When skin is considered “sensitive”
- When skin fluctuates depending on your emotional well-being and the environment. You might experience oily and acne-prone skin during the summer and dry and tight skin during colder months. Emotional stressors can contribute to your acne and/or dryness, too.
- When rashes and other minor skin reactions occur after using
certain products — like heavily scented skincare — too many products or
over-doing it on cleansing and exfoliating.
- When you’re affected by eating spicy foods, exercising and using regular household cleansers.
- When you have skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis.
- Even if you weren’t born with sensitive skin, it can become sensitive after getting Botox, microdermabrasion, chemical peels or other treatments and procedures.
- Your skin might experience these side effects: redness, scaling, swelling, blisters, tenderness, bruising, sun sensitivity or hyperpigmentation.
- Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will be able to tell you exactly how long the sensitivity will last, what symptoms to expect and how to determine which products are best to use after a procedure.
- What to pick:
- “Hypoallergenic” or “allergen-free.” But, be aware that the FDA doesn’t regulate the term “hypoallergenic.” This means that a) a company doesn’t need to produce any proof to include “hypoallergenic” on its label and b) companies have different definitions for the term.
- Fragrance-free products. Keep in mind that products labeled “unscented” can still contain potentially skin-irritating chemicals to mask the scent of fragrances.
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which is gentler on sensitive skin.
- Methyl paraben or butyl paraben preservatives.
- Overall, you might want to talk to a dermatologist about the best products for you. Specifically, the Beauty Brains suggest asking about the Contact Allergen Replacement Database (or CARD), a list of skincare products that are free from certain allergens.
- What to skip:
- Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and alcohol-based toners.
- Topical acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide.
- “…any product that boasts vitamins, antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids, and sunscreen all at the same time,” dermatologist Diane Berson, M.D., tells SheKnows.
- Botanical ingredients. For instance, pass on plant-based products that include citrus fruits, which can irritate sensitive skin, reports Real Simple.
- Cleansers should be used only twice a day. To
cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural moisture, use a cream or
lotion-based cleanser. For acne-prone skin, alternate your regular
cleanser with a gentle anti-acne cleanser. Or skip the acne cleanser
altogether and use a spot treatment with salicylic aid, which is gentler
than benzoyl peroxide.
- Moisturizers are crucial, helping to repair minor
skin irritations and dryness. They can also act as a barrier between
your delicate facial skin and environmental hazards such as pollutants
and dry air, restoring much-needed moisture to the skin.
Look for products rich in ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants
and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. If you need
an anti-aging formula, choose ingredients like kinetic, coenzyme Q10,
peptides and poly hydroxy acids, suggests Real Simple.
- Ointments and serums can help alleviate pain, itching or discomfort after a cosmetic procedure, speeding healing time and reducing visible swelling.
- Sunscreen should be used daily. Look for a formula that contains both UVA and UVB protection. This is especially important following a chemical procedure, because your skin becomes particularly susceptible to sun damage. Additionally, many treatments might cause hyperpigmentation, so cover up.
When selecting your sun protection, look for these physical ingredients, which repel UV rays: titanium
dioxide and zinc oxide.
Dealing with environmental factors
In addition to choosing your products carefully, those with sensitive skin should be aware of other factors that often cause skin sensitivities.
- Clothing: Stick with materials that are soft and
smooth and allow skin to breathe. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting
clothing. In the winter, opt for multiple layers rather than large coats
made from stiff, heavy fabrics. Here’s what to wear and avoid:
- Cotton, absorbent and cool, is always a classic choice.
- Silk is strong and light, and also warmer than cotton. It wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping skin dry.
- Viscose is usually safe, as it’s mostly a natural product. But some people find that their skin reacts with the chemicals used in its processing.
- Wool, linens and nylon should be avoided, as they don’t allow the skin to breathe.
- Socks and shoes: Skip the nylons if you have sensitive skin, and opt for cotton socks or tights. Leather shoes can be irritating, so try synthetic alternatives.
- Jewelry: Avoid jewelry that contains nickel, which is very likely to cause a reaction. In fact, most people are at least slightly allergic to nickel. The majority of cheap jewelry does contain nickel, so you might want to splurge a bit on the nickel-free accessories. When choosing your metals, keep in mind:
- Yellow gold contains very little nickel and is a safe choice.
- White gold can be irritating, because it contains white metals to create the lighter coloring and often does contain nickel.
- Fine silver contains 99.9 percent silver, meaning it contains very little additives and is a good choice.
- Sterling silver contains 92.5 percent silver and is also safe. It usually contains some copper, which is unlikely to irritate skin.
- Surgical or stainless steel is said to be safe for those with nickel allergies, but in actuality contains up to 12 percent nickel, so be wary.
- Titanium is hypoallergenic and makes an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Fragrances: Whether it’s a household cleaner or bouquet of fresh flowers, it can become a potential source of irritation. Luckily, most household products offer a fragrance-free option. If you suspect that you may have an allergy to something in your environment, such as flowers or grass, visit an allergy specialist.
- Cold weather: The winter months can be very irritating to those with sensitive skin. Keep your skin comfortable by:
- Avoiding extreme temperatures. While a hot bath or shower may help to warm you up when you’re feeling cold, extreme heat can be irritating to your skin. So turn the temperature down slightly.
- Taking precautions. Transitions from cold and rainy outdoor weather to dry, hot air inside can cause painfully red and chapped skin. Make sure to protect your skin from the winter chill by wearing cotton-lined gloves and scarves. And if you use central air heating at home or in the office, use a humidifier to make up for lost moisture in the air.
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