Quick answer
Most "sudden sensitivity" is a damaged barrier, usually self-inflicted by too many actives. It repairs in weeks if you stop the cause.
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Shop verified moisturizers →What the barrier is
The outermost layer of skin: cells held together by lipids — ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. It keeps water in and irritants out.
Signs it is damaged
Stinging from products that were previously fine. Tightness after washing. New redness, flaking, or sudden sensitivity. Products "not absorbing".
Repair, in order
1. Stop every active for at least two weeks
Acids, retinoids, vitamin C, scrubs, clay masks.
2. Cleanse once daily, gently, lukewarm
3. Humectant on damp skin, then an occlusive moisturizer
4. Add ceramides
They are the material the barrier is built from.
5. Reintroduce one active at a time, twice weekly
How long
Most barriers recover in two to four weeks. If redness persists beyond that, or is itchy and spreading, see a dermatologist — it may be eczema or rosacea.
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Barrier moisturizers · gentle products