Routine Overview

Goal: protect sensitive skin from ongoing UV damage while slowly repairing visible sun stress (uneven tone, sun spots, rough texture, early fine lines) without triggering irritation.

What results to expect (realistic):

• In 2-4 weeks: skin feels less reactive, less tight after cleansing, calmer overall (barrier support + gentle cleansing + consistent SPF).
• In 4-8 weeks: gradual improvement in dullness and uneven tone (brightening serum + consistent protection).
• In 8-12+ weeks: sun spots and stubborn pigmentation start fading slowly (this is the long game; SPF consistency decides everything).
• Fine lines/texture: can improve over time with retinol, but only if you avoid irritation. If you inflame sensitive skin, you lose progress.

Sensitive-skin rules that matter: keep water lukewarm, avoid scrubbing, introduce retinol slowly, and never “push through” stinging or peeling.

Products

1) Gentle Cleanser: [Aestura] atobarrier 365 Bubble Cleanser 150ml

Why it belongs in a sun-damage routine for sensitive skin: Over-cleansing wrecks the barrier and makes sensitivity, redness, and pigmentation look worse. This low-friction, pH-balanced foam cleanser is designed to clean without stripping.

• Removes sunscreen, sweat, and pollution gently (no tight after-feel).
• Supports barrier comfort so your “treatment step” is more tolerable.
• Helps reduce irritation triggers caused by harsh cleansing.

2) Brightening + Antioxidant Serum (AM focus): [PyunkangYul] Brightening Blemish Care Serum 30ml

Why it matters for sun damage: Sun damage is basically oxidation plus pigment overproduction. A gentle brightening serum supports clearer tone while staying mindful of sensitivity.

• Targets dullness and uneven tone that often follows UV exposure.
• Supports a more radiant look without needing harsh exfoliation daily.
• Use mainly in the morning so your skin is defended during daylight hours.

3) Repair Treatment (PM focus): [Innisfree] Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule 50 ml

Why it’s the “repair” step: Retinol helps improve the look of photoaging (texture, early fine lines, uneven tone) but sensitive skin needs a low-drama approach. The “cica” support is the reason this works better for reactive skin than many strong retinoids.

• Helps refine texture and the appearance of early lines over time.
• Supports gradual tone improvement (slow and steady wins).
• Best used 2-3 nights/week at first, then increase only if calm.

4) Barrier Moisturizer: [Aestura] Atobarrier 365 Cream Plus 90ml

Why it’s non-negotiable for sensitive skin: If your barrier is unstable, everything stings, flakes, or backfires. This is your “buffer” and your recovery tool.

• Helps reduce dryness and irritation that make sun damage look worse.
• Improves tolerance to retinol by reinforcing barrier lipids.
• Use a thin layer in AM, and a more comfortable layer in PM.

5) Sunscreen (AM only): [Etude House] Soonjung Director's Mineral Filter Sun Cream 50ml

Why it is mandatory: No sunscreen = no real recovery. UV keeps dark spots active and breaks down collagen, which shows up as texture and lines. A mineral filter option is often better tolerated by sensitive skin.

• Prevents new sun damage while protecting your results.
• Helps stop dark spots from getting darker and more stubborn.
• Supports sensitive skin wearability for daily consistency.

AM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: 30-45 seconds on damp skin with lukewarm water. No scrubbing.
2. Brightening Serum: Apply a thin layer. If your skin is very reactive, start 3-4 mornings/week.
3. Moisturizer: Light layer to keep the barrier stable through the day.
4. Sunscreen: Apply generously to face and neck as the final step.
5. Reapply: When outdoors or near strong daylight, reapply every 2 hours (more often if sweating).

PM Routine

How to Use- (Steps 1 to 5)

1. Cleanser: Cleanse thoroughly to remove sunscreen and daily buildup.
2. Retinol Ampoule (2-3 nights/week to start): 1 pump for face. Avoid corners of nose, lips, and direct under-eye.
3. Moisturizer: Apply after retinol. If sensitive, you can “sandwich” (moisturizer - retinol - moisturizer).
4. Non-retinol nights: Skip retinol and use the Brightening Serum instead, then moisturize.
5. Comfort rule: If you feel stinging, see redness, or get flaking, reduce retinol frequency first. Consistency beats irritation.