How to Build a Routine for Sensitive or Reactive Skin

Sensitive skin can be hard to pin down. Some days it’s red and tight, other days it flares up seemingly out of nowhere. Whether you’re managing sensitivity, dealing with occasional flare-ups, or have a reactive skin condition like eczema or rosacea, building a thoughtful, consistent skincare routine can make a major difference.

At Alder New York, we believe effective skincare shouldn’t come at the expense of your skin’s comfort. Here’s how to build a routine that supports your skin barrier, minimizes irritation, and still delivers results.

Step 1: Choose a Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleanser

Cleansing is essential- but it’s also where many people overdo it. If your skin feels tight or itchy after washing, your cleanser might be too harsh.

Look for a sulfate-free, low-foaming cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Our Everyday Cleanser is formulated with 1% glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation, plus hydrating ingredients that leave your skin feeling clean but never squeaky.

Tip: Use lukewarm water (not hot) and pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid cleansing more than twice a day.

Step 2: Support the Skin Barrier with Calm-First Actives

Sensitive skin often means a compromised skin barrier. That’s the outermost layer of your skin that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Strengthening it is key.

A serum with barrier-supportive ingredients like niacinamide, willow bark, and hyaluronic acid can help reduce inflammation and redness while supporting overall skin health. Our Balancing Serum is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and formulated specifically for breakout-prone, reactive skin types.

Step 3: Use a Moisturizer That Calms and Hydrates

When your skin is sensitive, you need a moisturizer that nourishes without overwhelming. Look for non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formulas that hydrate and restore.

Our Nourishing Cream features bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol that helps smooth and brighten without irritation. Combined with squalane and botanical extracts, it supports the skin’s natural balance- especially during times of stress or change.

Step 4: Add an Oil If Your Skin Needs Extra Comfort

Not every routine needs a face oil, but if your skin feels rough, flaky, or tight even after moisturizing, layering an oil can help seal in hydration and calm irritation.

Our Hydrating Oil is rich in squalane, jojoba, and marula oils, all of which mimic the skin’s natural sebum and help reinforce the barrier. Use it as a final step in your routine or press it into skin midday when you need a little reset.

Step 5: Mask With Intention

Masks can be a great way to treat specific concerns- just avoid anything too harsh or drying. Clay masks, when formulated thoughtfully, can actually help sensitive skin by calming inflammation and reducing congestion.

We recommend the Clarifying Face Mask for redness-prone, breakout-sensitive skin. It combines zinc oxide, kaolin clay, and willow bark to gently clarify without stripping. For a dull or uneven tone, try the Brightening Face Mask, which uses vitamin C, calendula, and zinc to restore glow while keeping your skin calm.

Keep It Simple- and Listen to Your Skin

When your skin is sensitive, less is often more. Stick to a few high-quality products, use them consistently, and give your skin time to adjust. And most importantly, listen to your skin- if something burns, stings, or causes lingering redness, it’s not the right fit.

At Alder New York, every formula is vegan, EWG Verified, and third-party tested for safety. We don’t use synthetic fragrance, essential oils, or filler ingredients- just effective, skin-supportive actives that work gently and intelligently.