Do you have sensitive skin but you’re finding high street skincare products aren’t making a difference? Or perhaps you’re looking to target other skincare conditions, like signs of ageing or hyperpigmentation, while also having sensitive skin? With professional-grade products and the latest technology, in-clinic treatments could be the answer.
In-clinic treatments can be a great way of improving the health and appearance of your skin, but choosing the right one when you have sensitive skin can be tricky, as many treatments can be too harsh for easily irritated skin. But there are plenty of treatments that are gentle enough for sensitive skin, you just need to know the right ones for you.
Here at Face Dr, we’ve helped thousands of clients get the healthy glowing skin they’ve always dreamed of, even if they have sensitive skin to worry about. We’re an online skincare clinic, so while we may not offer in-clinic treatments ourselves, our skincare experts have decades of experience and training doing them. Here, we’ll share that knowledge and cover the in-clinic treatments that can help sensitive skin, as well as the treatments that can target other skincare concerns which are suitable for sensitive skin.
Our top in-clinic treatments for sensitive skin are:
- Facials
- LED light therapy
Other in-clinic treatments that can be safe for sensitive skin are:
- Microdermabrasion
- Microneedling
- Chemical peels
Looking for the best at-home facials and skincare products to treat sensitive skin? We've covered the ingredients you should avoid for here. Plus, our skin experts can share the best products out there and make tailored recommendations for you and your skin with a free online consultation.
Before we dive into which treatments are the best for you, here’s a look at what having sensitive skin actually means.
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is simply skin that’s more reactive than normal. It may flare up at anything from harsh skincare products to make-up, everyday items like shower gel, and even the weather with extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Most of the time, it’s quite easy to diagnose sensitive skin. You might notice that your skin is red, dry and irritated.
The most common symptoms of sensitive skin include:
- Dry skin
- Flaky patches
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Small bumps
While the right skincare routine and best products can definitely make a difference, for some of us in-clinic treatments are needed to see real results and get real relief from the symptoms. Plus, there are plenty of treatments that can target other skincare concerns while also being gentle on sensitive skin.
In-clinic treatments to treat sensitive skin
Facials
Facials are an ideal way to relax, but they’re also great for treating sensitive skin. Instead of harsh exfoliating facials, opt for ones that focus on hydrating and nourishing the skin. You can speak with a skincare professional to make sure you’re getting the right one for your skin, as they can even tailor the treatment to suit you. In general, look out for anything with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or oatmeal to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Facials are also a great option if you’re looking for a very gentle way of brightening dark spots, soothing rosacea and boosting the skin’s radiance.
Price: £30 to £200
Treatment to try: ZO Ultra Hydration Treatment
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is another in-clinic treatment that is ideal for treating sensitive skin. The treatment uses a therapy mask that emits different wavelengths of light to target different skin conditions. For sensitive skin, some wavelengths can help to trigger your skin’s natural healing process. Red light therapy in particular can help to reduce inflammation, soothe and calm aggravated skin, and boost the skin’s hydration levels. Many light therapy treatments are used with a professional-grade sheet mask designed especially for this treatment. This gives the skin an added dose of hydration and healing.
LED light therapy can also help to target rosacea, hyperpigmentation, acne and signs of ageing.
Price: £30 to £70 per single session.
Treatment to try: Déesee Pro LED light therapy
In-clinic treatments that are suitable for sensitive skin
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion involves exfoliating the skin with small particles to buff away the top layer of dry skin cells. This leaves the complexion looking brighter and reduces dryness and flaky patches.
Despite sounding like a harsh treatment, microdermabrasion can actually be suitable to sensitive skin as it doesn’t use any harsh products. It’s so gentle that most people can apply make-up as soon as the treatment is done. Your skincare practitioner can do a small patch test to see how your skin reacts to the treatment first before continuing on a larger part of the face.
A microdermabrasion treatment can also help to brighten dark spots, reduce acne and promote a glowing complexion.
Price: £40 to £80
Treatment to try: Sk:n Clinics microdermabrasion
Microneedling
Microneedling treatments use small needles to make holes in the surface of the skin. As these holes heal naturally, new skin cells are made. These leave the complexion looking brighter, younger and give it a fresh and healthy glow.
This treatment is a little more invasive than facials and microdermabrasion, but it can still be an option for those with sensitive skin, especially as it avoids products, which are often a trigger for reactions.
While dermatologists say microneedling is safe for sensitive skin, it’s not recommended for those with eczema or rosacea. It’s always best to speak with a skincare profession to make sure the treatment is right for your skin.
It’s a great treatment for those looking to reduce signs of ageing and give their complexion a healthy boost.
Price: £140 to £300
Treatment to try: AQ Derma Stamp Facial
Chemical peels
While chemical peels can sound scary to those of us with sensitive skin, mild chemical peels with high-grade ingredients can actually be a treatment our skin can handle. Look out for “superficial chemical peels” which work on the surface layers of skin and are a lot more gentle than a traditional peel.
The right acids can make all the difference, too. Lactic acid for example is great for sensitive skin as it’s mild, but it can still help to brighten dark spots, reduce signs of ageing and reduce acne.
Price: £70 to £180
Treatment to try: ZO Stimulator Peel
How to choose an in-clinic treatment if you have sensitive skin
Here are the treatments to consider depending on which skincare concerns you’re looking to tackle:
In-clinic treatments for sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation
- Facials
- LED light therapy
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peels
In-clinic treatments for sensitive skin and acne
- Facials
- LED light therapy
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peels
In-clinic treatments for sensitive skin and signs of ageing:
- Facials
- LED light therapy
- Microneedling
- Chemical peels
In-clinic treatments for sensitive skin and rosacea:
- Facials
- LED light therapy
Need expert advice?
While many in-clinic treatments can be safe for sensitive skin, everyone’s skin is different and it’s always best to get an expert opinion before going ahead with a treatment. It’s the same with skincare products, too. At Face Dr, we offer free online consultations where you can speak to one of our skin experts.
On a 30-minute video call, we can analyse your skin and ask about your level of sensitivity and other skincare concerns. Armed with this information, we’ll be able to recommend the best skincare products out there to help. For ongoing customers, we can also offer advice on which treatments are best for you.
Need help with your at-home skincare routine, or even finding an at-home facial or mask? Our experts know all about the best products and brands out there for sensitive skin, so we can offer tailored recommendations to help. We only ever recommend brands we know and trust and that have been tested by us, so you can trust you’re getting the very best information for taking care of your sensitive skin.
