From a change of season to a stressful week at work, sensitive skin can be irritated by a number of factors – many of which are out of our control. So what can you do to keep flare-ups to a minimum and make good skin days the norm?
Many skincare experts, such as Dr Cherie Wong, advise introducing a serum as the first protective step in your routine. With this in mind, we asked her all about the formulas and ingredients to look out for as well as what to avoid if you’re more prone to sensitivity.
Read on to discover her top tips when it comes to serum shopping.
1. Boost Moisture Levels With Amino Acids
‘A face serum is more lightweight than a moisturiser and contains a higher concentration of active ingredients,’ explains Dr Wong. ‘Sensitive skin is very prone to inflammation and damage caused by environmental stressors, so a serum containing active ingredients can help protect, repair and strengthen the skin. This is very important in keeping inflammation and signs of premature ageing at bay.’
Not sure which active ingredients to look out for? Amino acids should go straight to the top of your list as they serve an important role in retaining moisture, which sensitive skin needs lots of. Estée Lauder’s new Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate includes soy amino acids in a skin-renewing blend that not only helps hydrate the skin but also promotes cell turnover while you sleep. The result? Radiant, smoother skin by morning.
2. Protect From Pollution With Antioxidants
‘Air pollution is a major contributor to skin ageing and sensitivity,’ says Dr Wong. ‘It mainly affects the skin by the formation of free radicals, which attack the skin’s structure, causing what’s called oxidative stress. The body is overwhelmed when its natural antioxidant defence is not enough to neutralise this threat. This compromises our skin’s barrier function, causing an increase in irritation and sensitivity.
'Make sure you're choosing a serum that contains good concentrations of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, D and B-complex, to help protect the skin.’
3. Restore Radiance With Mild Exfoliating Acids
‘Serums containing mild exfoliating acids, such as lactic and salicylic acid, help remove the top layer of dead skin cells from your face, aiding cell turnover and restoring radiance to the skin,’ advises Dr Wong.
To boost your glow while also visibly reducing irritation, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate is a seriously clever option. Containing a stabilised form of salicylic acid mixed with resveratrol, this unique mix of wonder ingredients not only works to schlep off any dead skin but is also proven to calm, soothe and neutralise irritation fast. As an added bonus, it also contains a hyaluronic acid complex (that’s 15 times greater than that of its super popular Advanced Night Repair Serum) which drenches the skin in moisture, leaving you with a beautifully dewy complexion.
4. Avoid Reaction-Causing Ingredients
‘A serum for sensitive skin should be free from ingredients that are likely to cause a reaction – the main culprits being alcohol, fragrances and essential oils,’ warns Dr Wong. While mild exfoliating acids can be used on sensitive skin types, it’s advisable to avoid stronger forms of acids such as retinoids as they can be too harsh for the weaker barrier of sensitive skin types.
If you’re ever unsure about a new ingredient or formula causing a reaction, ask for a sample at the beauty counter and do a small patch test at home. This is the best way of avoiding painful – not to mention expensive – mistakes.
Visit any Estée Lauder beauty counter for a free SOS facial and shop Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate here
