If your skin stings, burns, or flushes easily—especially after applying products or being exposed to weather changes—you’re probably dealing with reactive skin.

At my clinic, clients with reactive skin often tell me:

  • "Everything burns."

  • "I used to be able to use anything—now I can't even wash my face."

  • "My skin just flares up at random."

It’s not always a diagnosed condition like rosacea or contact dermatitis. Sometimes, it’s simply a sign that your skin barrier or microbiome is off balance. Common triggers include:

  • Overuse of exfoliants or actives

  • Switching too many products at once

  • Cold, dry weather or windburn

  • Heat, sun exposure, or spicy foods

  • Fragrance and essential oils

The First Step to Calming the Skin

Before we get fancy with treatments, I always take clients back to basics—especially cleansing. If your cleanser is too harsh, it’s like pouring salt in the wound.

That’s why I so often recommend the Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser. It’s free from known irritants like fragrance and sulfates, and it’s formulated specifically for compromised or sensitive skin.

I use it when:

  • A client says everything burns

  • They’re reactive to even plain water

  • They’re recovering from a flare-up or post-treatment redness

Ingredients That Make a Difference for Reactive Skin

This cleanser is full of ingredients that aren’t just gentle—they’re strategically calming and supportive.

Bisabolol

This is one of my favorite anti-inflammatory ingredients. Derived from chamomile, bisabolol soothes redness, reduces discomfort, and is extremely well-tolerated.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

A classic for hydration and healing. It helps reduce transepidermal water loss and supports repair—essential when skin is reactive.

Allantoin

Softens and soothes irritated skin while also acting as a protective barrier to help prevent further sensitivity.

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)

An herbal extract known for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties—especially good after flare-ups.

Inulin + Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

These are prebiotics that nourish your skin’s microbiome—helping support a healthy balance of good bacteria, which can improve tolerance and reduce sensitivity over time.

Saccharide Isomerate

Acts like a magnet to hold moisture in the skin for longer. This is huge when dealing with water-loss-related sensitivity.

My Clinic Protocol for Reactive Skin

When someone comes in with reactive skin, here’s the approach I typically take:

  1. Strip everything back. No exfoliants, no actives, no serums—just cleanse and moisturize.

  2. Introduce the right cleanser. I use the Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser as the first step.

  3. Hydrate and protect. I add a simple moisturizer that’s free from actives but rich in soothing ingredients.

  4. Monitor the skin’s response. Once skin calms down, we can very slowly reintroduce other products.

Why This Cleanser Stands Out

There are a lot of "gentle" cleansers on the market—but many still contain hidden irritants or don’t actually help repair the skin. This one is:

  • Fragrance-free

  • Sulfate-free

  • Non-comedogenic

  • Designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin

And best of all—it’s microbiome-friendly, which is a huge plus for long-term barrier health.

What Clients Notice

In my experience, most clients using this cleanser consistently for 1–2 weeks report:

  • Less stinging after washing

  • Decrease in random flare-ups

  • Softer, more comfortable skin

  • More balanced tone and texture

I love seeing their confidence come back once their skin starts behaving again.

Less Reaction, More Resilience

If your skin feels like it’s always overreacting, let’s simplify. Starting with the right cleanser can change the game. The Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser is often the first thing I reach for in these cases—and the one I come back to again and again.

Book a Consultation to Calm Your Skin

If your skin is always red, irritated, or unpredictable, it might be time to stop guessing and start healing. I offer both virtual and in-person consultations to help you get your skin back to a calm, healthy state.

Book your consultation here and let’s build your skin back stronger.

You don’t have to live in fear of your own products. Let’s take the pressure off—and restore the balance.

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