Sensitive, rash prone skin is probably the worst of all the skin types.
Don’t worry, as a fellow sensitive type I too feel your pain. While everyone is experimenting with their makeup or BB creams you’re too terrified to switch up the routine you’ve finally found that doesn’t make your skin an angry red.
But there is some good news in all this, there are some things you can do to help sensitive skin.
1. Know that expensive products aren’t necessarily better.
One of the worst skin reactions I’ve ever had (and I’ve had quite a few) was from one of the most expensive skincare brands on the market.
I won’t name names, but I’ve learned to keep my skincare products simple. The more ingredients in a skincare product, the more likely you are to have a reaction with at least one of those ingredients.
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Dove. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.
2. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
Redness, irritation and itching, burning sensations can be caused by an underlying skin condition like rosacea, eczema or psoriasis not a product reaction.
Skin reactions can last days and months after the initial reaction, so scheduling an appointment with your GP or dermatologist can help in determining the cause of your irritation.
3. Avoid triggering ingredients.
If you’re not too terrified to experiment with new skincare products, make yourself familiar with the list of ingredients to avoid. And your skin will thank you for it.
Alpha hydroxy acid, benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, and anything marked ‘skin lightening’ or ‘brightening’ can trigger irritation.
4. Be gentle
Rubbing and tugging the skin can actually re-trigger the reaction – and no one wants that. Since irritation also impairs the skins ability to heal, a gentle touch is required when cleansing and exfoliating.
Steer clear of granular exfoliants and look for nourishing skincare and body products. Dove’s Triple Moisturising Body Wash contains three moisturisers to help replenishment of the skin’s natural moisture level from within.
5. What not to do.
Avoid the four S’s: Saunas, Steam, Sweating and Super-hot showers. If you can also own an at-home cleansing device, it’s probably best to stop using it until irritation clears.
Some simple things to remember when it comes to skin care:
If you have sensitive skin, what do you do to keep it healthy?
During winter your skin might start to feel dry, scaly and rough, and the use of some body washes can strip the moisture from your skin rather the rejuvenate. Dove is different. With breakthrough Nutrium Moisture®, it’s proven to hydrate and nourish skin deep down* and maintain its beauty. Dove Triple Moisturising Body Wash is a rich creamy formulation, featuring a breakthrough blend of moisturisers enriched with skin natural lipids that can deeply absorb within the skin’s surface to nourish deep down* when you shower. Dove leaves your skin feeling soft and supple, giving a touch of pampering nourishment in the shower. That’s the Dove Difference!
*In the skin’s surface layers.
Top Comments
I actually find steam and saunas do wonders for my skin, so I do it at any opportunity. Avoid fragrance heavy products, they always set me off. Alpha keri and Ego are great for sensitive moisturising. Oddly sorbolene is one of my allergies, but my skin loves
lanolin.
Sigh. I don't want to be rude, but this makes me sad.
As a skincare therapist I feel confident in saying that, as a general rule, cheap and nasty products will not do your sensitive skin any favours. Cheap fillers tend to be irritating, by and large. And your pharmacy moisturisers (Cetaphil etc) may not cause immediate irritation but they certainly will not address the causes of sensitivity and restore barrier function. If you have sensitive skin you need to see a skincare therapist who specialises in treating sensitive and couperose skins. Contrary to what's in the above article, ingredients like vitamin A can be extremely beneficial for this skin condition (vitamin A in its different forms acts as an antioxidant which is very important for skins that experience inflammation, but it also thickens the epidermis which helps to increase barrier function). Niacinamide is a fabulous must-have for sensitivity. Hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, marshmallow, are all good for sensitivity when present in high enough concentrations in good formulations. A skincare therapist will also ensure that skin's pH is balanced (this is a huge contributing factor to sensitivity) and that products are all being used properly.
There are plenty of strengthening, desensitising facials which can also be employed to really get that inflammation down and that barrier function up!
Honestly, if someone I loved had sensitivity and they were using Dove and cheap products, I'd cry.
For treating sensitivity I love Guinot and Dermaquest. La Roche Posay is an excellent affordable option.