Guide · Sensitive skin facial
Sensitive skin facial in Singapore: what calms reactive skin, and what to avoid
A sensitive skin facial should calm and protect the skin barrier rather than strip it, so it avoids heat, scrubs, strong peels and squeezing. At SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall, the main option is SKINLDM, a 30-minute ultrasound micro-massage facial by Aesthetic Therapists that can be done while skin is red, with gentle PDRN and HydraFacial sessions as alternatives.
Written & medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · 31 October 2026
Quick answer
- Sensitive skin means stinging, burning or itch in response to things that should not cause them, on skin that looks normal or slightly red. It is a description, not a diagnosis, so rosacea, dermatitis and eczema need ruling out.
- Gentle and consistent works better than strong. Manual extraction, strong peels, scrubs, steam and heat often make reactive skin worse.
- At SkinRev Lab, SKINLDM uses LDM ultrasound micro-massage with a basic facial, in about 30 minutes, and can be done during a flare. The Rejuran PDRN Facial and a gentle, hydration-focused HydraFacial also suit some sensitive skin.
- Persistent redness, visible vessels or rosacea bumps need a doctor. Dr Sin Yong can assess and treat these, priced at consultation.
Key facts
Sensitive skin facials at a glance
- First step: work out whether it is sensitive skin, sensitised skin, rosacea or dermatitis.
- Main option at SkinRev Lab: SKINLDM, about 30 minutes, no heat, needles or acids.
- Alternatives: the needle-free Rejuran PDRN Facial; a gentle, adjusted HydraFacial when not flaring.
- Avoid: manual extraction, strong peels, scrubs, steam, heat and many new products at once.
- Performed by: trained Aesthetic Therapists; a skin check comes first.
- Prices: per session, on the price list; doctor-led treatment priced at consultation.
Which is it?
Sensitive, sensitised, rosacea or dermatitis
An international expert group defines sensitive skin as unpleasant sensations, such as stinging, burning, itch or tingling, in response to things that should not cause them, not explained by another skin disease. The skin can look normal or slightly red.
Sensitised skin has been pushed into that state, usually by too many actives, frequent exfoliation or a strong treatment, and often settles once the cause stops. Rosacea, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and eczema can feel the same but need a doctor. For rosacea, a large systematic review found prescription treatments most strongly supported for bumps, with laser and light for redness and visible vessels; a facial is not a substitute for either.
Singapore adds its own strain: heat and humidity outdoors, then cold, dry air-conditioning indoors. Many people notice flares moving between the two.
Side by side
Which facial suits sensitive skin
Your Aesthetic Therapist chooses the starting point after looking at your skin and asking what it reacts to.
| Facial | How it works | During a flare? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKINLDM | LDM ultrasound micro-massage with a basic facial; no heat, needles or acids | Yes, it can be done while skin is red | About 30 minutes; evidence still limited |
| Rejuran PDRN Facial | Cosmetic-grade c-PDRN delivered needle-free with Meso Touch | Ask at your skin check | Suits sensitised and post-acne skin; 60 to 90 minutes |
| HydraFacial Syndeo, adjusted | Suction extraction and serums; the acid step can be lightened or left out | No; postpone during a flare | About 45 minutes; tell the therapist about stinging |
| Extraction facial with squeezing, strong peels, steam | Manual pressure, acids or heat | No | Often worsens reactive skin |
At home
Barrier first: what helps between facials
Often the change that helps sensitive skin most is subtraction. Use a soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water, one plain moisturiser applied to slightly damp skin, and a fragrance-free sunscreen daily. Pause retinoids, acids, scrubs, peel pads and vitamin C serums until the stinging settles, then bring products back one at a time, a couple of weeks apart.
If you keep reacting to products, a doctor can arrange patch testing to look for an allergy, which is how the cause of allergic contact dermatitis is usually identified.
Who should wait
Who this is not suitable for
A facial is postponed, or a doctor's review comes first, in these situations.
- An undiagnosed rash, swelling or weeping skin: see a doctor first.
- Suspected allergic contact dermatitis or an eczema flare that needs prescription care.
- Persistent redness, visible vessels, rosacea bumps or gritty, red eyes: these need a diagnosis.
- Sunburn, broken skin, a cold sore or skin infection.
- Isotretinoin now or recently, for any exfoliating facial.
- Recent laser, peel or injections: tell us so the timing can be planned.
At SkinRev Lab
Booking a sensitive skin facial at CityLink Mall
SkinRev Lab is at #B1-28 CityLink Mall, 1 Raffles Link, linked underground to City Hall and Esplanade MRT, open daily 11am to 8pm. Tell us what your skin reacts to when you book. Your first session starts with a skin check, and the Aesthetic Therapist explains which facial suits your skin today. Per-session prices are on the price list.
If redness, bumps or a rash look medical, Dr Sin Yong, MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MSc Practical Dermatology (Cardiff), can assess and treat them, including prescription care and laser, priced at consultation. WhatsApp +65 8266 9585.
Sources
References & sources
- Misery L, Stander S, Szepietowski JC, et al. Definition of sensitive skin: an expert position paper from the Special Interest Group on Sensitive Skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch. Acta Derm Venereol. 2017;97(1):4-6. doi:10.2340/00015555-2397
- van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J, et al. Interventions for rosacea based on the phenotype approach: an updated systematic review including GRADE assessments. Br J Dermatol. 2019;181(1):65-79. doi:10.1111/bjd.17590
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
What is the right facial for sensitive skin?
A gentle one that calms rather than strips: at SkinRev Lab, SKINLDM is the main option, with the Rejuran PDRN Facial or an adjusted HydraFacial once skin is calm.
Can I have a facial during a sensitive skin flare?
SKINLDM can be done while skin is red or irritated. Exfoliating facials, including HydraFacial, should wait until the flare settles.
Is HydraFacial suitable for sensitive skin?
Many people with sensitive skin tolerate it, because extraction is by suction. The acid step may need lightening or leaving out, and it should not be booked during a flare.
What should I avoid in a facial if my skin is sensitive?
Manual squeezing, strong peels, scrubs, steam, heat and fragranced products.
Is sensitive skin the same as rosacea?
No. Sensitive skin is a description of symptoms; rosacea is a medical condition with flushing, persistent redness, visible vessels or bumps, and needs a doctor's diagnosis.
How often should I have a facial for sensitive skin?
A course is planned at your assessment. Consistent, gentle sessions usually do more than occasional strong ones.
What is SKINLDM?
A facial using LDM (local dynamic micro-massage) ultrasound, which creates a gentle micro-massage in the skin without heat, plus a basic facial, in about 30 minutes.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If redness persists, you see visible vessels or bumps, your eyes are gritty or red, or you react to many products, because rosacea or dermatitis may need prescription treatment.