Sensitive Skin 101: How to Calm, Protect, and Strengthen Your Barrier

If your skin reacts easily to products, weather changes, or even water, you're not alone. Sensitive skin is a common concern—and it often signals a compromised barrier. At The Treatment Centre, we help clients restore balance by focusing on skin function, not just symptoms. Here's what you need to know to calm, protect, and strengthen your sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin isn't a single condition—it's a symptom of underlying issues. It can show up as redness, itching, stinging, dryness, or breakouts in response to environmental triggers, skincare products, or internal stress.

At the root is often a disrupted skin barrier. This protective layer, made up of lipids and cells, keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it’s weakened, your skin becomes reactive and vulnerable.

• Harsh cleansers or over-exfoliation

• Fragrance and alcohol in skincare

• Temperature extremes (wind, heat, cold)

• Stress and hormonal fluctuations

• Poor skin hydration or lipid deficiency

Understanding your personal triggers is the first step in managing sensitive skin.

Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe and regulate the skin's immune response without causing further irritation:

• Niacinamide : Calms redness and supports barrier repair.

• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) : Hydrates and soothes.

• Colloidal Oatmeal : Reduces itching and irritation.

• Centella Asiatica (Cica) : Promotes healing and reduces sensitivity.

Support your skin’s natural defences by avoiding harsh products and replenishing essential lipids:

• Ceramides : Key lipids that restore the skin barrier.

• Fatty acids and cholesterol : Work alongside ceramides for a strong, flexible barrier.

• Squalane : A non-comedogenic oil that mimics natural skin sebum.

Barrier-strengthening moisturisers help lock in hydration and shield skin from irritants.

Sensitive skin isn’t a permanent condition. With consistent, gentle care, you can build resilience:

• Hyaluronic Acid : Keeps skin hydrated at every layer.

• Prebiotics & Probiotics : Balance the skin microbiome and improve tolerance.

• Low-strength Retinoids (like retinaldehyde): Introduced slowly, they can improve skin function and texture long-term.

• Use lukewarm water —not hot—to cleanse your face.

• Stick to fragrance-free and essential oil-free formulations.

• Introduce one new product at a time and patch test before full application.

• Book in for a barrier-focused treatment like LED therapy or a calming facial.

• Consider internal support like omega-3s and zinc to reduce inflammation from within.

Sensitive skin is manageable with the right strategy. By calming inflammation, protecting your barrier, and using science-backed ingredients, you can restore skin resilience and comfort.

At The Treatment Centre, we’re here to guide you. If you’re struggling with sensitivity or unsure where to start, book a Skin Health Discovery Session and we’ll help design a personalised plan for your skin.