What Is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin reacts more easily than most — to skincare products, environmental changes, temperature or even touch. It can show up as redness, stinging, tightness, dryness or a burning sensation, and often means your skin needs a gentler, more considered approach to both treatment and daily skincare.
If persistent redness or visible flushing is your main concern, our Rosacea & Facial Redness page has more targeted information.
What Causes It?
- A naturally thinner or more reactive skin barrier
- Environmental triggers — weather changes, wind, heat or cold can all provoke reactivity
- Harsh or unsuitable skincare — fragranced products, strong actives or over-exfoliation can aggravate sensitive skin
- Underlying skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or rosacea
- Genetics — some people are simply predisposed to more reactive skin
How We Assess It at Cosmetic Skin Co
Sensitive skin needs a careful, considered approach rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment. At your consultation, Lisa will talk through your triggers and skin history, then recommend gentle treatments and a skincare routine designed to support and calm your skin barrier.
Recommended Treatments
- Cryo Facial — Cryo Facial — a cooling, calming facial that helps soothe reactive skin and reduce sensitivity-related redness.
- DermaQuest Firming Enzyme Facial — DermaQuest Firming Enzyme Facial — a gentle enzyme-based facial (rather than mechanical exfoliation), suited to skin that reacts easily to more abrasive treatments.
- Customised Facial — Customised Facial — fully tailored to your skin’s specific triggers and sensitivities, rather than a generic protocol.
With sensitive skin, we always start gentle and build from there — your consultation is where we confirm what’s genuinely comfortable for your skin.
Recommended Skincare
- Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Cosmetic Skin Co Reusable Makeup Removal Pads (3-Pack) — Lisa’s own standout recommendation, used with every client in clinic; these ultra-fine reusable microfibre pads lift makeup with just water, no rubbing or harsh wipes — genuinely one of the best swaps for reactive, sensitive skin.
- Antioxidant Soothing Cream Cleanser — Antioxidant Soothing Cream Cleanser — a luxurious, calming cream cleanser formulated to cleanse without disrupting a sensitive skin barrier.
- Soothe & Calm Facial Mist — Soothe & Calm Facial Mist — Organic Rose Water, Kakadu Plum and Green Tea Extract mist; alcohol-free hydration that calms and soothes on contact.
- Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+ — fragrance-free, hypoallergenic broad-spectrum SPF designed specifically for reactive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sensitive skin be treated with active ingredients?
Yes, but gradually and carefully — we introduce actives slowly and monitor how your skin responds, rather than starting with a full routine at once.
Will treatments make my skin more reactive?
The treatments recommended here are chosen specifically for their gentleness — Lisa will always confirm what’s comfortable for your individual skin before proceeding.
How do I know if I have sensitive skin or rosacea?
They can overlap, but rosacea specifically involves persistent redness and visible vessels. Lisa can help clarify this at your consultation — see also our Rosacea & Facial Redness page.
Is there any downtime after treatment?
Our recommended treatments for sensitive skin involve little to no downtime, aside from some mild, short-lived warmth or redness.
Can I have treatment in summer?
Yes — summer treatments can still go ahead, as long as your skin is well prepped beforehand and you continue to follow your post-treatment care instructions.
Book a Consultation
Ready to talk about calming and caring for your sensitive skin? Book a free skin consultation with Lisa and get a treatment plan tailored to your skin.