment for sensitive skin.

11. Masque Éternel: Formulated with Centella Asiatica, this mask helps calm redness and irritation, delivering a soothing and restorative effect to the skin.

12. Protective Mineral SPF 50: Helwé's SPF 50 Mineral is enriched with 17% non-nano zinc oxide, for optimal sun protection and gentle care for your skin.

 

Sensitive Skin Routine

Here’s a simple daily routine to help keep sensitive skin calm and hydrated:

Morning and Night 

1. Prodige Démaquillant Hydratant (not essential in the morning)
2. Brume Douce
3. Sérum longévité or Sérum Hydratation Intense 
4. Mix few drops of Booster d'Énergie with any moisturizer above or Sérum Éclat
5. Protective Mineral SPF 50 (in the morning only)

Sensitive skin requires care, but with the right products and routine, it can be kept healthy, hydrated, and glowing.