Autumn is definitely upon us. With the temperatures gradually dropping, we just can’t wait to dabble in transitional dressing. But let’s face it: The changing season can also take a hard toll on the skin – and sensitive skin in the form of redness, blotchy patches and rough, dry areas can be a pain. It appears out of the blue and before you know it, it’s completely taken over. Therefore, we’ve gathered some of the most ultra-gentle products for those prone to itching, stinging and inflammation – or who just want something soothing. Here’s how to keep calm and carry on.
Moroccanoil Scalp Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner
Believe it or not – healthy hair starts with a balanced scalp. Your scalp is a living tissue that supports your hair follicles and the hair that emerges from them. As hair care brands slide into scalp care, take the guesswork out of finding the perfect scalp detox. Moroccanoil’s new Scalp Balancing Shampoo works overtime to gently exfoliate the scalp while cleansing the hair with aromatherapeutic benefits thanks to naturally fragrant ingredients. One of the things we like most about this shampoo is that it has a great scent (lavender, tea tree and bergamot forward!). Salicylic acid leads the formula with its exfoliating properties, alongside niacinamide and Japanese cherry blossom which soothe your freshly cleaned scalp. Meanwhile, nourishing argan oil moisturises hair follicles, leaving you with calmed, flake-free skin when you suds up once a week. Then, the Scalp Balancing Conditioner locks all that moisture in with a bunch of skin-loving oils (hi, argan, jojoba and olive oils). Just part your hair in sections, then lightly massage it in. And yep, they’re totally safe for colour-treated hair too, as they’re free from harsh sulphates.
R630 each from Retail Box, Salon500 and Cosmetology
Biomedical Emporium Scalp Serum
By now, you’ve heard of the congested-skin-fighting powers of salicylic acid when applied to your face. But have you thought of using the same oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid on your scalp? Biomedical Emporium has, with its cooling, creamy Scalp Serum. A blend of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, peptides and caffeine work in tandem to keep the hair in its prime. Simply apply it to the scalp after washing – the precision nozzle makes this a breeze. Instant satisfaction comes via better movement from the root, while loyal use will deliver enhanced hair growth.
R807 from Biomedical Emporium, Cosmetology and SkinMiles
Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager
To target stubborn dandruff and dry patches, try Tangle Teezer’s handheld exfoliating brush and scalp massager. This aesthetically pleasing little brush does more than just look pretty on your shower shelf – The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager works far better than fingers can. While in the shower, squirt your shampoo directly onto the teeth, then work the brush in a circular, consistent motion for at least one minute. You can also use this tool on dry hair to help promote blood circulation and stimulate hair growth, or massage in all of your scalp treatments and serums before bed.
R385 from HairCair Distributors, Retail Box, Salon500 and Superbalist
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
When you’ve got dry or sensitive skin (or a combination of both … fun!), there’s nothing worse than taking off your makeup at the end of the day. Enter, one of Bioderma’s latest skincare launches – the Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil. Packed with anti-inflammatory sunflower seed oil, sodium PCA and vitamin E, this cleansing oil transforms from a silky oil into a cleansing milk. The oil-rich formula dissolves heavy sunscreens, waterproof makeup and matte products with ease, without drying out the skin or causing foggy eyes. Skin is left supple, clear and deeply cleansed.
R345 from Dermastore, Cosmetology, Clicks and Dis-Chem
LUSH Rosy Cheeks Fresh Face Mask
Masking should be a pleasing experience, and this rose-infused LUSH face mask brings out your childlike wonder. Beyond its naturally derived blush hue and sweet, milky scent, it’s anchored by kaolin clay, calamine powder and Turkish rose oil to soothe irritation, minimise redness and replenish the moisture barrier. We love that the clay used in this mask is significantly gentler than other widely used clays and nourishes the skin without any hard after-effects. Our favourite part? How cooling and refreshing it feels when applied straight from the fridge.
R225 from LUSH
REN Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you have a high skincare IQ. But have you ever heard of inflamm-ageing? It goes something like this: Chronic inflammation from pollution and UV exposure weakens the skin’s defences, accelerating premature ageing. Fret not! REN’s Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir is set to break this sensitivity cycle. Its combination of camellia japonica seed, inca inchi and meadowfoam seed oils works synergistically to reduce inflammation, support the skin’s natural healing processes and reinforce its protective barrier. One go-getter of a product.
