Sensitive skin isn't a fixed skin type—it can be temporary, seasonal, or stress-triggered. This guide breaks down common triggers, smart care tips, and how ampm’s barrier-boosting lineup helps restore calm and glow.
What is Sensitive Skin, Really?
Tightness, stinging, redness, or flaking—if your skin reacts easily, you’re not alone. But sensitive skin isn’t always a permanent skin type. Even oily or dry skin can become sensitive from time to time.
The real issue? A weakened skin barrier. When your barrier is compromised, moisture escapes and irritants get in—causing that familiar redness and discomfort.
Stress, seasonal shifts, pollution, over-cleansing, or harsh ingredients can all throw your skin out of balance. Some people also have naturally thinner, more reactive skin—but for many, sensitivity is temporary and fixable.
Please note: The descriptions above refer to mild and occasional symptoms. If you have eczema, other chronic skin conditions, or persistent symptoms like oozing, cracked skin, or painful inflammation, consult a dermatologist.
Caring for Sensitive Skin: Less is More
Sensitive skin thrives on simplicity. Here’s what to focus on:
- Fewer products, gentler formulas
- Barrier repair and deep hydration
- Formulas that are friendly to sensitive skin
- Avoid over-exfoliating or layering too many actives
Healing takes time, so consistency and patience are key.
Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Sensitive Skin
Certain ingredients—though common in skincare—can be especially harsh for reactive skin. These include:
- Alcohol (ethanol): Dries out the skin and may sting compromised areas
- Fragrance & essential oils: Despite their natural origin, they still carry high irritation risks.
- Strong acids (AHA, BHA, retinol): Effective but often too harsh for sensitized skin
-
Parabens & harsh preservatives: Can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Not all sensitive skin reacts the same way with the same allergens—To pinpoint your specific triggers, a full allergen test is best. However, if you notice sensitivity after using certain products, compare their ingredient lists to identify potential culprits, making future product choices easier.
For those prone to skincare sensitivities, always patch test new products on your inner arm or behind your ear before applying to your face, and avoid introducing too many new products at once.
3 Skin-soothing Ingredients to Look for
When symptoms flare up, look for these barrier-repairing heroes:
Ceramides
A natural component of your skin barrier. Deficiencies can lead to dryness, tightness, and itchiness. Products with ceramides help strengthen the skin's protective layer and boost moisture retention.
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
A classic soothing ingredient that hydrates, calms, and supports skin recovery. It helps relieve irritation, redness, and itchiness, while also aiding in inflammation reduction and wound healing.
PDRN (Salmon DNA)
A buzzworthy ingredient for good reason—PDRN is highly compatible with human skin and promotes regeneration from within. Perfect for occasional sensitivity and damage repair.
These ingredients can be the hero active or combined for greater impact. Choose formulas with them to support your skin’s natural healing processes.
Stay Calm: ampm to the Rescue!
At ampm, our sensitive skincare isn’t just “non-irritating”—it actively strengthens your skin’s own resilience. Our Sensitivity Soothing Set is built around calming, barrier-repairing ingredients—gentle enough for daily use, but also powerful enough to make a difference.
5.5 Gentle Milky Cleanser Lotion
A comforting, pH-balanced cleanser that removes sunscreen and light makeup without stripping moisture! Infused with Vitamin B5, Green Tea Ferment Oil, and Rice Bran Oil, this milky formula melts away impurities while protecting the skin barrier. No foaming, no tugging—just a smooth, gentle cleanse.
Apply this Cleanser Lotion to dry face, gently massage in circular motion. Then add water to emulsify to remove impurities and rinse. Clean and supple, you’re welcome!
Surfing Aqua Mask with Ceramides and Amino Acids
After the cleanse, it’s pampering time! Powered by 5x Ceramides, 6x Amino Acids, and Sodium Hyaluronate, this sheet mask boosts moisture and elasticity while calming redness and dryness. It hugs the skin like a second layer, delivering soothing ingredients straight where you need them!
PDRN Regenerative Oil Serum
Our favorite face oil for stressed, reactive skin. Lightweight but nourishing, it combines PDRN, Ceramides, and Botanical Oils to strengthen your skin’s barrier and lock in hydration.
If you have sensitive skin but still want to use slightly harsher products (like acids or retinol), apply the PDRN Regenerative Oil Serum beforehand to help buffer irritation.
PDRN Repairing Cream
Finish your routine and seal the goodness in with this silky, barrier-rebuilding cream packed with PDRN, Ceramides, MSM, and Niacinamide. The texture is light but rich in nutrients, helping to smooth roughness and ease redness. Also makes the perfect prep for makeup!
There’s no overnight fix for sensitive skin—but with the right support, your skin can bounce back. Start with barrier-friendly ingredients, keep your routine simple, and give your skin what it really needs: time, care, and comfort.
That's the ampm way.
