First up, we have a gentle cleanser. Personally, I don't know why this doesn't get more love on the internet because it's one of the best budget-friendly cleansers I've tried. The e.l.f. Pure Skin Cleanser | £9 | is a non-foaming milky jelly cleanser that's perfect for gently clarifying skin that can't handle a harsh cleanse. It's formulated with soothing and anti-redness, anti-inflammatory ingredients like allantoin and oat extract. There are also hydration-attracting ingredients in here like hyaluronic acid and glycerin and ingredients that will boost your skin barrier function. Ceramides are a fundamental component of the skin's lipid barrier and can be topped up topically (which also encourages the skin to produce more of its own). Niacinamide is a multi-tasking ingredient but in this context, it encourages ceramide production in the skin. A healthy skin barrier means skin that's calm, hydrated and balanced. This cleanser leaves my skin soft, hydrated and fresh after use but it doesn't take much-needed hydration out of my skin.
Next, let's talk about the Ordinary's Soothing & Barrier Support Serum* | £17.30 | which is a multi-active formula targeted at this skin issue. This pink-toned serum (this is completely natural due to its Vitamin B content) comes out as a sort of milky emulsion that's both calming and moisturising. It's formulated with centella asiatica (cica), which is a plant extract often found in Korean skincare products that has anti-redness properties. The are also a number of B vitamins (including niacinamide) to maintain skin health and ceramides, which we've just discussed the benefits of. Bisabolol is included, which is the active soothing component of chamomile extract, alongside ginger extract as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Honestly, this is a great product just to use as part of a daily routine when you don't have a compromised barrier to simply maintain its health so you don't get one! This is particularly true if you're using stronger actives like retinoids and exfoliating acids, to use alongside them to prevent irritation. However, this is also wonderful if your skin is already suffering. It's hydrating, provides a lasting moisture boost to the skin and it has that calming effect, alongside rebuilding your skin from within.
My moisturiser pick for this post is the Byoma Barrier + Treatment* | £16.99. Despite the name and ingredients, this is a surprisingly light-feeling lotion, though I still tend to reach for it as an overnight option to use alongside my retinoid or on its own / with the Ordinary's serum if my skin just needs to heal from something. It's formulated with the three fundamental components of the skin's lipid barrier: ceramides (as we've discussed), cholesterol and fatty acids. It also features nourishing and replenishing plant oils such as squalane and avocado oil. There's also ectoin in here, which is an exciting newer ingredient to market that can help reduce inflammation, improve barrier function and allow the skin to retain hydration. Shea butter provides nourishment and glycerin draws hydration into the skin. All-in-all it's like a hug for your skin, putting back whatever has been lost when the skin becomes dry and sensitive.
If you're looking for a sensitive skin friendly sunscreen, I really enjoy the Hello Sunday Mineral One Lightweight Serum SPF 50+ | £25 | demo. This is a cosmetically-elegant, lightweight and hydrating mineral sunscreen, so it's perfect for those who find that common filters found in chemical sunscreens can be a little irritating when their skin is having a wobble. It's formulated with zinc oxide, which also has anti-inflammatory properties and the product offers a broad spectrum SPF 50+ level of protection with a surprisingly sheer finish. It works under makeup, doesn't pill up and - whilst I can't guarantee it won't leave a cast for everyone - it's definitely one of the most cosmetically-elegant mineral sunscreens I've tried. Plus it's fragrance-free and shouldn't upset sensitive skin.
Finally, we have an OG classic in the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 + Baume | £18.90. If you're not familiar with this product; it's essentially a healing balm, so I personally only use it as part of my evening routine, because of the texture and feel on the skin. I spot-apply this where my skin needs it, i.e. on dry patches, areas or irritation or just in places where I'm more prone to experiencing these issues. Honestly, I've even used this on rashes and insect bites and it worked great! This product is formulated with zinc (as mentioned with the sunscreen, this is anti-inflammatory), panthenol to help the skin retain moisture, madecassoside (which is the active component of the cica extract we discussed earlier) and occlusive silicones to seal in hydration and help protect the skin and speed up the healing process. It's so much more than the sum of its parts and it's never failed to help my skin when it's really, truly suffering.
Have you tried any of these products? What do you reach for when your skin is suffering (bonus points if its drugstore)?
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