Lifestyle

As a sensitive, acne-prone skin girly, finding the right products has been a journey of trial and error. I’ve tried countless brands and formulas that left me with breakouts, redness, or just plain irritation. But after years of searching, I’ve finally found a routine that makes my skin feel balanced, hydrated, and glowing—without any of the drama!

If you’ve struggled to find skincare that works for sensitive skin, check out my current lineup of go-to products:

1. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

I can’t sing the praises of the Vanicream Gentle Cleanser enough! It’s super gentle and free of common irritants like fragrance, dyes, and parabens. It cleanses without stripping my skin, leaving it feeling fresh and soft every time.

I use this cleanser at night, when I wash my face before bed. In the morning, I will just rinse my face with water and sometimes use Rose Micellar Water on a cotton round to freshen up the skin. 

I don’t cleanse in the morning anymore because I have found that just once a day is the perfect amount for me and doing more than that, strips my skin and can leave it feeling irritated. 

2. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum 

A vitamin C serum is a must in my routine for that extra glow, but finding one that doesn’t aggravate my skin was tough. Mad Hippie’s formula is a game-changer! It brightens my complexion while being gentle enough for daily use, and I’ve noticed fewer dark spots since incorporating it.

I use this Serum in the morning after freshening up my face and before moisturizing.

3. Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel

Exfoliation can be tricky with sensitive skin, but this peel is a total winner. The blend of AHAs sloughs away dead skin cells without irritation. I use it about once a week (typically on Sunday evenings) to keep my skin smooth and refreshed.

4. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer – Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides

Hydration is key to any skincare routine, especially for sensitive skin. This lightweight facial moisturizer gives me all the moisture my skin craves without clogging my pores. It also helps repair and strengthen my skin barrier, which is a must for reducing sensitivity. 

Due to having acne-prone skin, I struggled for a long time to find a moisturizer that would leave my skin feeling plump and glowy without making it oily or dry after an hour. The Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is the best one I have found to do this. 

I use this facial cream in the mornings after I use a Vitamin C Serum and before SPF.

5. Mad Hippie Daily Sun Protective Serum

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable, but finding one that doesn’t leave a white cast or cause breakouts was tough – until I found Mad Hippie’s Sun Protective Serum! It provides mineral-based SPF with a smooth finish, keeping my skin safe without any irritation.

What is nice about this SPF is that it is a serum based sunscreen so it glides on the skin nicely and doesn’t clog my pores or leave a white layer on my skin. 

One of the things I love about Mad Hippie (beyond how gentle their products are on my skin) is their commitment to sustainability. Not only do they use glass bottles for most of their products—which reduces plastic waste—but they also offer a fantastic recycling program. You can send back your empties, and Mad Hippie ensures they’re properly recycled. It’s skincare that not only feels good but does good for the planet, too.

(None of this is sponsored btw, I just love their products and their brand mission. :))

6. ITK Retinol Serum 

I’ve recently started incorporating the ITK Retinol Serum into my routine, and so far, I’m loving it! Retinol can be tricky for sensitive skin, but this formula is gentle and hasn’t caused any irritation or dryness. I’m excited to see the long-term benefits!

I use this serum every other night, after cleansing and before my oil.

7. Ritual Oils – Moringa Oil Infused With Blue Lotus

This is a product that I started using about 6 months ago that has made the biggest difference in my skin’s texture and pigmentation! Ritual Oils Moringa Oil is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, and my skin has never felt smoother or looked more even. It’s become a must-have in my routine for maintaining that healthy glow.

I use this oil at night and really lather it on my skin – making me look like a glazed donut, lol. I let it really do its work at night and this has seriously saved my skin. The Moringa Oil is a bit on the pricier side, but I believe it to be worth it because it lasts so long. 

Seriously, I bought one bottle almost 6-months ago and it just recently ran out. 

8. Aquaphor

Aquaphor is my holy grail for locking in moisture! I use it on my lips as the final step in my nighttime routine. In colder months, I use it anywhere that is dry to help give my skin that extra moisture. It’s a lifesaver for keeping my skin soft and hydrated overnight.

I got the big tub and it lasts me at least a year!

This routine has made a world of difference for my sensitive skin, and I love that it’s full of products I can trust. If you’re navigating the challenges of sensitive skin like me, I hope these picks help you find your perfect lineup too!