I recently noticed that a lot of the new skincare I've been trialling is designed for sensitive and reactive skin. And while I wouldn’t class my skin as sensitive (although it is prone to breakouts, so you could call it sensitive by definition), I’ve really enjoyed trialling these products on shoots and on myself. Here's a quick round up - they're all great for keeping sensitive skin (or skin that's generally feeling tight, irritated, red or uncomfortable) soothed, calm, and gently hydrated...
The cleanser: La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Water Gel
I believe cleansers should be as simple and as gentle as possible, while removing makeup thoroughly. I like micellar waters as they cleanse quickly but feel soothing, and use La Roche-Posay’s Physiological Micellar Solution a lot. This new Micellar Water Gel works in the same way but is gel, rather than water, meaning you can massage it in to help dislodge dirt and makeup (of course, if your skin is very reactive then make sure you massage gently so you don't aggravate your skin).
Like the original Micellar Solution, you can use the gel without water and remove it with a tissue or cotton wool, but I prefer to rinse it off. It removes makeup well and leaves skin feeling really clean but not stripped. You can also use it on damp skin, so it's a good, gentle cleanser for the bath or shower.
The moisturiser: Bioderma Sensibio Tolerance+
I used this moisturiser one morning when my skin was a little red - it felt really soothing and reduced most of the redness quite quickly, so it’s perfect to keep in my kit for those shoots when I’m suddenly faced with a tired/stressed/red-faced model!
The lotion contains acetyl tetrapeptide-15, a peptide which helps to decrease redness and inflammation, strengthen the skin's barrier (to make it less reactive) and soothe tightness and discomfort. It also contains sodium PCA, a natural humectant which hydrates skin. I personally like lightweight moisturisers that don’t feel like they’re going to clog my pores, so this very light lotion is perfect for me. It absorbs quickly and dries to a matte, almost velvety finish that’s great under makeup.
The mask: Racinne Delicare Soothing Mask
I love face masks and use them regularly, adapting them to my skin’s current needs. I tried these masks from Korean brand Racinne when my skin was feeling dehydrated after a string of long-haul flights and late night shoots. Each mask comes in a single sachet (12 per box), good for my kit or if you travel a lot. They contain a hexapeptide called delisens which helps to calm sensitive skin by interrupting and breaking the chemical process that causes inflammation. There's also shea butter and almond oil to soothe and hydrate.
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| Some of my favorites |
I know I say this every month, but there are some real solid favourites in this instalment. I feel like if you’re a regular round these parts then there won’t be any surprises here, but it’s interesting (I hope!) to see what makes the cream of the crop cut. There’s the makeup tool that it took me ages to purchase and now I won’t put down, the face mask that trumps all other clay-based formulas, the facial oil that everyone’s raving about – including me – and the recipe book that I used to inspire our mealtimes most days this month. Of course there’s more, but you’ll have to click on the video above for that. Oh what a tease…
