If your skin is flaring up, your scalp is itchy, and every product you try seems to make things worse, you’re not alone. Sensitive skin and reactive scalps are a lot more common than people realise, especially as we move into cooler, drier weather.

And while it can feel frustrating (or like your skin is just being difficult), what it needs is support, not more stimulation.

Here’s what’s going on, and what to do about it.

What makes skin and scalp sensitive?

A few things can trigger sensitivity. Changes in temperature, over-exfoliation, fragrance, stress, harsh cleansers, and even dehydration can cause your skin or scalp to go into defence mode. That might show up as:

• Redness or flushing

• Itching or tightness

• Flaky patches

• A burning or tingling sensation when you apply products

• A scalp that’s both oily and irritated at the same time

It’s not about your skin being “weak.” It’s about the barrier being disrupted. When that happens, the top layer of your skin struggles to protect you the way it should. Everything gets in more easily, irritants, bacteria, even your usual products — and water gets out too fast.

What your skin and scalp need right now

Let’s keep it simple. Your skin and scalp need:

1. Calm, not correction
   Now is not the time to double down on active ingredients. If your skin is reacting, pull back. Think creamy cleansers, calming serums, and fragrance-free moisturisers.

2. Barrier repair
   Look for ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and ceramides. These help support the skin’s natural defences so it can do what it’s meant to without the added stress.

3. Moisture and comfort
   Hydration is key, but so is protecting that hydration. Layering light hydrating serums under richer creams or oils can help lock it all in without clogging things up.

4. Gentle care for your scalp
   An itchy or irritated scalp is often dehydrated, not dirty. Skip the heavy exfoliating scrubs and go for a soothing, lightweight scalp treatment. Avoid heavy fragrance and harsh detergents in your shampoo while things settle down.

What I’m using and recommending at Reveal this week:

🧖♀️ Ultraceuticals Ultra Calming Range
A gentle but effective system that helps calm redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and rehydrate without overwhelming the skin. It’s ideal for anyone in their sensitive skin era.

🌿 Evolve Organic Beauty Masks
Soft, soothing and packed with botanical ingredients that calm without stripping. A beautiful option if your skin feels reactive but you still want your ritual moment.

💆♀️ L’Oréal Scalp Advanced Sensitive
Designed for scalp irritation, flaking, and redness. This range focuses on hydration and comfort without clogging pores or adding unnecessary fragrance. Your scalp will thank you.

Final thoughts

If your skin or scalp is acting up, your first instinct might be to add more or scrub harder. But most of the time, the best thing you can do is take a step back, simplify, and let your skin reset.

And if you’re not sure what’s going on, I’m happy to help. We can book a consultation and go through it together, no pressure.

Take a breath. Treat your skin like it’s talking to you, because it is.