„Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time.“- Linden Tyler, Skincare
I’ve said it in so many conversations and I’ll say it again here: my skin is a little diva. She wants a lot of attention, no experiments – and if she doesn’t like something, she’ll show me straight away. Redness, itching, irritation, you name it. I have neurodermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that means one thing above all: sensitivity. In the truest sense. And in every phase of my life.
A few years ago this totally limited me. I felt like I wasn’t allowed to use anything. Foundations, care products, even some sunscreens were too much. I was annoyed, frustrated – and honestly a little jealous of all the flawless glass skin faces out there. But: I started to focus intensively on my skin. And at some point she returned the favor. With more calm, more glow and with less drama.
Today I want to show you exactly this routine – my daily skincare, which is really good for my sensitive, neurodermatitis-plagued skin. Maybe it will help you if you are looking for a little skin care inspo or are struggling with sensitive skin. Let’s get into it!
Good Morning, Glow! – My morning skincare routine
In the morning my skin is usually quite calm – especially if I’ve had a good night’s sleep (yes, that also makes a huge difference with neurodermatitis!). Nevertheless: I proceed super gently, no aggressive textures, no friction, no over-exfoliating. Here comes my step-by-step:
1. Cleanse
with La Roche-Posay Effaclar washing gel
I start every morning with the Effaclar cleansing gel from La Roche-Posay. It’s actually made for impure skin, but it works perfectly for me because it’s very gentle but still cleanses thoroughly. The foam is super light and doesn’t irritate my skin – that’s really rare for me. I wash my face with lukewarm water (not hot!), massage the gel in briefly and then rinse it off.
See the product -> Link
2. Toner from the same series
Then we continue with the Effaclar toner. It clears the skin and takes away that slight feeling of tension after washing. I put it on a reusable cotton pad (bye bye cotton pads!) and gently go over my face. No rubbing, no squeezing – just love.
See the product -> Link
3. Effaclar day care
As a day cream I also use – how could it be otherwise – the one from the Effaclar series. It is light, absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy film. The perfect start to the day for me because I can also wear them under make-up. No crumbling, no pilling – just a calm complexion that lasts all day.
See the product -> Link
4. Special ointment for my eyelids
A small but extremely important detail: I apply a special ointment from the pharmacy that my dermatologist recommended to my eyelids. It is against allergic reactions and helps me avoid dry patches or redness around the eyes. My skin is particularly sensitive here – if something doesn’t fit, I immediately have red, itchy eyelids. This doesn’t happen with the ointment.
See the product -> Link
5. Sun protection
with the Caudalie Stick
For me, sun protection is not an extra step, but a must. Every day, in any weather. I use the Caudalie sunscreen stick – an absolute game changer! It is compact, leaves no white film and can be applied precisely. It is particularly perfect for sensitive areas such as the nose, forehead or around the eyes. And it doesn’t burn – hallelujah!
See the product -> Link
Bye bye, make-up – my evening routine
In the evening, my skincare is almost a little ritual. I love washing up during the day – literally. To cleanse my face, let go of everything and give my skin some care. After all, she deserves it!
1. Remove make-up
with “Take The Day Off” by Clinique
I’ve tried them all – make-up wipes, micellar water, cleansing butter… But no product comes close to Clinique’s cleansing balm. “Take The Day Off” is my holy grail. I take a small amount, massage it into my dry face, and watch as foundation, mascara, lipstick simply dissolve. No rubbing, no burning. Then simply rinse with water – and the day is history.
See the product -> Link
2. Again the Effaclar washing gel
Yes, I also use my trusty La Roche-Posay washing gel in the evening. Double cleansing is super important for me, especially because I also wear SPF during the day. The washing gel ensures that all residues disappear without overwhelming my skin.
See the product -> Link
3. Toner
(still Effaclar)
Here too: no surprise. The Effaclar Toner comes into play again to calm my skin and optimally prepare it for night care.
See the product -> Link
4. Cicaplast Baume B5+
– my skin loves it
The Cicaplast Baume B5+ from La Roche-Posay is my magic bullet. For many it is an SOS cream – for me it is my night treatment. I apply it generously, almost like a mask, and leave it on overnight. When I wake up in the morning, my skin just looks…happy. Calm, soft, glowy – like after a mini wellness vacation.
See the product -> Link
5. Ole Henriksen eye cream
I love the little orange eye cream from Ole Henriksen – it’s light, has a delicate scent of vitamin C and leaves a fresh feeling under the eyes. I pat it in very carefully – no wild movements, my skin is really bitchy. But the cream does what it’s supposed to: nourish, moisturize, soothe.
See the product -> Link
6. Lip Love with Laneige
Finally, a little love on the lips: The Lip Sleeping Mask from Laneige is my fix every evening. I apply it like a lip gloss – thick, creamy and with an addictive scent. The next morning my lips are buttery soft and ready for the day.
See the product -> Link
What I learned
– and what I would like to share with you
I have worked against my skin for years. Criticizing her, hiding her, bombarding her with products that simply didn’t do her any good. Today I’m working with her. I no longer see it as a problem, but as something that belongs to me. And that just deserves a little more attention.
Sensitive skin – especially neurodermatitis – is not a beauty curse. It is an invitation to get to know yourself better. Really listen. To be patient. And also to be proud when you can say at some point: “I got it!”
My routine is not fancy. No 10-step program with trendy serums and acids, no skincare haul with 20 products. But it works. For me. And maybe a little for you too. If you have similar skin problems, remember: you are not alone. And you’re already on the right path if you take time for yourself – every day, morning and evening.
Do you also have sensitive skin or even neurodermatitis? Which products work for you? Let me know – I look forward to exchanging ideas!
With lots of skincare love,
Vanessa
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