Solve Your Skincare Woes: Active Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

A cocktail of moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid and fine-line-refining retinol proves to be the key to treating skin’s changing needs.

Getting to know your products and understanding what each ingredient on the label actually does is the best way to level up your beauty routine. The key to mixing and matching ingredients – or creating a skincare cocktail if you please – is to play into each of their strengths. And a blend of hyaluronic acid and retinol proves to be a particularly powerful combination. Here’s why:

Often described as being like a tall glass of water for thirsty skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) is the ultimate hydrator. With the ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, HA works by attracting and maintaining moisture in the skin. Serums and creams containing HA quickly increase the skin’s moisture level, leaving you with a plump and glowing complexion. Beauty experts recommend using a mist or essence before layering HA products to supercharge their efficacy. 

Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum and Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate are two intensely hydrating topical formulas. Powered by small molecules that are able to deeply penetrate skin, these products promise to do the heavy lifting and leave you hydrated for longer.

If you’re lusting after luminous skin, it’s time to introduce the magic of retinol to your routine. A powerhouse ingredient, retinol (also known as vitamin A) is an active ingredient that helps promote skin-cell renewal and the natural production of collagen. 

There is a lot of buzz around retinol in the beauty sphere but the key to mastering this much-loved ingredient is finding the right formula for your skin and ensuring you are only using the ingredient at night. The general rule of thumb is to start slow and steady, working your way up to daily use and higher strengths as your complexion adjusts. Retinol promotes skin cell turnover to a fresh complexion, but make sure you limit your sun exposure when using. Formulated with 0.5%, Ella Baché Retinol Night Treatment Serum can be a good entry point for beginners but be sure to introduce slowly into your routine.

Another great starting point is Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum Mild. Working to (gently) refine texture and diminish the appearance of fine lines, the addition of hyaluronic acid in this formula will leave you hydrated and radiant – but once again, make sure you ease this into your routine and if you have sensitive skin, ensure you speak to a consultant to understand if these products are right for your complexion. 

To really take your beauty routine to the next level, try Beauty Award winning La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil. According to Jessie Whittaker, founder of The Calmm: “La Prairie Skin Caviar is a lightweight oil with a silky smooth application that left my skin looking hydrated and feeling alive.” Sign us up.

A reminder, that retinol should not be used when pregnant or breastfeeding.