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Wellness

How to soothe sensitivity and calm skin redness

Skin sensitivity and redness are common concerns for many individuals, particularly those with delicate or reactive skin. If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of red, irritated skin, you’re not alone. Research indicates that over 50% of women and 40% of men report having sensitive skin, often accompanied by redness, itching, and discomfort.

Our mission is to help you soothe sensitivity, reduce redness, and restore balance with gentle, effective solutions. In this guide, we share expert insights, proven techniques, and practical tips to help you achieve calmer, healthier skin.

Understanding skin sensitivity and redness

Skin sensitivity is often the result of a compromised skin barrier. When the skin’s protective outer layer becomes weakened, external irritants such as pollution, weather changes, and harsh skincare products can penetrate more easily, causing inflammation and redness.

Common causes of skin redness:

Rosacea: A chronic skin condition affecting 1 in 10 people in the UK, characterised by persistent redness and visible blood vessels.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A common inflammatory condition causing red, itchy skin.
Contact Dermatitis: Redness triggered by an allergic reaction to skincare ingredients or environmental factors.
Sun Damage: UV rays can weaken the skin’s barrier and cause redness.
Over-Exfoliation: Excessive use of scrubs, acids, or retinoids can disrupt the skin barrier.

Understanding the cause of your skin sensitivity is the first step in creating a calming and effective skincare routine.

1. Choose a gentle, soothing cleanser

Cleansing is essential for maintaining healthy skin, but the wrong cleanser can strip your skin of its natural oils, exacerbating redness and sensitivity.

Opt for fragrance-free, sulphate-free, and alcohol-free formulas.
Choose cleansers containing glycerin, ceramides, or aloe vera, which help calm inflammation and support the skin barrier.
Use lukewarm water when cleansing, as hot water can increase redness by dilating blood vessels.

Our Recommendation: The Balancer Cream Cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin. This gentle, pH-balanced cleanser removes impurities without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it soft, clean, and calm.

Pro Tip: Avoid foaming cleansers, as they often contain harsh surfactants that can irritate sensitive skin.

2. Incorporate a hydrating, anti-Inflammatory serum

Serums packed with calming, hydrating ingredients can work wonders in reducing redness and soothing irritation.

Look for ingredients such as Niacinamide, L-Arginine, Vitamin E and Prebiotic inulin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has been shown to reduce redness by up to 30% when used consistently.

Hero Facial Oil is formulated with plant-based oils rich in anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect choice for calming redness and replenishing moisture.

Pro Tip: Apply serums to damp skin for better absorption.

3. Apply a soothing moisturiser daily

Hydration is key to restoring the skin barrier and reducing redness.

Choose moisturisers with ceramides, squalane, and shea butter to lock in moisture.
Avoid products containing essential oils and artificial fragrances, as these can trigger irritation.

Our Recommendation: Our Tender Skin Balm is dermatologically approved for sensitive skin and clinically proven to increase skin hydration for up to 8 hours. Its calming, plant-based formula helps reduce redness and strengthens the skin barrier.

Pro Tip: Apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp to enhance hydration.

4. Protect your skin with SPF

UV exposure is a significant trigger for skin redness and inflammation.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
Look for sunscreens free from benzophenones, camphor derivatives, or cinnamate derivatives – ingredients currently under review for potential health and environmental concerns.

Serene Daily SPF 50+ offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is dermatologically approved for sensitive skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula protects without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Pro Tip: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors.

5. How to reduce redness and inflammation

Whether you’re prone to redness, have been on steroid or paraffin-based creams for a long time, or are just coming off them, most mainstream skincare products will be too strong for your weakened skin barrier.

Reach for the Ally Recovery Facial Oil to rebalance your skin’s microbiome and calm inflammation. Formulated with hemp seed oil, this powerhouse ingredient has numerous anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin, counteracting the damage caused by free radicals and reducing the appearance of redness and dullness. Consider Ally Recovery Facial Oil your rosacea redness treatment to instantly soothe and calm irritation.

6. Simplify your skincare routine

Overloading your skin with too many products can lead to irritation and increased redness.

Stick to 3-4 essential products: a cleanser, a serum, a moisturiser, and sunscreen.
Avoid frequent use of exfoliating acids, which can compromise the skin barrier.

Pro Tip: Introduce new products gradually to monitor your skin's reaction.

7. Soothe with cooling treatments

Cooling your skin can provide immediate relief from redness and discomfort.

Use a cool compress for 5-10 minutes when redness flares.
Apply products containing cucumber extract, aloe vera, or green tea, known for their calming properties.

Pro Tip: Store your Reviver Hydrating Mist in the fridge for a refreshing, soothing spritz.

8. Prioritise a skin-friendly lifestyle

External factors like diet, stress, and environmental conditions significantly impact skin health.

Stay hydrated: Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Include foods like avocados, walnuts, and blueberries.
Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, as stress can trigger redness.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Protect your skin from wind, cold, and heat.

Pro Tip: Incorporate omega-3 supplements if your diet lacks sufficient healthy fats.

9. Recognise when to seek professional advice

If redness persists despite adjusting your skincare routine, consult a dermatologist. Persistent redness may indicate rosacea, eczema, or other underlying conditions that require targeted treatments.

Signs to seek help:

Redness that doesn’t improve with gentle skincare.
Burning, stinging, or itching sensations.
Visible blood vessels or skin thickening.

Final thoughts

Sensitive, red skin can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and products, it’s possible to restore calm and comfort. Remember, consistency is key – gentle, regular care helps maintain a strong, resilient skin barrier.

At By Sarah, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of sensitive skin, which is why we create products that are safe, effective, and nurturing. From our Balancer Cream Cleanser to our Tender Skin Balm and Ally Recovery Facial Oil, each formula is dermatologically approved and designed with your skin's health in mind.

If you have any questions or need personalised skincare advice, our team is always happy to help. Reach out via email at care@bysarahlondon.com or connect with us on Instagram @bysarahlondon.

Together, let’s help your skin find the calm it deserves. 💛

By Sarah