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sensitive skin

Skincare for Sensitive Skin

The ZO® collection of non-irritating products is designed to soothe sensitized skin. We focus on ultra gentle formulas made to hydrate and strengthen your skin's natural barrier – without compromising on results.

Skincare For Sensitive Skin

Skincare For Sensitive Skin

The ZO® collection of non-irritating products is designed to soothe sensitized skin. We focus on ultra gentle formulas made to hydrate and strengthen your skin's natural barrier – without compromising on results.

Sensitive skin skincare FAQs

Sensitive skin can be triggered by a variety of factors, both internal and external. The most common causes include:

  • Genetics: If you have a family history of eczema, rosacea, or allergies, you're more likely to have sensitive skin.
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to harsh weather conditions such as extreme cold, heat, wind, or sun can make your skin more sensitive.
  • Skin conditions: Conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can cause heightened   
    sensitivity. These often result in redness + dryness, making the skin more prone to reactions.
  • Damaged skin barrier: The outermost layer of your skin helps protect against irritants and moisture loss. If this barrier is weakened by over-exfoliation or harsh products, your skin will be impacted.
  • Harsh skincare products: Ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, sulfates, and aggressive   
    exfoliants can strip the skin and leave it vulnerable.

Determining your skin type involves paying attention to how it reacts to certain products or conditions. Here are some common signs to look out for: 

  • Redness + flushing: If your skin becomes easily red or flushed after using certain skincare, or when exposed to heat, cold, or sun, it could be a sign of sensitivity.
  • Burning or stinging sensation: A burning or tingling feeling when applying products is a clear sign that your skin might be sensitive.
  • Dryness + flakiness: While dryness isn't exclusive to sensitivity, it does tend to become easily dehydrated, causing it to appear flaky and tight.
  • Itching: Itchy skin may occur after using specific products or after sun exposure. It may also be caused by an allergic reaction to certain ingredients.
  • Inflammation: Your skin may react quickly to triggers such as stress or environmental   
    pollutants, leading to redness, swelling, or even breakouts.  

Using specifically formulated skincare offers several important benefits that help protect and nurture delicate skin. For example, face wash for sensitive skin is designed to minimize irritation and maintain your skin's health and comfort. Benefits include:

  • Calms irritation: Sensitive skincare often contains calming ingredients like aloe vera + chamomile, which work to reduce redness.
  • Strengthens the skin barrier: These products are formulated with ingredients like ceramides + niacinamide that soothe the skin barrier, making it more resilient against environmental stressors.
  • Prevents over-drying: Specialist moisturizers for sensitive skin provide deep hydration without the risk of triggering breakouts. Ingredients like glycerin + squalane lock in moisture to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
  • Reduces the risk of reactions: Ensure products are free from common irritants such as fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, which can exacerbate sensitivity. The gentle   
    formulations are hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or flare-ups.  

Aloe vera + chamomile extract are both known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Niacinamide works to strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, while ceramides + squalane help lock in hydration and prevent dryness.

Hyaluronic acid + glycerin are excellent at drawing moisture into the skin, and oat extract provides additional soothing benefits.  

Gentle ingredients like vitamin E + zinc oxide offer antioxidant protection and reduce inflammation,   
making them ideal for maintaining a balanced, healthy complexion.  

It's important to avoid ingredients that cause irritation. Fragrances can be highly irritating, and alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Sulfates + parabens can also be harsh and result in dryness. Strong exfoliants can damage the skin   
barrier, while essential oils may cause allergic reactions.  

Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can be too severe for sensitive skin, causing redness + peeling.  

When building your regimen, it's important to keep things simple. Follow these simple steps to introduce skincare for sensitive skin:  

  • Cleanse: Start with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser for sensitive skin that won't strip your skin. The ZO® Balancing Cleansing Emulsion has been awarded a Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association.
  • Tone: Apply a soothing toner that helps balance your skin's pH levels. We recommend the ZO® Calming Toner to refresh your complexion.
  • Serum/moisturize: Use a hydrating serum and/or hydrator rich in calming ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. 
  • Sunscreen: Always finish your routine with a mineral-based sunscreen during the day to protect against sun damage.

Avoid over-exfoliating and only opt for gentle exfoliants a few times a week if needed. Keep the routine minimal to prevent overwhelming your skin, and be sure to patch-test any new products before introducing them fully.

As you age, your skin may become more or less sensitive depending on changes in your skin's natural barrier, hormone levels, or exposure to different environmental stressors. Conditions like eczema or rosacea may worsen or improve over time, too.  

Lifestyle changes, such as diet or stress levels, can either reduce or increase sensitivity. External factors, like changes in climate or seasonal transitions, can also influence how sensitive your skin feels.  

Your skin can fluctuate, so adjusting your routine to match its needs at different stages is important for maintaining its health.  

Choose a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection. Mineral sunscreens, which contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are ideal for sensitive skin as they sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens.  

These sunscreens are generally less irritating and are often formulated to be fragrance-free and   
hypoallergenic. Look for non-comedogenic sunscreens, so they won't clog pores, and choose options that offer SPF 30 or higher for effective protection.  

Try sensitive skin skincare from ZO® Skin Health

Calm and protect your skin while supporting its natural barrier with ZO® Skin Health. Our professional-grade skincare for sensitive skin helps balance skin tone and enhance skin recovery, giving you a smoother, more radiant complexion.

If you need guidance on our products or assistance in finding the perfect regimen for your skin type, feel free to reach out to our ZO® Skincare Specialists today.  

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