Holistic Skincare Regimen for Sensitive Skin

Common contributing factors that cause the list of symptoms above include:

• Genetics can affect key factors in the way skin behaves, such as structure, immune function, and nerve signaling pathways.
• These factors can make certain individuals more prone to intense reactions, such as inflammation and nerve sensitivity.

• Conditions like eczema and psoriasis cause sensitive skin by disrupting the skin barrier, leading to increased vulnerability to irritants and allergens.
• These conditions often result in a constant cycle of inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction , making the skin more reactive to various triggers.

• Harsh weather conditions, extreme temperatures, wind, UV radiation, certain chemicals, and pollution can exacerbate sensitivity.

• Certain ingredients in skincare products, cosmetics, or detergents may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin.
• These ingredients can be a wide variety of things, such as harsh chemicals, preservatives, additives, fragrances, and perfumes.
• Fragrances in particular cause issues due to their complex chemical compositions, which may include allergens and irritants that can trigger inflammation or allergic responses upon contact with the skin.
• These reactions occur when the skin’s natural barrier is already compromised, allowing fragrance molecules to penetrate deeper layers and provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

• Hormonal changes (such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause) can cause sensitive skin by disrupting the skin’s natural balance, making it more prone to inflammation, redness, and other sensitivity symptoms.

Welcome to a journey of skincare that goes BEYOND a topical product!

And, if you’re anything like me, get ready to be obsessed with thinking about how EVERYTHING we do impacts the skin we’re in!

Sensitive skin can be a signal from your body that it’s time to reevaluate your skincare routine and embrace a holistic approach to nourishing your skin.

The definition of ‘holistic’ is to think about the WHOLE person rather than just the symptom; holistic skincare considers every detail of the daily experience of an individual to benefit their skin’s health from the inside out.

This is all about understanding that everything in your body, mind, and environment is connected and impacts your overall health and wellness (which directly impacts the skin’s appearance).

When it comes to managing sensitive skin, holistic skincare can be particularly beneficial because it focuses on gentle, natural ingredients and lifestyle practices that work in harmony with the body’s natural processes:

• Plant-based skincare products
• Proper hydration
• Regular exercise
• A Whole Food diet
• Deep sleep
• Stress management
• Mindfulness practice 

Plant-based skin care products are best for overall wellness, as they are easy on the immune system and have a far lower risk of creating or exacerbating allergies.

If you are a DIY skin care maker, use the suggested ingredients below for amazing, chemical-free formulations for sensitive skin (always use trusted formulations, as essential oils cannot be used on the skin without a very high dilution rate!).

If you are not a maker, read the labels of the sensitive skin care products you are purchasing and aim for items that include many of the essential oils and carriers listed below.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum mobile) essential oil may help to counteract inflammation and support the healing process of irritated skin.

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) essential oil is skin nourishing and healing, commonly used to relieve allergies that manifest in the skin.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) essential oil is useful on eczema and mature skin, useful for its regenerating potential and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) essential oil is useful for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and inflamed skin due to its anti-inflammatory and cell regeneration properties.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil moisturizes and cools the skin and is best used in blends for inflammation, eczema, and other skin disorders.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil helps to alleviate dermatitis, eczema and maintains overall skin health.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil is useful on all skin types and is used to treat eczema and acne alike.

Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) is highly penetrating, deeply nourishing, and is useful for skin inflammation.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera) is an excellent carrier for itchy, irritated skin (though it is best used on the body rather than the face).

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) is similar to the oil our skin naturally produces and is quickly absorbed. This is an anti-inflammatory oil that is safely used on the face.

Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradox) is useful in most types of skincare for long-term epidermal health. It alleviates dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.

Trauma Oil (Herbally-infused oil blend that combines arnica, St. John’s wort, and calendula) has anti-inflammatory and healing actions, though it cannot be used on broken skin.

Fatty fish (tuna, trout, salmon, mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, helping to reduce inflammation and maintain the skin barrier function while addressing common concerns such as dryness, irritation, and rough skin.

