Understanding Sensitive Skin: Causes, Care, and Clinic Support
Sensitive skin can feel like a mystery. One day, everything seems fine. The next, you’re red, reactive, or stinging after using a product you’ve always tolerated. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Sensitive skin affects a growing number of people — particularly women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond — and it often worsens with environmental stress, hormonal changes, or the wrong skincare routine.
At Platinum Cosmetics in Port Melbourne, we see many clients who describe their skin as “sensitive,” but the causes and solutions can vary. In today’s blog, we’ll explore what sensitive skin really is, what triggers it, and how you can protect your skin barrier with targeted skincare and professional support. We’ll also highlight a few of our top SkinCeuticals recommendations for sensitive or reactive skin types.
What Does ‘Sensitive Skin’ Really Mean?
Sensitive skin isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but it’s a common descriptor for skin that’s prone to redness, irritation, tightness, or burning. It’s not the same as dry skin — although dryness can contribute to sensitivity — and it can affect all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.
The most common signs of sensitive skin include:
Flushing or redness, particularly on the cheeks or nose
Stinging, burning, or itching after applying certain products
Flakiness, rough texture, or tightness
A tendency to react to skincare with even mild actives
Many people with sensitive skin also have underlying issues with their skin barrier — the outermost layer of the skin that protects against irritants and keeps moisture in. When this barrier is damaged or compromised, skin becomes more reactive to environmental and product triggers.
Common Causes of Skin Sensitivity
While sensitive skin can be genetic, it’s often made worse by a range of external and internal factors, such as:
Over-exfoliation: Too many actives, scrubs, or acids can strip the barrier
Sun exposure: UV radiation can weaken skin integrity and increase inflammation
Pollution and climate: Dry air, wind, or extreme temperatures stress the skin
Harsh ingredients: Alcohol, fragrance, sulphates, and essential oils can irritate
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, perimenopause, and stress can shift skin behaviour
Underlying conditions: Rosacea, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis often present as sensitivity
Identifying your specific triggers is a critical part of managing sensitive skin, and often requires professional input to avoid making things worse with trial-and-error.
How to Care for Sensitive Skin at Home
Caring for sensitive skin starts with simplifying your routine and focusing on barrier repair. Here are our key principles:
1. Strip It Back
Sensitive skin thrives on less, not more. Focus on a minimal routine: a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Avoid anything harsh, heavily fragranced, or alcohol-based.
2. Choose the Right Antioxidants
Antioxidants help neutralise environmental stressors, but some forms (like ascorbic acid) can be too irritating for sensitive skin. A gentler alternative is SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX, a lightweight antioxidant serum formulated for sensitive and reactive skin types.
3. Hydrate and Rebuild the Barrier
Look for moisturisers rich in ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide. One standout is SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, which helps reduce redness and strengthen skin without clogging pores.
4. Use Sunscreen Daily
Sensitive skin is especially vulnerable to sun damage. Opt for a mineral-based SPF with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These physical filters are less likely to cause irritation than chemical sunscreens.
5. Avoid Over-Cleansing
Use a gentle cleanser once or twice a day — never scrub, and avoid foaming formulas. A product like SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is designed for reactive skin and won’t strip the barrier.
When to Seek Professional Support
If your skin reacts frequently, won’t tolerate active ingredients, or becomes inflamed despite your best efforts, it’s time to seek help from a professional.
At Platinum Cosmetics, we offer a range of facials and skin rejuvenation treatments that are suitable for sensitive skin — including customised LED light therapy, enzyme treatments, and hydrating options that don’t compromise the barrier.
Some of our clients also benefit from Fotona Laser treatments for rosacea and redness, using a targeted, non-invasive wavelength to gently reduce vascular visibility and inflammation.
We always begin with a detailed skin consultation to assess your skin’s baseline condition, lifestyle factors, and product history — so we can create a treatment and home care plan that actually works for you.
Sensitive Skin and Ageing
It’s important to know that sensitivity can increase as we age — particularly for women entering their 40s and 50s. Hormonal changes, slower cell turnover, and cumulative sun exposure can all lead to thinner, more reactive skin.
That’s why prevention and protection are key. Clients often tell us they feel stuck — wanting to address signs of ageing, but unable to tolerate strong actives. The good news is that options like SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E, Phyto Corrective Gel, and gentle laser treatments can support anti-ageing goals without triggering sensitivity.
Shopping Smart: SkinCeuticals for Sensitive Skin
Here are our top SkinCeuticals picks for clients with sensitive skin:
Gentle Cleanser – Mild, non-stripping, and ideal post-treatment
Phyto Corrective Gel – Calms redness and hydrates with botanical extracts
Serum 10 AOX – A gentle vitamin C serum suitable for reactive skin
Resveratrol B E – An antioxidant night treatment that repairs the barrier
Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50 – Lightweight, tinted mineral sunscreen
These products are formulated with high-quality ingredients, minimal fragrance, and proven efficacy — making them ideal for sensitive skin types who still want real results.
You can browse our curated range of Skin Care products online or book an in-clinic consultation to find the best options for you.
In Summary
Sensitive skin isn’t something to push through or ignore — it’s your skin’s way of telling you it needs support. With the right approach, you can calm inflammation, restore your barrier, and still achieve visible improvements in tone, texture, and radiance.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help. Visit our About Us page to meet our team, or book a skin consultation through our Contact page.
Your skin deserves expert care — and at Platinum Cosmetics, we’re committed to delivering it with honesty, ethics, and lasting results.