You know that old cliché about anger, that it’s actually a cry for help? It’s true—at least when it comes to skin. Age, stress, sun, poor diet, and other assaults can prompt a dermal conniption, in the form of redness, itchiness, and irritation, says integrative dermatologist Valori Treloar. But there are ways to make nice.

The number of people who report sensitive skin has nearly doubled since the 1980s, according to research from Beiersdorf, the global beauty-products firm. Even when skin seems more furious than fragile, it pays to adopt a peacekeeper attitude—and some products that are guaranteed to soothe.

Many harsh cleansers remove the protective layer of oil from the skin. A mild version, such as Olay Sensitive Wet Cleansing Cloths, with aloe and vitamin E, can mollify skin while removing grime. olay.com

If skin is especially irritable, Avène Soothing Moisture Mask (which contains safflower oil and natural spring water from France to hydrate) can help repair it. Leave on a thick layer for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse away. aveneusa.com

When the skin is stressed, water can escape. Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water and applying a moisturizer right after the shower. Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Loti on Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is especially gentle. eucerin.com

Treat sensitive skin tenderly with ViveSana Solar to Polar Ultra, a strong sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. vivesana.com