A sensitive skin care routine

Caring for sensitive skin can seem formidable. Potential irritants found in formulations can quickly cause delicate skin types to become reactive, so it pays to be discerning when curating the perfect skincare ritual.

We have put together the ultimate calming skincare ritual.

Let’s talk about sensitive skin

Our largest organ, the skin, protects us from environmental elements like UV rays, keeps out impurities, and helps regulate body temperature. The skin is an important part of our natural defense system, so it’s not surprising that it’s highly receptive to external and internal stressors.

Our body gives us signs when it’s not content with the status quo; an irritated, unsettled epidermis is a not-so-subtle message from our skin.

Pollutants, hormonal fluctuations, heat, environmental assault, allergens, and certain foods can all spark visible reactivity. Unfortunately, this response often leads to surface discomfort and aggravated skin.

In addition, psychological stress can heighten sensitive skin concerns, from hormonal breakouts to visible irritation. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and sets off processes that contribute to imbalance at the skin’s surface. These biological changes may disrupt the acid mantle, leaving skin more vulnerable and reactive.

An altered skin or gut microbiome can also tip normal skin into a delicate state. Because these systems are linked, a disruption in balance may contribute to heightened sensitivity.

Those with inherited sensitive skin may also be prone to redness and flushing. A sensitized skin is triggered by environmental factors, regardless of genetic predisposition.

Sensitive and sensitized skin has become increasingly common in our modern world. Our busy lifestyles and daily stress may be contributing factors. Identifying triggers, creating a nurturing skincare routine, and fortifying the skin barrier is the best way forward for compromised skin types.

Identify your sensitive skin triggers

When creating a routine for sensitive skin, the first step is to pinpoint potential irritants. Triggers can be different for everyone. Observing and removing any lifestyle or external stimuli such as certain foods, long hot showers, or aggravating ingredients can help calm reactive skin.

Alcohol and caffeine can encourage flushing, leading to surface redness. In addition, if you’re already prone to flare-ups, alcohol may intensify them. Heat also increases surface sensitivity. Hot water can create disruptions to the acid mantle, leaving the skin more vulnerable. Therefore, long hot showers should be avoided when caring for sensitive skin.

A high glycaemic diet can contribute to imbalance, sometimes showing up as visible skin changes. Food allergens may also trigger irritation.

Sensitizing ingredients in skincare can negatively alter the epidermal acid mantle by affecting cell alignment and increasing the likelihood of redness. In addition, irritating substances are processed by the skin’s defense cells, setting off visible surface reactions. Synthetic fragrance and parabens are common sensitive skin culprits.

Address an impaired barrier

Strengthening the skin’s acid mantle is essential when caring for sensitive skin. An impaired barrier may activate the skin’s defenses, resulting in the release of stress signals that show up as redness, irritation, or accelerated signs of aging.

Pure cold-pressed plant oils provide a protective veil and restore harmony for the skin. Sea buckthorn, jojoba, and hemp seed oils are rich in essential lipids, fatty acids, and phytonutrients to fortify the acid mantle.

These plant lipids also support the skin’s natural renewal process and help prevent moisture loss for a smooth, supple complexion. They act as natural soothers and are perfect for comforting sensitive skin.

We have combined these very plant oils with other organic whole-plant botanicals such as antioxidant-rich pomegranate and rosehip seed oil to create The Purist Delicate Skin Serum. This skin-strengthening serum is the perfect addition to your routine for sensitive skin.

Hydrate the skin

Hydrating ingredients are essential for quenching dull and lackluster skin or those exposed to environmental assault. Environmental factors may lead to an impaired barrier, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and sensitivity. Caring for sensitive skin includes replenishing lost moisture alongside fortifying the acid mantle to create balance for depleted skin.

Skincare formulations containing hydrophilic ingredients offer crucial protection from accelerated surface damage and enhanced sensitivity.

Some prime hydrating candidates are micro-molecular hyaluronic acid, tremella polysaccharides, and phospholipids from shiitake and chamomile. These skin superheroes elevate precious moisture levels, plump the skin, and visibly smooth fine lines.

The Purist Delicate Skin Serum and the Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence are loaded with hydrating ingredients and high-altitude botanicals for luminous skin. The Purist Delicate Skin Serum is an antioxidant-packed nectar designed to fortify the skin barrier, while Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence hydrates, revitalizes, and gently brightens sensitive skin.

Seek out ultimate skin calmers

Look for skincare ingredients that soothe and pacify easily irritated skin.

• Cloudberry seed oil acts as a natural comforter. It is also rich in protective nutrients like vitamin E. This precious oil offers skin barrier support through better alignment of epidermal cells, making this plant lipid a wonderful choice for sensitive skin.
  
  
• Chamomile is a herbaceous bloom known for its calming ability. It has been used for centuries in traditional practices for its antioxidant and soothing qualities.
  
  
• Arnica Montana flowers are described as nurturing and supportive, helping skin look more even and resilient.
  
  
• Shavegrass (horsetail) is a potent alpine plant high in beneficial phytonutrients. Its comforting properties make it a perfect candidate for sensitive skin. It’s rich in flavonoids such as isoquercitrin, which helps to firm the appearance of sagging skin.
  
  
• Vitamin E is a soothing antioxidant and a time-honored nutrient that supports resilience. It also naturally preserves botanical oils, eliminating the need for parabens in conscientious skincare formulations.
  
  

• Hemp seed oil is naturally abundant in essential fatty acids that replenish the skin’s surface and help maintain balance. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, it supports a supple complexion and reinforces barrier strength.

• Aloe Vera not only drenches the skin in moisture but also provides refreshing comfort and nurtures a renewed appearance.

