As much as we love this chilly time of year before spring arrives, for many of us it can also mean a grouchy complexion. From changeable weather to cranked-up central heating, this season is full of triggers for sensitive skin, meaning it’s more important than ever to show it some love.
One woman who knows about troubled skin is Tiffany Masterson, founder of beauty brand Drunk Elephant. It was a quest to find products to nurture her own sensitive complexion that led her to create the cult biocompatible range. Ten years ago, she recalls, she was ‘just another beauty consumer’ battling an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, recurring inflammation and redness. ‘I couldn’t find [what I wanted] on the market, so I made it,’ she explains.
Here, she shares what she’s learned about sensitive skin and how to give it the TLC it deserves.
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Be picky about what you put on your face
Skin flare-ups aren’t just linked to seasons, but also what we’re eating, drinking and – crucially – applying. Some active ingredients should be introduced with caution (retinol or salicylic acid, for example), but it’s also good to scrutinise products and work out if there’s a link with how you react, says Masterson. ‘Our skin is not sensitive by nature (for the vast majority) or sensitised by chance,’ she claims. ‘It’s everything we put on it and into our bodies daily that makes it reactive.’ Her advice: find natural formulas with few ingredients. And in particular…
Steer clear of ‘the suspicious six’
While researching what was irritating her skin, Masterson deconstructed the products around her and discovered they all had something in common. ‘I started to understand what they contained: preservatives, pH stabilisers, perfume, alcohol, essential oils and antioxidants,’ she says. She dubbed them ‘the suspicious six’ – ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin and can be replaced with gentler formulas.
Cleanse nightly
We all know cleansing is a fundamental of good skincare, but it can be tempting to skip this step, especially when bed is beckoning. However, Masterson insists it’s vital for keeping sensitive skin on track. ‘It will support and maintain the acid mantle,’ she explains. ‘Your skin will be perfectly balanced and won’t need any cleanser in the morning.’ How you do it is as important as when. Use tepid rather than hot water, opt for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, such as Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, and tread gently with manual exfoliators.
Make room for marula
The oil from this African tree has long been revered for its skin-soothing properties and it can be found in many of our favourite skincare brands. ‘It’s rich in antioxidants and omegas 6 and 9, nourishing and moisturising the skin for a youthful glow,’ says Masterson, who is such a fan that it’s her brand’s hero ingredient. (It’s also where Drunk Elephant gets its name – it’s believed that when elephants eat the fermenting fruit, it makes them drunk.)
Remember, less is more
With so many innovative new products being launched and so many glowing testimonials filling our feeds, it can be tempting to try a different brand every month. But Masterson advises that simplicity is key. ‘Let your skin do what it does best, without disturbing it,’ she says. Once you find something that suits your skin, aim for regularity and consistency. Happy skin is within reach.
Find out more about Drunk Elephant and how its products support a sensitive skin routine