R1,180 from REN, Woolworths, Retail Box and Superbalist
NUXE Sweet Lemon Delightful Shower Gel
Admittedly, we’re a sucker for luxury body washes. What can we say? They’re known for their cult Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil, but NUXE doesn’t mess around when it comes to the best body washes either. Start your daily or everything shower by lathering up with the new Sweet Lemon Delightful Shower Gel that’s suitable for sensitive skin. It smells so good and it doesn’t leave the skin feeling tight or dry. We can’t get enough of the lemon meringue goodness. And while packaging isn’t everything, the pretty bottle never fails to transport to sunnier days on cold, grey mornings.
R750 from Orleans Cosmetics, Bash, Cosmetology and Truworths
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum
This serum from Kiehl’s is the perfect choice for sensitive skin sufferers looking for an all-over, radiant glow. The Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum is a concentrated cocktail of skin brighteners like vitamin C, white birch and peony extracts – designed to boost the skin’s overall luminosity and fade the look of dark spots and other forms of discolouration. It’s potent, while remaining suitable for sensitive skin (including those who struggle with acne or rosacea). Another plus: Because the consistency is non-sticky, it layers nicely underneath skincare and makeup.
R1,250 from Edgars, ARC Store, Dermastore and Superbalist
Filorga Time-Filler Intensive 5XP
Wrinkles are totally natural, but if you’d like to minimise their appearance, Filorga has the serum you need. We swear by the fine line-smoothing properties of the brand’s fresh Time-Filler Intensive 5XP, a peptide-powered serum that provides long-lasting results. Psst: Even sensitive and redness-prone skin will enjoy this anti-ager. With regular use, you’ll notice an improvement in deep wrinkles and a firmer complexion. You’ll also experience hyaluronic acid’s hydrating, skin-plumping effects. Apply this serum to your neck and decolletage as well to reduce crepiness.
R1,150 from Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Care to Beauty and AbsoluteSkin
Institut Esthederm Intensive Hyaluronic Cream
Our skin barrier – the outermost layer of our skin – protects against outside aggressors and seals in hydrating lipids. Needless to say, it’s especially important to fortify it during the autumn months, when skin yo-yos between hot and cold temperatures. Institut Esthederm nailed it with this hyaluronic acid moisturiser, which has a texture that melts right into the skin. It contains three different types of HA for addressing barrier damage and nourishing compromised skin, and layers well under makeup. If we could drench our whole body in this cream, we absolutely would!
R1,400 from Bash, Cosmetology, SkinMiles and Superbalist
Avène Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF 50+
We love a full-coverage moment. But when foundation feels too heavy or drying, the new Avène Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF 50+ is a safe bet for glowy, weightless coverage – and it treats your skin with ingredients such as Avène Thermal Spring Water and vitamin E. The result is a sheer wash of colour, a dose of UV protection and enough lasting hydration to allow you to skip your serum. It has a super-thin consistency and a barely-there feel, making it a great choice for those who don’t love the texture of heavy makeup. In fact, this do-it-all would be an ideal desert island product.
R390 from Dermastore
Gatineau Miracle Eye Contour Cream
Do you want it to de-puff? Banish dark circles? Brighten up tired-looking eyes? The recently released Gatineau Miracle Eye Contour Cream is more than up to the job. This is one of those magical skincare-makeup hybrid products that comes out of its tube white and ‘adjusts’ to the wearer’s skin tone. It’s hard to beat the trusty combination of vitamin E, niacinamide and aloe vera. Thanks to those ingredients, the concealer melts into your skin just like an eye cream – and you can tap it in with your fourth finger as if it were one. Plus, it can be used all over your face.
R695 from Orleans Cosmetics, Woolworths, Truworths and Superbalist
PRAI Beauty Ageless Hand Creme
Cracked palms? Knackered knuckles? While you might be all sorted with your facial skincare routine, you’ll do well not to neglect your hands. An unashamedly luxurious pick, the PRAI Beauty Ageless Hand Creme swiftly absorbs into the skin with a soft finish. With macadamia nut oil, shea butter and vitamins A, E and F, this beautiful-smelling cream even works for rough or dry hands and in extreme weather conditions. Not to mention that it’s practically a manicure in a bottle. If it’s within your budget (or you’re looking for something to splurge on), the results are worth it.
R850 from Woolworths, Cosmetology and Superbalist
