Spring often signals renewal – but for those with sensitive skin, it can bring challenges. If you've noticed more redness, irritation, or skin flare-ups due to increased pollen levels, weather changes, or dry indoor air, you're not alone – and we're here to help.

At By Sarah, our story begins with personal care. Co-founder Sarah formulated her first skincare blends at her kitchen table to soothe her sister Lauren's fragile skin during cancer recovery. Today, we continue to craft gentle, restorative skincare solutions for stressed and sensitive skin – guided by compassion and clinically supported science.

In this guide, we share natural skincare tips and soothing remedies backed by UK research and our lived experience, to help you restore calm and comfort to your skin this spring.

Why is my skin more irritated in spring?

Skin becomes red and irritated when the barrier is weakened and inflammation sets in. In spring, increased pollen levels are a leading cause – allergens trigger the immune system, releasing histamines that result in redness, itching, and swelling. Weather shifts also play a role; dry air, wind, and sudden temperature changes can compromise the skin’s protective barrier.

If your skin already leans sensitive, the transition between seasons can worsen symptoms. A study from the British Skin Foundation reports that over 60% of women and 40% of men experience sensitive skin. These reactions are often linked to impaired barrier function – meaning the skin struggles to retain moisture and keep irritants out.

What causes red, irritated skin – and how can I calm it fast?

Red, inflamed skin is a signal of distress. Common triggers include:

• Allergens like pollen
• Harsh skincare ingredients
• Over-exfoliation
• Environmental stressors such as cold wind or central heating
• Psychological stress

Here’s how to reset your skin with a simple, soothing routine:

1. Cleanse with our Balancer Cream Cleanser – a fragrance-free, alcohol-free formula that gently removes impurities without stripping your skin.
2. Soothe with Tender Skin Balm, featuring Madecassoside from Centella Asiatica to calm redness and support barrier repair.
3. Nourish with Ally Recovery Facial Oil, rich in omega-rich hemp seed oil to restore your microbiome and seal in hydration.

You can also support your skin by:

• Minimising exposure to pollen and synthetic fabrics
• Using an air purifier indoors
• Drinking water regularly
• Eating anti-inflammatory foods
• Practicing mindfulness or gentle movement, like yoga

What are the best natural remedies for calming irritated skin?

Many botanical ingredients offer proven skin-calming benefits. According to a 2024 review from the University of Manchester’s Dermatology Centre:

• Aloe vera: Hydrates and promotes regeneration
• Colloidal Oatmeal: Rich in beta-glucans to strengthen the skin barrier
• Chamomile (Apigenin): Calms redness and soothes itching

Each of these ingredients supports the skin’s natural healing mechanisms and is suitable for all ages and stages, including during hormonal changes like perimenopause.

Can gut health affect skin irritation?

Emerging research continues to highlight the connection between the gut and the skin. An imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body, including the skin. In fact, 70% of immune cells reside in the gut, meaning internal imbalances can easily manifest externally as redness, breakouts, or eczema.

A 2024 UK study confirmed a causal relationship between gut bacteria and conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Supporting your gut with a diet rich in fibre, fermented foods, and prebiotics (like inulin, which also features in our skincare) can improve skin resilience.

Hydration, stress management, and reducing processed foods can also promote gut balance – helping sensitive skin stay calmer and more resilient over time.

Should I change my skincare routine during spring?

Yes, even subtle changes can make a big difference. Switch to gentler textures, focus on barrier repair, and avoid overloading your skin. Drop actives like retinol if your skin feels compromised and choose soothing alternatives like bakuchiol, found in our Bakuchiol Booster, which provides retinol-like results without irritation.

Layer products mindfully: cleanse, mist, moisturise, oil. For daytime, always finish with Serene Daily SPF 50+, which offers high coverage UVA and UVB protection (PA++++). Enriched with ginseng, apple, and peach extracts, it soothes and deeply moisturises, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin.

How long does it take to calm irritated skin?

With consistent care, many people see improvement in a few days. However, for long-standing issues like rosacea or eczema, it may take longer. Be patient and keep your routine gentle. A study in the UK’s Clinical Dermatology Review found that a consistent skincare routine using barrier-supporting products significantly reduced redness and irritation over a 4-week period.

At By Sarah, our customers often report visible changes within a week of using products like the Tender Skin Balm and Hero Facial Oil, thanks to our commitment to clinically tested, dermatologist-approved formulas.

Is there anything I should avoid during a flare-up?

Yes. Avoid over-cleansing, harsh exfoliants, and active treatments like glycolic acid or alcohol-based toners. These can aggravate already-sensitive skin. Skip essential oils, synthetic fragrance, and complex routines – less really is more.

Stick to 3–4 core steps: cleanse, hydrate, nourish, protect. This simplicity helps your skin reset and heal.

How does By Sarah support sensitive skin differently?

At By Sarah, caring for sensitive skin isn't just a mission – it's our origin story. When co-founder Sarah couldn't find gentle, effective products to soothe her sister Lauren's skin during cancer recovery, she began formulating her own. This heartfelt beginning shapes every product we create today.

Our entire collection is Dermatologically Approved for sensitive skin, ensuring each product is both safe and effective. We meticulously select natural and nature-identical ingredients known for their soothing and restorative properties. For instance, our formulations include:

• Prebiotic inulin
• Pro-Vitamin B5
• German Chamomile
• Squalane and Mango Butter

We consciously exclude common irritants such as essential oils, synthetic fragrances, sulphates, and drying alcohols. This commitment ensures our products are gentle yet effective, suitable for even the most delicate skin types.

Our mission is simple: to help your skin feel happy, calm, and cared for – no matter what life throws at it.

Final Thoughts

Red, irritated skin is more than a surface concern – it’s your skin’s way of asking for extra care. Whether your flare-up is brought on by seasonal change, hormonal shifts or life’s daily stressors, we believe your skin deserves to be treated gently and thoughtfully.

We hope this guide has brought a sense of clarity and calm. At By Sarah, we’ve been where you are – and everything we create is designed to offer comfort and confidence, no matter how sensitive your skin may be.

All the products mentioned in this guide are available at bysarahlondon.com, alongside our full Skin Health Guides and Journal – where you’ll find expert insights, practical tips and heartfelt support, every step of the way.

If you ever need a little guidance, we’re always here for you. You can reach us at care@bysarahlondon.com or come say hello on Instagram @bysarahlondon – we’d love to hear from you.

Looking for more support?

These articles might be especially helpful as you continue your sensitive skin journey:

• Skincare guide for redness and rosacea
  Learn gentle, step-by-step routines to support skin prone to redness and chronic sensitivity.

• How to soothe facial redness
  Simple, calming practices to bring relief and restore comfort.

• How to soothe sensitivity and calm skin redness
  Explore the ingredients and habits that truly make a difference.

You’re not alone – and we’re here to help you feel at home in your skin, every step of the way.

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