How to do a skincare routine if you have sensitive skin

Sensitive skin, like all other types, needs loving care and attention. Although friends with normal or oily skin can use just about any product without problems, your skin probably reacts negatively when you use an ingredient it doesn't like. One surefire way to tell if you have sensitive skin is to see if it has hints of pink or red even when you haven't done a thing to it.

Creating a skincare routine that fits your needs means using gentle products that cleanse, tone and hydrate your skin without leaving it feeling beaten up. Thankfully, skincare manufacturers have starting labeling products in an obvious way, so you'll be able to find what you need without having to learn the hard way.

The following skincare routine covers all the necessities: cleanser, exfoliator, toner, facial oil, moisturizer and eye cream. Watch the quick tutorial video to learn some tips and tricks to baby your skin.

Materials
- Milky cleanser, preferably fragrance-free
- Enzyme-based exfoliant
- Hydrating toner mist
- Rose facial oil
- Moisturizer, preferably fragrance-free
- Eye cream
- Washcloth
- Sunscreen (if you're going outdoors)

Directions
1. Begin the routine by wetting your face fully and rubbing a milky cleanser onto the skin in circular motions. Milky cleansers are gentle, hydrating and don't foam. You should avoid bubbly cleansers because the surfactants in them (the ingredients that make them bubble) can irritate skin. Rinse thoroughly or use a wet washcloth to remove any residue.

2. Exfoliating removes dead, dull skin cells from the surface, revealing glowing healthy skin. Rub a small amount of the enzyme-based exfoliant onto your skin in gentle motions. (Avoid facial scrubs as they can be harsh and can irritate your skin. Limit your exfoliating to once or twice a week.)

3. Spritz your face generously with a hydrating toner, and pat the liquid into your skin.

4. If your face is feeling particularly irritated, apply a few drops of rose oil to it. Rose oil reduces redness and soothes cranky skin.

5. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your face and neck in gentle upward motions.

6. Finally, pat the eye cream below your eyes and just below your brows but not on the lid itself. Using your ring finger, tap lightly until the cream is absorbed.

If you're staying in, you're all done, but if you're heading outdoors, don't forget to apply sunscreen. Sensitive skin may be finicky, but sunburned skin is downright painful.