Sensitive skin is the most common and most misunderstood skincare diagnosis. Most people with reactive skin don't have a genetic condition — they have a compromised barrier from aggressive products, incompatibilities, or introducing actives too quickly. The distinction changes the entire approach.

First: Genuinely Sensitive Skin or Compromised Barrier?

Genuinely sensitive skin: genetic predisposition, reacts to stimuli most people tolerate well. Persistent since always.
Compromised barrier: acquired. Recent or progressive reactivity. Caused by aggressive products, over-exfoliation, stress, seasonal change.

The second condition is reversible with the correct protocol.

The 4 Principles for Reactive Skin

1. Less is more — every product added is a potential irritant. Start with 3 products maximum.
2. No fragrances, no essential oils — the most common cause of contact irritation in cosmetics.
3. One new active at a time — with 4 weeks between each introduction.
4. Prebiotics first — rebalancing the microbiome is the step that multiplies the tolerability of everything that follows.

The Entry Routine for Sensitive Skin

Weeks 1–4: gentle gel cleanser → prebiotic serum → fragrance-free cream → mineral SPF
Weeks 5–8: add HA gel (if no reaction)
Weeks 9–12: consider introducing niacinamide at 2%

What Not to Do

• Pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — very acidic pH, irritating for reactive skin. Use stabilised forms at 2–3%.
• AHAs in the first 4 weeks
• Retinol — wait until the barrier is stable
• Changing products every 2 weeks