Drugstore Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin

Drugstore Skin Care Products for Sensitive Skin

Anastasia

We all have a sacred skin care ritual.  And if for some reason you don’t, then trust me – you should. 

Think about it: your skin is your body’s largest organ, so of course, it’s gonna be in need of some love and affection! Skin serves as the foundation of your overall appearance. As the raw canvas that meets you in the mirror each morning.

I’ve found that nurturing my skin is one of the most therapeutic and essential parts of my beauty routine.  In fact, not just of my beauty routine, but of my day as a whole! Washing my face and massaging in my moisturizer in the morning are as vital to a good day as my first cup of coffee. It is also an essential step in my evening as I wind down for the day to relax and catch some z’s.

With countless products on the market and so many different skin types, it’s unlikely that any two people share the same exact skin care routine. As for me and my sensitive skin, I’ve narrowed down my must-haves products that give my complexion the love it needs.

The best part is, I can purchase each and every item at the drugstore. Yaaaay for affordability and convenience!

So, if you wanna know what’s working for me, keep on reading!

1: Cleanser

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for sensitive skin

Nothing brings me out of a sleepy stupor like a cool, cleansing face wash in the morning. I love to wake my skin up with Hydrating Facial Cleanser by CeraVe.  It always leaves my skin feeling super smooth and fresh, and it has a subtle milky texture that doesn’t dry out your skin.

In the summer when my skin doesn’t get as dray, I switch to Aveeno's Positively Radiant Brighening Cleanser. Its active ingredient, soy extract, has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It eliminates blotchiness and redness by providing essential proteins to the skin. Some other major bonuses for me are that it’s oil free (I can’t handle any type of greasy feeling on my face!) and it’s hypoallergic…super important especially with skin as sensitive and temperamental as mine!

It is also a non-comedogenic product, meaning it’s made with a specialized formula to prevent clogged pores. As far as I can tell, it works!

 2: Moisturizer

Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

For my dry and sensitive skin, I like to go for moisturizers with a cream texture. This summer I have been using the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen & Total Soy..., I find that it’s not too thick for the hot months and it leaves a nice radiant glow. It has SPF 15, which isn’t enough for outdoor activities, but still protects me from window lighting while working inside.

If there’s one product I can’t live without, it’s the Nivea's Soft Moisturizing Creme.  Seriously, I’ve been using this stuff for years now and it has never let me down. I’m patiently waiting for my next bottle in the mail!!

Like I said I have pretty sensitive skin (and eyes) so I avoid using moisturizers that are too scented and/or acidic.  I spread this stuff like cray… on my face, neck, ears, lips, and eyelids.  Most moisturizers end up making my skin and eyes sting with the power of a thousand suns, but Nivea is not one of them!

This moisturizer is enriched with Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil, which are both known for their healing and anti-aging properties.

3: Sunscreen

Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen for sensitive skin

I try to apply sunscreen every single day, but I’m not going to lie sometimes I am forgetful. I know it’s one of the best things you can do to prevent skin damage. It’s especially important on days when I know that I’ll be exposed to more sun than usual (not to be a Captain Obvious or anything).

If I know I’m going to be outside at some point in the day, I use Cerave's Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. It has never stung my face and the price is super affordable. It all simple and amazing ingredients such as niacinamide (great for pores), ceramides (to help protect skin barrier) and hyaluronic acid (which is a must for my dry skin!).

If I’m going to be at the pool or going on a hike, I like to use Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70 by Neutrogena. I know the higher SPF will protect me for longer. My mom has been using Neutrogena products for years so I got in the habit of using this product because of her. And I’ve stuck with it for a few reasons!

True to its claims, it really does have a lightweight feel and absorbs into the skin pretty quickly. An added bonus is that it not only protects me from sun damage, but it actually gives me a dewy and natural looking highlight that I love! I concentrate on applying it on my nose, cheekbones, temples, and neck (never forget the neck people! avoid them wrinkles!).

4: Makeup Remover

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for sensitive skin

At the end of the day comes the removal of the makeup and SPF.  Ahh…such a blissful and relaxing moment.

By now you’ve learned that I have sensitive skin, which is why I use super soft microfiber facial cloths that gently exfoliate my dead skin cells off.  We all know how crucial exfoliating is for bright and soft skin!

I splash my Micellar Cleansing Water on the cloth and softly start removing my makeup.  Again, this a product that works great for me because it does the job and doesn’t irritate my skin. I know they have a pink version, but I like the blue one because it is better at taking my mascara off. This has no oil, alcohol and fragrance.

One thing I’ll note is that it doesn’t seem to completely take my mascara off on its own, but with the help of some coconut oil or vaseline it does just fine!

5: Nightime Moisturizer

Aveeno Nighttime Intensive cream non comedogenic

Using a nighttime moisturizer was never my thang, I just didn’t get it. Until I noticed my dry skin was becoming even dryer and irritated during the dry months. My friend recommended that I should use a thicker moisturizer for my p.m. routine. She explained that during the night your skin loses moisture and hydration.

As usual, I started to look at my favorite drugstore brands. I saw that Aveeno made an Intensive Night Cream in their “Positively Radiant” line. It contains the same soy complex ingredient that I love,  it’s also non-comedogenic (perfect for sensitive skin). When I wake up, my skin feels nourished and bright.

When I get EXTRA cracky spots, I dab on a bit of Healing Ointment by Cerave to those isolated spots for super protection during the night.

Cerave Healing Ointment for dry skin that is sensitiveI also love to put it on my lips, elbows and knees.

Accepted by the National Eczema Association, this ointment is made for a fragile-skinned lady like me.

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