Gentle exfoliation

Although not recommended for highly aggravated skin, gentle exfoliation is beneficial for most complexions.

The Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence contains aspen bark, a plant-based exfoliator and brightening ingredient. This plant extract is a wonderful skin smoother and refresher for sensitive skin.

A thoughtful routine

Avoid key skin aggravators when curating your sensitive skin ritual. TellurideGlow products are vegan and cruelty-free. They’re free of synthetic colorants, artificial fragrances, and parabens — crafted for the well-being of your skin and the alpine landscapes that inspire us.

How Facial Mists Can Help

Facial mists go beyond a refreshing spritz—they’re a versatile skincare staple that can transform how your skin looks and feels. Here’s why they’re a winter essential:

1. Instant Hydration

When your skin starts to feel parched, a facial mist delivers an immediate surge of moisture. This is especially useful on cold, dry days or when you’re on the go.

2. Replenishes Dry, Flaky Skin

Dryness and flakiness are common in winter, but hydrating facial mists can help restore your skin’s moisture levels. They work wonders when layered with other products to lock in hydration and keep skin smooth and supple.

3. Comforts Reactive, Sensitive Skin

Winter skin often becomes more reactive, but a soothing facial mist—like our Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist—can help calm redness and irritation. Ingredients such as neroli, aloe vera, and chamomile provide instant relief for angry, stressed skin.

4. Refreshes Makeup

Makeup tends to crack and settle into dry patches when skin is dehydrated. A quick spritz of facial mist not only revives your makeup but also enhances its longevity, leaving you with a dewy, fresh-faced look.

5. Preps Skin for Maximum Absorption

Hydrating mists help prepare your skin to absorb serums, essences, and moisturizers more effectively. Applying mist before these steps creates a hydrated base, ensuring your products penetrate more deeply for optimal results.

For the ultimate winter skincare indulgence, try layering our Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist with Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence and The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum. Together, these products create a comforting ritual designed to restore balance, vitality, and radiance to winter-stressed skin.

Crafting a Holistic Winter Skincare Ritual

To keep your skin healthy and luminous all winter, adopt this easy yet luxurious routine:

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

Start with a gentle, hydrating oil cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin. Choose a formula that nourishes while maintaining your skin’s natural oils.

Step 2: First Mist

Spritz your face with Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist. This step balances your skin’s pH, refreshes, and preps it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Step 3: Essence

Apply Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence to brighten, firm, and deeply hydrate your skin. An essence provides a layer of nourishment that enhances the benefits of subsequent products.

Step 4: Serum

Massage a few drops of The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum into your skin. These serums address specific concerns such as dryness, fine lines, and dullness while delivering long-lasting hydration.

Step 5: Final Mist

Seal in all the benefits with another spritz of facial mist. This final step helps set your makeup, lock in hydration, and protect your skin throughout the day.

PRO TIP: Look for facial mists containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and fresh botanical extracts like aspen bark. These ingredients work together to nourish, soothe, and refresh your skin.

What to Look for in a Winter Facial Mist

Not all facial mists are created equal. When selecting one, look for key ingredients that address hydration, soothing, and nourishment:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration powerhouse that attracts and retains moisture.
• Aloe Vera: Calms and soothes irritation while providing lightweight hydration.
• Botanical Extracts: Ingredients like neroli, chamomile, or aspen bark provide antioxidant benefits and help reduce redness and sensitivity. 

Aspen, scientifically known as Populus tremuloides, and colloquially referred to as the quaking aspen for its distinctive fluttering leaves, is more than just an aesthetically pleasing deciduous tree native to North America.

Beyond its visual charm and the timber's valued durability and disease resistance, aspen harbors potent phytonutrients that offer a myriad of benefits for skin health.

Aspen bark is a phytonutrient powerhouse

The resilience of aspen trees, capable of thriving in harsh high-altitude environments, is largely attributable to their rich content of polyphenols and alkaloids. These compounds not only enable the aspen to fend off predators and diseases but also imbue it with remarkable longevity. Such phytonutrients are what make aspen bark extract a remarkabkle ingredient for skincare, providing significant anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The historical & medicinal significance of aspen bark

Historically, aspen has been revered for its medicinal properties. Indigenous peoples of North America utilized it for treating a variety of conditions, from fever and skin burns to respiratory ailments.

The bark, in particular, was noted for its healing effects on wounds and chilblains, as well as its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, offering relief from back pain and potentially mitigating gastric ulcers.

Aspen bark extract in skincare

Smoothing and Softening Effects

Aspen bark is a treasure trove of salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid, which acts as a gentle exfoliator.

By promoting the shedding of dead skin cells, salicin helps to smooth, soften, and brighten the skin, enhancing texture, diminishing fine lines, and revitalizing the complexion.

Ideal for sensitive skin

Due to its non-irritant nature, aspen bark extract is well-suited for sensitive skin types. It serves as a natural preservative, offering a safer alternative to traditional parabens while reducing the potential for skin irritation.

Anti-inflammatory properties

The blend of salicin and polyphenols in aspen bark extract provides significant anti-inflammatory effects. This can be particularly beneficial for calming reactive or irritated skin, with antioxidants helping to soothe the epidermis by combating free radicals and inflammation.

Potent antioxidant activity

Aspen bark extract's high phytonutrient content makes it a powerful antioxidant. Polyphenols protect the skin's structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin, from oxidative damage. This helps to preserve skin integrity and combating signs of premature aging.

Incorporating aspen bark into your skincare routine

Leveraging the power of aspen bark extract in skincare products, like our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence, can significantly enhance skin health.

Its unique ability to smooth, soften, and calm, makes it an invaluable ingredient for anyone looking to restore balance and brightness to their complexion.