Do you have sensitive skin? If so, you’re in good company – more than 50 per cent of women struggle with weakened, delicate and reactive skin. And this year more than ever, as we continue to wear masks. Sensitive skin is fragile and delicate, and many things can affect it, from temperature changes to stress and physical contact such as rubbing and mask-wearing. You may experience redness and sensitivity, a prickly feeling or tightness, either all the time or sometimes.

We need solutions that are simple, effective and trustworthy. And Clarins have been delivering skincare expertise since 1954. The new Calm-Essentiel range is designed specifically for sensitive skin – and at least 95 per cent of the ingredients in these formulas are of natural origin. Sensitive skin needs balanced skincare that works in perfect affinity with it. Clarins Laboratories have spent the past three years researching sensitive skin, working in partnership with research institutes. Together, they have identified the impact that pollution plays on skin, and how it has contributed to skin becoming more sensitive over the last few decades. Pollution creates an imbalance in the skin, and this can lead to hyper-sensitivity.

INTRODUCING THE TRIO

At the heart of the Calm-Essentiel formulas is clary sage extract. This is a purified molecule derived from the flowers and leaves of clary sage, found by ethno-botanists working with Clarins Labs to work in harmony with the skin and help to soothe and protect it. The range also features Clarins’ renowned Anti-Pollution Complex, first formulated back in 1991. Calm-Essentiel uses only the most essential ingredients to soothe and calm the skin.

Best of all, Calm-Essentiel is ideal for everyone: the products are suitable for all ages from 25-plus and skin types, whether normal, dry, oily or combination. This is a trio that can help to make all types of sensitive skin feel good. In consumer and clinical tests*, more than 87 per cent of women said their skin felt immediately soothed. It’s also a pleasure to use: a delicate floral scent and comforting textures make this a comforting and sensorial daily ritual.

Calm-Essentiel Soothing Emulsion (€48) is made with 96 per cent ingredients from natural origin. It is designed to immediately soothe skin that’s feeling tight or dry – its rich comforting texture means it delivers instant relief. The organic camellia oil means it glides easily on the skin, hydrating it. Some 93 per cent found the Soothing Emulsion calming and caring on skin that felt itchy. The Soothing Emulsion was also tested on women working in hospitals wearing facial masks for long periods of time: 88 per cent of these testers found the Emulsion both protected and soothed their skin while wearing a mask. TIP: Add a few drops of Restoring Treatment Oil to the Emulsion to enhance the cosseting feel and nourishing texture.

Calm-Essentiel Redness Corrective Gel (€35) melts into the skin for instant relief: skin is calmed, refreshed and cooled. It reduces sensitivity, reduces warmth in the skin and minimises the intensity of redness in the skin, with pearls and pigments to help to promote an even skin tone. After 28 days, overall sensitivity in skin was reduced by -54 per cent. The Redness Corrective Gel soothed skin and reduced sensitivity, and minimised the intensity of redness by 77 per cent. TIP: This Corrective Gel reduces “warm” skin feelings and so is ideal for menopausal skin also, to take down hotness and redness while soothing and moisturising skin.

Calm-Essentiel Restoring Treatment Oil (€56) is a luxurious rich blend of organic camellia and apricot oils, created with 98 per cent natural ingredients and renowned for their nourishing qualities. This soothing oil that makes skin feel more comfortable and diminishes tightness or irritation. In clinical evaluations, the Restoring treatment oil reduced overall sensitivity by 65 per cent after 20 days, and helped skin feel less tight. TIP: Use in the evening to soften and hydrate skin overnight. For more highly reactive skin, try using the oil as a targeted treatment: use on its own (morning and/or evening) for between 10 and 20 days to help “reset” the skin.

Eco-conscious care

Clarins has been committed to the responsible sourcing of ingredients for more than 65 years. The ingredients are fair trade, and from organic farming where possible. Sustainability continues to be a key consideration for Clarins: the Calm-Essentiel tubes contain 25 per cent recycled plastic, and the Restoring Oil bottle 25 per cent recycled (and fully recyclable) glass. The packaging is also protective: Airless technology means the tubes protect the formulas in the best possible way to ensure maximum efficacy and prevent waste.

The Calm-Essentiel range is available at pharmacies nationwide and on Clarins.ie.

* Consumer test. Soothing emulsion 109 women/Redness corrective gel 107 women/Restoring treatment oil 100 women after 28 days, France.