What Is Sensitised Skin? Causes & Science-Backed Solutions

What Is Sensitised Skin?

If your skin often feels dry, tight, itchy, or reactive—especially after applying skincare—you may not have naturally sensitive skin. Instead, you could be experiencing sensitised skin. This condition is increasingly common and occurs when the skin’s protective barrier becomes weakened.

At Skin Virtue, we specialise in solutions for both sensitive and sensitised skin, using science-backed formulations that repair and reinforce your skin barrier without irritation.

What Causes Sensitised Skin?

Sensitised skin is not something you’re born with—unlike naturally sensitive skin. It can be caused by:

• Harsh skincare products, including alcohols and fragrances
• Over-exfoliating or excessive active use
• Environmental stressors like pollution or UV rays
• Seasonal changes, stress, or diet

When your skin’s barrier is damaged, it loses its ability to retain moisture and protect against irritants. This leads to redness, flakiness, dryness, and sometimes even blemished skin.

Why Skin Barrier Repair Is Essential

Think of your skin barrier like a protective wall. When it's compromised, your skin becomes vulnerable. That’s why skin barrier repair is at the heart of our skincare philosophy.

Our formulations are designed with barrier-supportive ingredients like squalane, niacinamide, and panthenol, and follow a corneotherapeutic approach—treating the skin by supporting its own repair processes rather than overloading it.

Recommended Products for Sensitised Skin

Our collections are developed specifically for sensitive skin, but also cater to those experiencing flare-ups or reactivity due to skin stress or environmental triggers.

• Pure Nourish Moisturising Cream – A deeply hydrating moisturiser for sensitive skin that helps strengthen and soothe without clogging pores.
• Pure Radiance Glow Serum – A gentle yet effective glow serum to brighten and renew your complexion.
• Pure Eye Radiance Cream – A powerful eye cream for dark circles that also targets fine lines and puffiness.
• Future Advanced Firming Mask – A peptide-rich firming mask for skin showing signs of ageing or dehydration.
• Super Clear Purifying Créme Gel – Formulated for blemished skin, this serum soothes while treating congestion.

How to Reset Your Skincare Routine

If your skin is currently sensitised, consider simplifying your routine with a focus on barrier repair. Here's a gentle reset:

Morning

• Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser
• Apply a hydrating serum or barrier-supportive moisturiser
• Finish with mineral sunscreen

Evening

• Cleanse to remove pollutants and debris
• Apply a calming, brightening serum like our Pure Radiance Glow Serum
• Follow with a nourishing face cream for sensitive skin
• Use a facial treatment mask 1–2x a week for extra support

Real Results, No Irritation

We understand how frustrating it can be to find skincare that works without triggering a reaction. That’s why Skin Virtue avoids harsh exfoliants, artificial fragrance, and barrier-disruptive actives.

Instead, we offer bioactive skincare and cosmeceutical skincare products that prioritise long-term skin health, clarity, and calmness—especially for those dealing with sensitive, ageing, or problem-prone skin.

Looking for Clinical Results?

If you're a clinician or skin therapist, we’ve also created a deeper, professional version of this article with clinical protocols and ingredient breakdowns.

Read it here → Sensitised Skin: Science-Backed Solutions for Professionals