8 Easy Ways To Soothe & Calm Redness Or Irritation Quickly For Those With Sensitive Skin

By Wei Yin on 10 Mar 2022

Digital Editor

An INFP who enjoys watching sappy Korean dramas in her free time. Good food and cute dogs are all she needs.

Many things contribute to skin redness - allergy, rosacea, acne, dryness and heat exposure are some of the more common ones. If you have ever experienced redness or skin irritation before, you would know that it can cause discomfort and even insecurity.

So, here are eight easy ways to soothe and calm any redness or skin irritation quickly and as much as possible.

Read on to find out more!

#1 Wash your face with cold water

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Although a warm bath sounds tempting, warm or hot water can inflame the skin and cause redness and itching. We recommend avoiding using warm or hot water on your facial skin, and use cold water to wash your face instead, especially if you have sensitive skin. Using cold water to wash your face is one of the easiest ways to instantly cool your skin down and to reduce inflammation. Plus, it's like a refreshing treat to wake yourself up in the morning!

That said, make sure you use the right face wash too. Here's our compilation of the best facial cleansers according to skin type, with different budgets factored in.

#2 Soak cotton pads with toner and place them on your face

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Dryness causes redness and skin irritation as well. So, soak a few cotton pads with your favourite toner or a hydrating toner and place them onto your skin. This lets your skin drink up all the benefits, compared to simply swiping with a cotton pad, which often does not provide enough moisture. This also helps to cool your skin down and reduce any redness.

#3 Use fragrance-free skincare products

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Certain skincare products may smell nice but the fragrance in them could be causing redness and irritation for you, especially if you have sensitive skin. Fragrance ingredients impart scent through a volatile reaction and this almost always causes a sensitising reaction on skin. But, changing up your skincare routine by using fragrance-free products might help! Some brands to consider are Drunk Elephant, Paula's Choice and Cetaphil.

However, make sure you do your research and read reviews before purchasing as there is no one size fits all skincare brand! Also, doing a patch test before applying an entirely new skincare product on your skin will help you discern if it will cause any irritation or not.

Check out our recommendations for the best moisturisers for every skincare type & concern, and 17 best serums to combat issues like acne, dryness, sensitivity, and more.

#4 Apply aloe vera

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You should have heard of aloe vera's benefits before unless you have been living under a rock. It's a natural, soothing gel that soothes sunburn, dry skin and inflammation, and is one simple yet potent ingredient that will transform your skin for the better.

When you find red spots on your skin, apply some aloe vera gel to calm them down. It also leaves a cooling sensation which will feel really good whenever you apply some on inflamed spots on the skin.

#5 Reduce frequency of exfoliation

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Over exfoliation is a real thing that can cause irritation and dryness.Some signs are redness that takes more than a day to go away, and a raw feeling after exfoliation. If you experience those signs, it could mean you are exfoliating too regularly.

It's best to reduce the frequency of exfoliation to once a week or twice a week maximum, based on your skin's reaction. We also recommend using chemical exfoliators such as glycolic acid salicylic acid rather than scrubs with particles that can cause micro tears in the skin.

#6 Use a soothing sheet mask before makeup

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Try putting on a soothing sheet mask containing ingredients such as aloe vera and green tea before applying makeup if you have extremely dry skin that results in redness and a tight feeling. Green tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe irritation and redness.

This is also a great habit to adopt so that makeup will go on smoother and last longer. Check out our list of best face masks for glowing and radiant skin.

#7 Wear sunscreen

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Sunscreen prevents premature ageing by blocking UV rays but also prevents sunburn at the same time. Those who have sensitive skin should avoid long sun exposure but if you can't, applying an adequate amount of sunscreen will prevent your skin from burning and turning red. The bottom line is to apply it every day and reapply every two hours if possible. Our list of best sunscreens for daily wear should do the trick.

#8 Simplify your skincare routine

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The Korean 10-step skincare routine has been highly raved about but that doesn't mean it will suit your skin! Those with sensitive skin usually won't benefit from piling on skincare product after product. This could actually irritate the skin rather than soothe it.

An easy way to reduce irritation and redness quickly is by simplifying your skincare routine. Use only what you need and do away with those gimmicky skincare products. Some of the most basic skincare products those with sensitive skin should use are: a hydrating facial cleanser, soothing toner (alcohol-free), serum, moisturiser and sunscreen.