Skip to content
The PrioryRoom
Book

Skin concern

Sensitive & reactive skin

Why does everything sting, even the gentle products?

Stinging, tightness and reactions to products that are supposed to be kind.

There’s a difference between skin that’s sensitive and skin that’s been sensitised. The first you’re born with. The second usually comes from a routine, and it settles once the routine changes.

If your skin has started reacting to products it used to tolerate, that’s the second one.

A hand resting at the hairline of a woman lying with her eyes closed, folded blankets beside her.

What causes sensitive & reactive skin?

Over-exfoliation

The most common cause I see, by a distance. Acids, scrubs and cleansing devices used daily strip the barrier faster than it rebuilds.

Too many actives at once

Retinoid, vitamin C, exfoliating acid and niacinamide, all introduced in the same month. Each may be fine on its own. Together they’re a lot to ask of one face.

An underlying condition

Rosacea, eczema and perioral dermatitis all present as sensitivity. They need identifying before anything else happens.

What I would do about it

A reset. Usually two to four weeks of very little: a gentle cleanser, one barrier moisturiser, SPF. It’s uncomfortable to be told to do less, and it works.

Barrier-first treatment, with no acids and no heat. Then actives reintroduced one at a time, weeks apart.

The aim is a routine you can keep, not a cabinet you feel guilty about.

Treatments for this concern

Which of these suits you is decided in the room, with your skin in front of me, rather than from this page.

What people have said

Nobody has written about this concern by name. These two are about the room and the hour instead, which is the part every appointment has in common.

  1. Nikki Mullard

    4 months ago

    “I won an Instagram competition for a free 90 minute facial with Hanaa. My skin looked amazing afterwards and it was so relaxing. I came home and slept for over an hour - it was bliss!”

  2. Daria Flerko

    2 years ago

    “My recent holistic facial experience with Hanaa at Priory Room was truly exceptional. From the serene ambiance to Hanaa's personalised approach, every aspect was top-notch.”

Left on Google and quoted as written. The rating and the stars stay on the Google profile, where they were given.

What will a facial not fix?

I’m a skincare specialist, not a doctor. What I do can improve the condition of the skin and how it behaves. It isn’t a medical treatment for sensitive & reactive skin. I’d rather be straight with you about that from the start.

Anything that bleeds, changes shape or colour, or won’t heal should be seen by a GP first. So should anything painful, spreading, or arriving alongside symptoms elsewhere in the body. Prescription medication and skin cancer screening sit outside what I do.

If I think you need referring, I’ll say so at the first appointment, and we’ll work out what’s worth doing here in the meantime.

Other concerns

The treatment bed turned down, crisp cotton and a folded blanket, in low evening light.

Where to start

Appointments are with me, in one room at 29 Haven Road. If you’re not sure which of the treatments above fits, book The Bespoke Intention. When you are unsure what your skin needs, leave it in expert hands.

Tell me about your skinI already know what I want (opens in a new tab)

Six questions, about two minutes. I read every one myself and reply, usually within a couple of days.

See the treatments I use for this

29 Haven Road · Canford Cliffs · Poole · BH13 7LE · 07525 438309