Introduction

Ever feel like your skin is allergic to skincare? You’re not alone. Sensitive skin is increasingly common, especially as routines get more complex and actives get stronger. At MÉRV, we simplify your routine to just the essentials: a gentle cleanse (any mild cleanser you love), followed by our Garden Rose Toner and a few drops of Moonlight Renewal Oil or Dewy Day Glow, depending on what your skin needs.

Because when your skin is stressed, less is healing.

What is Sensitive Skin, Really?

Sensitive skin isn’t a condition, it’s a response. It means your skin’s barrier is compromised, and it reacts to triggers like:

• Harsh cleansers or active ingredients
• Cold or dry climates
• Fragrance or alcohol
• Over-exfoliation

Signs you might have sensitive skin:

• Stinging, redness, or tightness after cleansing
• Skin that burns when you apply new products
• Flaky patches or dry-feeling skin even if it’s oily underneath

The 3-Step Routine for Sensitive Skin

Step 1: Gently Cleanse (Use your favorite pH-balanced, non-stripping cleanser)

Begin with a gentle cleanse to remove impurities, sunscreen, and buildup from the day. Look for a formula that’s non-stripping, pH-balanced, and free from fragrance or harsh surfactants.

This step is about creating a clean, calm canvas, not scrubbing your skin into submission. When your cleanser respects your barrier, everything that follows absorbs and performs better.

Step 2: Soothe and Tone — Garden Rose Toner

Alcohol-free and made with rose hydrosol, rose extract, and vegetable glycerin this is like a cold compress for reactive skin.

It calms inflammation, hydrates instantly, and preps your skin to absorb oils better.

• Fragrance-free
• Alcohol-free
• Designed for sensitive, redness-prone skin

Step 3: Nourish + Restore face oil

Face oils are more than just hydration, they deliver essential lipids, antioxidants, and barrier-repairing nutrients in their most concentrated, skin-compatible form. For sensitive skin, a well-formulated oil can soothe irritation, seal in moisture, and support recovery without heaviness or overload.

At MERV, we’ve crafted three oils designed to meet your skin where it is:

• Dewy Day Glow - Face oil for instant glow
• Moonlight Renewal - Face oil for Youthful skin
• Deep Nourish Oasis - Nourishing face oil

What to Avoid If You're Sensitive

These ingredients can trigger sensitive skin flares:

• Fragrance or parfum
• Essential oils such as citrus, eucalyptus, and mint
• Alcohol
• High percentages of AHAs or BHAs
• Retinoids without barrier support

Good skincare isn’t about more, it’s about the right minimal.

MÉRV's FAQs for Sensitive Skin

Q: Can I use face oils with actives like vitamin C or retinol?
A: Yes, just apply oils after actives to buffer their strength, or skip actives on sensitive days.

Q: Will facial oils clog my pores?
A: No. Our oils are non-comedogenic and carefully formulated for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

Q: Do I need a moisturizer after the oil?
A: Nope. Our oils are complete moisture systems, you can skip the cream.

Final Thoughts

If your skin reacts easily, stings when you apply products, or gets red from cold weather or hot water, you may have sensitive skin. The best routine? One that does less. At MÉRV, we believe in minimal skincare: gently cleanse, tone with care, and restore with our nourishing oils, no overcomplication, no 10-step rituals.