The Best Skincare Routine for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

The best skincare routine for sensitive, acne-prone skin focuses on gentle cleansing, barrier repair, and targeted treatments that calm inflammation without clogging pores. In short, choose products that soothe and protect, never strip, your skin.

Sensitive skin reacts easily to harsh actives, fragrances, and over-exfoliation, while acne-prone skin struggles with excess oil and inflammation. Balancing both takes care: calm the skin while keeping pores clear. With REFORM Skincare's dermatologist-developed formulas, you can achieve a calmer, clearer, and more resilient skin care routine for sensitive skin.

Key Takeaways

Sensitive, acne-prone skin thrives on consistency and balance. The goal isn't perfection; it’s resilience.

• Use REFORM Skincare’s dermatologist-tested range to simplify your routine.
• Focus on barrier repair before adding strong actives.
• Introduce new products slowly, one at a time.
• Hydrate well and protect your skin daily.
• Less is often more; avoid over-layering.

What Makes Skin Both Sensitive and Acne-Prone

Sensitive, acne-prone skin means your skin's protective barrier is compromised, leaving it prone to inflammation and breakouts. Understanding what causes that fragility is key to choosing the right products.

Key factors include:

• Genetics or conditions such as rosacea and eczema
• Environmental stressors like pollution and temperature swings
• Overuse of harsh cleansers or exfoliants that strip natural oils
• Overactive sebaceous glands leading to clogged pores
• Stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal fluctuations

When your barrier is weak, irritants and bacteria can penetrate easily, leading to flare-ups. A balanced routine focuses on restoring the skin barrier while treating acne gently.

Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Consistency is more important than aggressive treatment. Every product in your routine should maintain your skin's natural balance and avoid potential irritants.

1. Cleanse: Balance Without Stripping

Cleansing should remove dirt, oil, and sunscreen without disrupting your barrier.

• Use a salicylic acid face wash once daily to gently clear pores without over-drying.
• Look for mild surfactants and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol.
• Avoid foaming cleansers with sulphates or fragrances.
• In the evening, remove makeup with a gentle micellar water before cleansing.
• Pat dry your skin with a soft towel; don’t rub.

2. Tone: Rehydrate and Restore

Toners prep your skin for serums and moisturisers by restoring pH balance and adding a light layer of hydration.

• Use an alcohol-free toner with soothing botanicals such as chamomile or rose water.
• Avoid astringent toners or those claiming to “tighten” pores.
• A mist toner can help calm redness throughout the day.
• For rosacea-prone skin, opt for toners containing green tea or oat extract for anti-inflammatory support.

3. Treat: Calm Breakouts Without Irritating

This is where you target acne without overwhelming the skin.

• Apply a serum containing niacinamide (vitamin B3) to balance oil production and reduce redness.
• Introduce azelaic acid gradually; it treats blemishes and rosacea safely.
• Spot treat occasional pimples with low-concentration salicylic acid or sulfur.
• Avoid layering multiple acids or retinoids unless prescribed.
• Choose products labelled non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

4. Moisturise: Strengthen and Protect

Even oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration. A damaged barrier worsens sensitivity and acne.

• Choose lightweight gels or creams rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
• Use anti-blemish creme with zinc PCA and aloe vera for anti-inflammatory benefits.
• If your skin feels dry or tight, use a thicker night cream containing shea butter or peptides.
• Avoid heavy oils like coconut or cocoa butter, which can clog pores.
• Moisturise twice daily, after cleansing and treatment.

5. Protect: Daily Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Sun exposure can worsen both acne and sensitivity by damaging the barrier.

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Avoid chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone or avobenzone, which may sting sensitive skin.
• Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days, as it protects against inflammation and post-acne marks.
• Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
• Look for tinted mineral sunscreens for added antioxidant protection.

Night Routine for Repair and Recovery

Nighttime is when your skin regenerates and repairs itself. Focus on nourishment and recovery rather than exfoliation.

• Cleanse once; no need for double cleansing unless wearing heavy makeup.
• Apply a hydrating essence or serum containing peptides or panthenol.
• Use a thicker barrier-repair cream to lock in moisture overnight.
• Two nights a week, use a mild exfoliant such as lactic acid or PHA to smooth texture.
• Avoid strong actives on nights following exfoliation.

Extra Care Tips for Rosacea-Prone Skin

Rosacea-prone skin benefits from gentle handling and consistency.

• Avoid hot showers and extreme temperature changes.
• Pat your face dry with a soft cloth; never rub.
• Limit caffeine and spicy food, which can trigger flushing.
• Avoid alcohol-based skincare and fragrances.
• Follow a rosacea-prone skin routine with calming botanicals like centella asiatica.

Ingredients to Seek and Avoid

Knowing what to include and exclude can make all the difference.

Seek:

• Niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid
• Zinc PCA, green tea extract, centella asiatica
• Mild exfoliants such as polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) or low-strength salicylic acid
• Antioxidants like vitamin E and resveratrol for barrier repair

Avoid:

• Alcohol, fragrance, essential oils
• Sulphates, parabens, and physical scrubs
• High-strength retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, unless prescribed
• Menthol and peppermint, which can trigger stinging sensations

How Stress and Lifestyle Affect Sensitive Skin

Stress hormones like cortisol increase oil production and inflammation, worsening both acne and sensitivity. Healthy lifestyle habits can help balance skin from the inside out.

• Sleep at least 7–8 hours each night to support skin regeneration.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 fats.
• Drink enough water daily to maintain hydration.
• Practice mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise to reduce stress.
• Limit alcohol and processed foods, which can trigger inflammation.