One ingredient I swear by that doesn't get nearly enough love is bakuchiol—it's like retinol's chill cousin. You get the same benefits like smoother skin, fewer fine lines, and a more even tone, but without the redness, flaking, or irritation that retinol can bring. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and even safe during pregnancy, which makes it a go-to for a lot of pros who want results without the drama. It's honestly one of those ingredients that, once you start using it, you wonder why it's not in everything.
Dr. Shamsa Kanwal is a Consultant Dermatologist with over 10 years of experience in clinical and aesthetic dermatology. One skincare ingredient I swear by but that's often overlooked is azelaic acid. It's incredibly versatile and gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet effective for a range of concerns like acne, rosacea, pigmentation, and dullness. Unlike stronger acids, it's anti-inflammatory and doesn't cause irritation or peeling when used correctly. I often recommend it to patients who can't tolerate retinoids or are dealing with both breakouts and uneven tone.
Rooibos is my go-to skincare ingredient for my sensitive skin. A relatively unknown ingredient outside of my native South Africa, Rooibos is a little miracle worker that only grows naturally in the Cederberg region of South Africa and can be consumed as a tea or used in skincare. The main benefit of Rooibos is its ability to calm and soothe irritated skin. Often used in baby rash products in South Africa, its unique polyphenol structure makes it an exceptional anti-inflammatory, with decades of scientific evidence to support these claims. It truly is nature's gift to sensitive skin. The benefits of Rooibos don't stop there. Its structure is so unique that it cannot be found in any other plant or species on earth, gifting it with one-of-a-kind antioxidant properties to help us fight those free radicals and environmental stressors. Since sensitive skin commonly does not react well to exfoliating acids, Rooibos stands out again by providing AHAs derived from a natural source in low concentrations, making it much gentler than the versions found in chemical derivatives and those you would find in chemical peels. Naturally rich in zinc it can further help boost the efficacy of your sunscreen and aid in breakouts. I focus on a skincare regimen formulated with Green Rooibos Extract, like the FIGGI Beauty line for dry, sensitive skin. I also indulge in Rooibos baths, rinse my face with Rooibos infused water in the mornings, and indulge in Rooibos eye masks by placing Rooibos tea bags on my eyes for 5-10 minutes. My eyes are energized, less puffy and less irritated.