How To Manage Sensitive Skin in Different Skin Types

What Is Sensitive Skin?

“Sensitive skin” is generally used to describe skin that is more reactive to certain ingredients and substances and, therefore, more prone to irritation. Signs of sensitive skin can include redness and sensations like burning, itching, and stinging. For additional tips on how to know if you have sensitive skin, visit our guide to identifying your skin type.

What Causes Sensitive Skin in Different Skin Types?

There is a range of potential causes of sensitive skin. Some people are simply born with skin that’s naturally more sensitive. It’s also possible for anyone, with any skin type, to experience temporary sensitivity. This usually occurs when the skin is exposed to an allergen or irritant—such as harsh soaps, astringents, fragrances, or cold weather.

When it comes to sensitive skin, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and therefore, sensitivities will vary based on each individual’s skin. If you are experiencing sensitivity, your dermatologist can help you identify the underlying cause(s).

How To Manage Sensitive Skin

Although similar skincare routine tactics can be beneficial for all sensitive skin, there are unique characteristics associated with sensitivity in each specific skin type. Here are some sensitive skincare tips, broken down by skin type—including recommendations on skincare products for sensitive skin for each one.

Dry sensitive skin

Dry skin and sensitive skin types are sometimes confused with one another, because they can share similar symptoms. Dry skin (formally known as xerosis) is lacking moisture in its uppermost layer. This can lead to skin that feels tight and uncomfortable. It may also cause flaking, peeling, scaling, or dry skin rashes.

If you have dry sensitive skin, focus on gentle skincare products that provide your skin with plenty of moisture. When choosing a face wash for dry sensitive skin, for instance, we recommend using a hydrating formula like CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), it blends three essential ceramides with squalane oil and hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture and support your skin’s protective barrier for a healthier-looking complexion.

And don't forget to moisturize often with a gentle, barrier-restoring moisturizer, such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Suitable for normal to dry skin on your face and body, this rich yet non-greasy moisturizing cream is formulated with MVE Delivery Technology to release a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients throughout the day and night. If you have dry or very dry skin, try the CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion. The fast-acting formula with 5% Hydro-Urea^TM penetrates the skin’s surface layers to deliver up to 72 hours of deep, non-greasy hydration. You can use it alone or layer it under the CeraVe Healing Ointment for added hydration and protection from drying external stressors. When in doubt, consult with your dermatologist, who can help you choose the best face moisturizer for dry sensitive skin.

Oily sensitive skin

Oily skin produces an excess of sebum, which can cause it to appear shiny and greasy, especially around the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Because excess oil can clog your pores, oily skin may also be more prone to blemishes. For oily sensitive skin, we recommend using moisturizers that are suitable for both sensitive and oily skin, and labeled as “lightweight” and “non-comedogenic” (meaning they won’t clog your pores).

One of our favorite face wash options for oily sensitive skin is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, which is designed for normal to oily skin. The non-comedogenic formula deeply cleanses, removes excess oil, and refreshes the skin without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. You can also try on-the-go hydrating cleansing wipes, like CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Removing Plant-Based Wipes. Our non-comedogenic, alcohol-free wipes feel gentle on your skin, eye area, and lashes, and are also accepted by the National Eczema Association.

When it comes to moisturizing oily sensitive skin, we like CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer. This lightweight, refreshing formula with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide glides on skin to impart intense moisture, without clogging your pores or creating a sticky residue. Skin is left feeling softer, soothed, and hydrated. The CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel Cream is a great pick for oily skin types, too—it helps absorb excess oil and absorbs quickly with a matte finish for a more balanced complexion.

Normal sensitive skin

Normal skin is characterized by skin that is neither too dry nor too oily. If you have normal skin and notice that it suddenly becomes very sensitive or irritated, it’s best to pay a visit to your dermatologist’s office to assess the root cause of any unusual skin reactions.

Formulas for all skin types can be good options for those with normal skin. We recommend CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, which is suitable for all skin types—including sensitive skin. The gentle, lightweight serum features 10% pure vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid), a potent antioxidant, vitamin B₅ (pantothenic acid), three essential ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. With continued use, it leaves your skin looking brighter, more radiant, and healthier while reducing the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

Sensitive combination skin

Combination skin is dry in certain areas and oily in others. You can think of sensitive combination skin as, essentially, a mix of dry sensitive skin and oily sensitive skin. When managing this type of skin, it’s important to focus on balancing your skin’s needs through cleansing and moisturizing. One cleanser option for combination sensitive skin is CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this gentle, fragrance-free cleanser effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture or leaving it feeling tight and dry.

Blemish-prone sensitive skin

Certain blemish-fighting ingredients can cause irritation and dryness, even in those who don’t usually struggle with sensitivity. Like those with oily sensitive skin, people with sensitive blemish-prone skin may also benefit from non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free skincare products. Cleansers and moisturizers with targeted ingredients may also offer additional benefits—like helping to support the skin’s protective barrier, retaining skin’s natural moisture, and helping to calm your skin.

Of course, while a cleanser and moisturizer are important—and toner and serums can be a skin-pampering bonus—no skincare routine for blemish-prone sensitive skin is complete without adequate sun protection. Sunscreen is essential for all skin types, but it’s especially crucial for sensitive blemish-prone skin since some treatments (like retinol) may cause increased sun sensitivity.

For sensitive skin types of any kind, we recommend mineral sunscreen, like CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion. The 100% mineral, oil-free sunscreen has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It also features ceramides to help hydrate and niacinamide to help calm your skin.

To learn more about sun protection, consult with your dermatologist or explore the FAQs in our mineral vs. chemical sunscreen guide.

Remember: Regardless of your skin type, skin sensitivity can sometimes be linked to an underlying skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis. So it’s important to consult with a dermatologist for an accurate assessment and guidance if you develop sensitivity—regardless of your skin type.

Discover more about skincare for sensitive skin and advice by checking out our article, What to Look for in Sensitive Skin Products.