If your skin stings, flushes or turns red at the sight of a new product, you are not alone. It is one of the most common things people tell us in clinic.

The answer is usually less, not more. A short, gentle routine that protects your skin barrier will often do more than a shelf full of actives.

Signs your skin barrier needs some care

Stinging or burning when you apply products
Tightness after cleansing
Redness or flushing that comes and goes
Dry, flaky patches alongside oiliness

The gentle routine

1. A gentle cleanser

Cleans without stripping
No harsh foaming or scrubbing
Lukewarm water, pat dry

2. A barrier repair cream

Helps restore and protect a stressed skin barrier
Ideal after over-exfoliating or after in-clinic treatments
Use morning and evening while skin settles

3. A light moisturiser (if you prefer a lighter feel)

Weightless gel-cream
Good for sensitive skin that is also oily or breakout-prone

4. Mineral sunscreen, every morning

UV and heat can trigger redness
Mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are usually the kindest choice for reactive skin

More options in our sunscreen guide.

Helpful extras

Optional add-ons when skin needs extra calm:

Want to add an active? Go slowly

Once skin has been calm for a few weeks:

Vitamin C: start with Professional-C Serum 10%, designed for dry and sensitive skin. Every other morning to begin with.
Retinol: ask us first. If we agree it suits you, start low and slow, once or twice a week.
One new product at a time, two weeks apart, so you know what suits you
Patch test behind the ear or on the jawline for a few days first

What to avoid while skin is reactive

Scrubs and grainy polishes
Strong acids and peels at home
Lots of new products at once
Fragranced products and essential oils, if they have bothered you before
Very hot water, saunas and steam
Picking or over-washing

When to book a consultation

Please book in rather than buying more products if:

Redness is constant, or you have bumps, visible veins or burning
Your eyes also feel gritty or sore
Flushing is getting worse or affecting your confidence
Skin reacts to almost everything, even a simple routine

These can be signs of rosacea or another skin condition. Some people need prescription treatment, which is only supplied after a consultation with Dr Ed or our clinical team. In-clinic treatments can also help with redness and visible veins.

Still not sure?

Take our skin quiz, or message a specialist on WhatsApp at 0161 399 0631. Kate and Amy are happy to help you build a routine your skin will tolerate.

Delivery and collection

We deliver within the UK only. Royal Mail delivery is a flat £10, with free delivery on orders over £200, and click and collect from our Hale clinic is complimentary. All products are genuine stock from an authorised stockist.

This guide is general information, not personalised medical advice. Prescription items require a consultation. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under treatment for a skin condition, please ask us before starting a new product.