Is Your Skin Sensitive or Sensitised?
Understanding Reactive Skin & Finding Relief.
Red, itchy, burning, or stinging skin can leave you feeling frustrated, confused, and unsure of what to try next.
Maybe you've started breaking out after using a “gentle” cleanser, or your usual moisturiser suddenly makes your face flush. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
At The Complexionist, I regularly see clients who are struggling with reactive skin and unsure whether their skin is truly sensitive, or if it's become sensitised.
Understanding the difference is the first step toward calming your skin and restoring comfort.
Sensitive vs. Sensitised Skin: What’s the Difference?
Here’s the key:
Sensitive skin is genetic. It’s part of your skin’s natural makeup and tends to be reactive for life, often associated with conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Sensitised skin, on the other hand, is acquired. It’s triggered by external or internal factors, like over-exfoliating, harsh ingredients, weather extremes, or stress. The good news? It’s usually reversible.
Both types can feel the same, tight, red, itchy, flaky, and reactive, but the way we treat them is different.
Common Triggers for Reactive Skin
If your skin suddenly feels out of balance, here are some possible culprits:
Harsh skincare (especially strong exfoliants or foaming cleansers)
Fragrance and essential oils
Overuse of actives like retinol, AHAs or vitamin C
Sun exposure
Cold, dry air or wind
Stress and lack of sleep
Long-term use of steroid creams or medications
Even things like hot showers or the wrong face cloth can keep your skin in a constant cycle of irritation.
How to Soothe & Strengthen a Damaged Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is your skin’s natural defence system, and once it’s compromised, your skin can’t protect itself or hold moisture effectively.
Here’s how to start rebuilding it:
1. Choose the Right Products
Look for fragrance-free, gentle formulations that support barrier repair and calm inflammation. At The Complexionist, our clients love the Dermedics Calm line, formulated for reactive and sensitised skin with ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and reduce redness without irritation.
2. Cleanse Gently
Skip the scrubbing. Use lukewarm water, soft cloths, and a creamy cleanser. Over-cleansing can strip natural oils, making things worse.
3. Feed Your Barrier
Support your skin with ingredients like:
Ceramides and fatty acids (essential for barrier function)
Prebiotics to balance the skin microbiome
BIOSYS treatments and home care, which are brilliant for long-term skin strength, especially after stress or aggressive product use
Professional Support for Reactive Skin
You don’t have to go it alone. At The Complexionist, I offer personalised consultations and calming in-studio treatments designed specifically for sensitive and sensitised skin.
Depending on your needs, we might recommend:
Soothing custom facials
BIOSYS barrier repair treatments
A superficial Triphase Peel, ideal for calming redness and improving skin resilience without irritation
I’ll never push actives your skin isn’t ready for. Instead, let’s rebuild your skin from the inside out, gently, safely, and sustainably.
Daily Lifestyle Tips
Support your skin from the outside and inside:
Patch test all new products
Manage stress through rest, hydration, and breathing techniques
Protect your skin from UV and extreme weather with a physical SPF
Minimise sugar and processed foods, which can spike inflammation
And most importantly, give your skin time to heal.
Your Skin Deserves Calm
If your skin feels like it’s constantly flaring up, know that there is a way forward. With the right care, education, and support, you can rebuild your skin barrier, reduce irritation, and feel confident again in your skin.
You don’t have to live with constant redness or discomfort. Book a consultation with The Complexionist and let’s create a personalised plan to help your skin feel strong, calm, and in control.
Available in Bundaberg, Brisbane & Online
