Sensitive skin is a prickly subject at the best of times, and that's not even taking into account the tricky matter of choosing the most suitable products. Do you opt for pure and natural to keep things calm and settled, or medical grade formulas that pack more of a punch for a positive outcome on a longer term basis?

We tend to trust the skincare experts and doctors who are used to treating this very common skin type, and therefore know exactly which ranges and products to employ for first-class results with no irritation. So what do they recommend?

ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense

Results-driven and extremely effective, the entire ZO Skin Health range is used by doctors and practitioners nationwide for a myriad of skin issues, including sensitive skin.

“The professional products I use have the unique ability to target the skin cells needing repair,” says EV Expert Anna Hemming. “Sensitivity is a very common condition. It is rarely found on its own and often combined in patients with other skin conditions like rosacea.

“My initial approach is to target the skin cell barriers and repair these with an effective cleanser and toner, followed by a serum like ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense, a barrier repair cream formulated to protect the skin cell walls on the inside, decreasing the leaking of cellular content into the epidermis and slowing inflammation causing sensitivity.

“We also use growth factor serum and renewal serum with our patients with sensitive skin, and always provide them with an effective broad spectrum sunscreen such as ZO Skin Health Sunscreen SPF30+ Primer.”

Germaine de Capuccini B-Calm

This targeted range for sensitive, sensitised and/or intolerant skin is aimed at protecting and balancing the skin’s ecosystem while maintaining the balance of the skin’s microbiota, key to improving its resistance day after day.

Germaine de Capuccini is a technology-focused, professional skincare brand that's been around for 50 years; the fragrance free products use prebiotic and probiotic technology designed to rebalance the skin’s bacterial flora and activate its natural defences.

If your facial skin itches, is irritated, has visible capillaries or reddens when you use certain cosmetic or facial products, exercise, drink alcohol or eat spicy food, this range could work for you.

“B-Calm offers such an effective treatment for rosacea and sensitive skin as the focus is on strengthening the skin's defences using pre- and probiotics as opposed to solely calming the skin,” says Training Manager Gina Baker.

“It also improves skins that suffer with flushing during menopause and is 100 per cent compatible with all skin types, even the most fragile, with clinical tests showing an immediate soothing and anti-redness effect which clients can really feel.”

There is also an excellent B-Calm facial which is available from Germaine de Capuccini affiliated spas nationwide, including The Spa at the Landmark London.

Medik8 Calmwise 

Suitable for redness-prone and sensitised skin, this three-product range provides the perfect capsule collection and includes Soothing Cleanser, Calmwise Serum and Calmwise Colour Correct Redness Neutralising Moisturiser.

High tech yet gentle ingredients help to improve the skin’s barrier function and health, and include chlorophyll, vitamin K2, bakuchiol, sage extract and chamomile extract.

“The Calmwise range targets the six routes to redness by visibly reducing inflammation and swelling within the skin, leaving the complexion comforted and soothed,” says Medik8 Director of Research, Daniel Isaacs. “This range helps to reduce redness, smooth out uneven texture and prevent future irritation.”

iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40

Available in three shades – Translucent, Beige and Bronze – this all-physical broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen includes transparent micronised zinc oxide and transparent micronised titanium dioxide. The antioxidant-rich treatment formula moisturises as it protects.

“Everybody needs an SPF in their skincare regime, and for my patients who have sensitive skin, often a physical sunscreen is better than a chemical one,” says EV Expert Julie Scott.

“This is because physical sunscreens reflect the sun’s rays, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Extreme Protect is an all physical sunscreen and it’s intensely hydrating, making it great for patients with sensitivity. It’s also comforting as it contains vitamin E."

Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum 

Formulated without parabens, sulphates, mineral oils or formaldehydes, this hydrating and nurturing serum is rich in essential fatty acids to hydrate and nourish.

It also utilises macadamia seed oil and vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that also boasts anti-inflammatory properties to fortify sensitive skin barriers and help protect against damaging free radicals.

“When it comes to sensitive skin a targeted, less-is-more approach is key,” says LeeAnne Leslie, Clinical Training and Education Manager. “Sensitive skin can easily become over stimulated and is generally more vulnerable to external aggressors including changes in temperature.

“Gentle skincare regimes that include antioxidants and barrier supporting ingredients work best, along with lipid fortifying essential fatty acids and soothing botanicals to help reinforce the skin’s protective elements.”

PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin

Think retinol isn’t suitable for your reactive skin? Think again, as this medical grade retinol solution is specifically formulated for sensitive skin, reducing redness and signs of ageing without causing irritation.

Ideal for those with sensitive skin or that are new to retinol, the active ingredient is paired with niacinamide and a patented delivery system to minimise irritation.

“Many PCA Skin products have been curated with the needs of sensitive skin in mind. The range is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin irritations, including eczema and psoriasis, while providing remarkable results,” says Lizzie Shaw, Brand Manager at PCA Skin UK.

“Product formulas include calming ingredients like evening primrose oil; vitamin E and jojoba seed oil to hydrate and nourish skin, and we've also used the likes of niacinamide, InflaShield™ and the patented OmniSome delivery system in certain products for less irritation without sacrificing efficacy."