Is It Really Sensitive Skin… Or Just a Damaged Barrier?

If I had a pound for every time someone told me they had “sensitive skin”...

Okay, but in truth? A lot of the time, it’s not sensitivity at all. It’s a damaged skin barrier.

And yes, I know—I’m always going on about the skin barrier. But for good reason. If your barrier’s not happy, nothing else will work properly. Your serums won’t sink in. Your moisturiser will sit there not doing that much. And your skin? It’ll start playing up in the form of stinging, redness, flaking and full-blown flare-ups. I literally have no idea why other skincare specialists are not talking about it like I do.

Sensitive vs Sensitised

Sensitive skin is usually something you’re born with. It’s genetic. It’s a lifelong guest. These are the people who react to fragrance, have fair or allergy-prone skin, and have to patch test everything just in case.

Sensitised skin, on the other hand, is relatively new. You weren’t born with it. It’s skin that’s become irritated, reactive and inflamed due to things like over-exfoliation (think facial scrubs, dermaplaning or HydraFacials), harsh products (such as strong retinols or poorly formulated acids), stress, or environmental damage (perhaps from travel, hot/cold climates etc).

This is the kind of skin that makes people panic and think they’re now “sensitive” for life. Don't worry! You won't. Your barrier just needs a bit of love and TLC.

Signs Your Barrier's Impaired

If you’re suddenly getting:

• A tight, uncomfortable feeling after cleansing

• That classic stingy tingle when you apply skincare (this doesn't include actives such as retinoids)

• Flakiness, dullness, or rough patches

• Redness or irritation that won’t shift

• Breakouts when your skin used to be clear

  
  

…then yes, you might have sensitive skin, but not forever.

How to Get Your Skin Back to Normal Again

The key is simple: stop attacking your skin, and start rebuilding it. And no—you don’t need 12 steps or a cabinet full of products. You just need the right ones that genuinely work. Here’s what I recommend when your skin is in full sensitised mode:

Nimue Pre & Post Serum

This one’s all about repairing the skin barrier fast. It helps the skin hold onto moisture, reduces trans-epidermal water loss (which is the fancy term for drying out), and preps your skin perfectly for any actives or treatments.

Think of it as a barrier-building booster. Great if you’re dry, dehydrated, or just fed up with skin that’s playing up. It can help to regulate the moisture, repair the barrier and also increase your product absorption. (click here to order)

Nimue Soothing Repair Serum

The clue’s in the name. If your skin is angry, red or reactive, this is like a calming, comfort blanket. It’s got plant stem cells, barrier-strengthening actives and hydrating ingredients that help reduce inflammation and stop your skin going into meltdown.

It will help to support the skin's microbiome, strengthen the barrier and calm any irritation or redness instantly. (click here to order)

Nimue Daily Calm & Restore Cream

This is a beautifully lightweight daily moisturiser that doesn’t just hydrate—it helps train your skin to stop overreacting. It’s loaded with prebiotics, soothing actives and moisturising goodness, all while being gentle enough for skin that’s having a moment.

It's great to provide comfort and balance to the skin, strengthen the skin's defences and is a great day and night cream to use daily. (click here to order)

Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum

If your skin’s really been through it—post-travel, post-treatment, post-breakdown (emotional or otherwise)—this is a serum that works really well. Packed with supercharged hyaluronic acid, peptides and antioxidants, it hydrates like no other and helps your skin bounce back fast. I've seen some great results with this product on clients with really sensitised skin. It deeply hydrates the skin and reduces inflammation to encourage barrier repair and recovery.

Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum

Buy Now

If your skin is stinging, flaking or constantly “playing up”, do look at your barrier. Sensitised skin is treatable. It just needs a bit of patience, the right support, and a break from active products and treatments.

If you're still not sure where to start, don't forget I offer a free skin check-in—no booking, no awkward Zoom calls, just a quick form and a personalised reply from me. If you’re dealing with breakouts, barrier issues or just feeling overwhelmed with skincare, I’ll guide you through it.

And if you want to go deeper, I also offer online consultations where we take a full look at your routine, your skin history, and your goals.

I hope you've found this useful,

Thank you so much for reading,

Emmaline