Feeling Sensitive? An Expert’s Guide to Calming a Reactive Complexion
July 28 | 5 minute read
Words by Kaylah Joelle Baker
When it comes to sensitive skin, there are no quick fixes – but there are targeted solutions. No-one knows that better than Simone Ciafardini, Vice President of Global Dermatological Education and Services at Clinique, one of the world’s first dermatologist-developed beauty brands.
“We don’t want people with sensitive skin to feel they have to opt out of effective skincare or makeup altogether,” Ciafardini says. “The future of sensitive skincare is not avoiding actives but making them more tolerable through barrier-conscious formulations that combine efficacy with high tolerability.”
Understanding the dilemma of choosing between effective formulas and a flare-up, Clinique has formulated the Daily Calm range of skincare and makeup with exactly that in mind.
Because while sensitive or sensitised skin can feel like a life sentence, it’s not. Here’s why.
Skin Myths, Busted
When we ask Ciafardini what she wishes more people understood about sensitive skin, her answer is that it's not one single, static concern: “[Sensitivity] exists on a spectrum and can be influenced by a combination of skin biology, environmental exposure, lifestyle factors and physiological changes,” she explains.
Ciafardini adds, “We also know sensitive skin can be inherent or acquired. People with sensitive skin may have a naturally weaker barrier and higher reactivity to products, weather, fragrance or environmental triggers, while sensitised skin is usually a temporary condition caused by factors such as over-exfoliation, excess retinoids or acids, aggressive treatments, stress, lack of sleep, pollution, UV exposure or over-cleansing.”
Clinique uses the term “upset skin” to talk about complexions that can be triggered by this mix of internal and external factors – shifting the focus away from the surface and more toward understanding the causes of reactivity.
And while upset skin can show up with the classic signs of a compromised barrier – think stinging, itching or tingling – there may be no dramatic signs of irritation; a little redness, increased breakouts, flaking and dryness can all indicate something's not quite right.
Mindset Shift: Quick-Fix to Consistency
So, what does a routine for upset skin look like? “We encourage people to think beyond the idea of a quick fix and focus instead on consistent, barrier-supportive care,” Ciafardini explains. “Sensitive skin management starts with preserving and restoring the skin barrier, maintaining hydration, minimising exposure to known triggers and using formulas that are well tolerated by sensitive skin. That means keeping routines simple and consistent, avoiding over-cleansing or or harsh surfactants, choosing fragrance-free formulations where possible and gradually introducing new ingredients rather than constantly switching products.”
Enter: Clinique’s newly released Daily Calm range. “We don’t want people with sensitive skin to feel they have to opt out of effective skincare or makeup altogether,” Ciafardini says of the new range’s origins. “The future of sensitive skincare is not avoiding actives but making them more tolerable through barrier-conscious formulations that combine efficacy with high tolerability.”
Building Your Daily Calm Regimen
“Clinique Daily Calm is a scientifically advanced, rigorously tested line of skincare and makeup created for sensitive and very sensitive skin, whether skin flares occasionally or looks reactive every day,” Ciafardini explains.
The range was clinically tested on a panel of people recruited through the dermatologist and researcher-developed Burden of Sensitive Skin (BoSS) questionnaire. The key ingredient? Uniflavon – “a soothing botanical blend that helps interrupt the skin’s irritation cascade at two key stages: it helps calm the rapid reaction that can lead to signs of sensitivity and helps fight against prolonged irritation signals that may continue to stimulate sensitivity,” Ciafardini explains.
The Daily Calm skincare consists of a barrier-strengthening and ultra-hydrating Gentle Cream Cleanser, which can be used twice daily, and a Soothing Repair Cream to focus not only on irritation and hydration but also on visible signs of ageing. (Tip: in the morning, follow with SPF, and when removing sunscreen or makeup in the vening, use a makeup remover before cleansing.)
And on the makeup side, the Makeup Balm visibly evens skin tone, while the Lip and Cheek Color delivers an intentional flush.
“Daily Calm was created to help skin look calm, feel calm and stay calm, while delivering textures and shades that are comforting, effortless and sensorially pleasing,” Ciafardini adds. “This matters because sensitive skin is not just a physical concern; it can influence confidence, participation and self-perception."
Clinique Daily Calm is available exclusively at MECCA.