Avocados are beneficial for sensitive skin due to their rich content of vitamins E and C, which help to nourish and soothe the skin while providing antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.

Flax and chia seeds are beneficial for sensitive skin due to their abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin irritation and diminish redness.

Walnuts contain vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that supports skin health by protecting against environmental stressors and promoting moisture retention.

Tomatoes are beneficial for sensitive skin, as their natural acidity can help regulate the skin’s pH balance, soothing irritation and promoting a healthier complexion.

Berries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation; additionally, their natural acids can gently exfoliate, promoting smoother and more radiant skin without irritating.

Leafy greens are rich in vitamins A and C, which help to promote skin health by reducing inflammation and boosting collagen production; their high water content also helps to hydrate the skin, keeping it supple and reducing irritation.

Yogurt and kefir contain probiotics, which help to balance the skin’s microbiome, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin function.

Green tea contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants like polyphenols, which can help soothe and protect sensitive skin from irritation and redness.

Its calming effects may help alleviate symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.

Oats contain compounds like beta-glucans and avenanthramides which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making them beneficial for sensitive skin.

• In the morning and the evening, use an oil-based cleanser to gently wash away any impurities and dead skin cells, such as this olive and shea soap bar:

• Spray a gentle toner over a cleansed face two times a day.
• Our Neroli Facial Mist is a hydrated, plant-based toner that is perfect for sensitive skin:

• A plant-based, 100% oil facial serum is recommended in place of water-based creams for facial care.
• Always apply face serum at night, and in the morning if possible with your ‘get out the door’ routine (it needs a bit to soak in before applying makeup).

• Men: 13 cups (~3 liters) of water a day
• Women: 9 cups (~2+ liters) a day

• The amount of exercise recommended varies widely based on age and health conditions.
• The average adult (ages 18-64) needs 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (this is just to provide a frame of reference to start with). Visit the World Health Organization here for more info.

• Eating for wellness also impacts the health and appearance of the skin greatly. Try adding one new recipe a week that is specific to sensitive skin (see recommendations in the above section).

• The goal of mindfulness is to achieve focused relaxation while paying attention to thoughts and sensations and being fully present.
• This can be achieved through meditation, gratitude practice, belly breathing, mindful walking, body scans, and more.

• Fresh outside air has tons of positive impacts on overall health (and most individuals aren’t getting close to enough of it).
• Breathing fresh air increases oxygen in the blood, increases energy, improves digestion, cleans the lungs, relieves stress and anxiety, improves cell function, and improves cognitive abilities…to name just a few benefits (and all of these impact the skin’s glow)!

• If you’re washing your face with an oil-based cleanser as mentioned in the first step, you don’t need another product – this should do the trick for most makeup.
• For some waterproof makeup that is a bit more stubborn, grab some reusable makeup remover pads.

• Apply under-eye care at night (after cleansing and spraying toner).

• Sleep experts recommend cutting off screen time an hour before bed (or two hours for the best benefits…time to bust out that library card!)

• It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason, as deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) stimulates cell turnover and collagen production.
• Deep sleep reduces inflammation and combats issues, such as eczema and acne, and is essential for memory, mood regulation, brain health, and immune function.

Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to minimize irritation.

Wash new clothes (see below) before wearing them to remove irritants or chemicals.

Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent to wash clothes and bedding. Double-rinse laundry to ensure all detergent is thoroughly washed out.

Skip fabric softeners to reduce chemical exposure (use wool dryer balls instead).

Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free skincare products, and patch-test new products on a small area before applying them to the face or body.

Use gentle, pH-balanced cleansers to avoid stripping the skin of natural oils. Opt for products with minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation.

Choose hypoallergenic pillows and hypoallergenic mattress covers to reduce exposure to allergens. Opt for natural, breathable bedding materials.

Wash bedding regularly in hot water to eliminate dust mites and allergens.

Identify and minimize exposure to common allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen.

Consider using air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens in your home and office.