How to select sensitive skin products

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Learn how to select sensitive skin products to pamper delicate skin

Anyone with sensitive or delicate skin knows just how wise it really is to educate oneself about how to select sensitive skin products.

The primary characteristics of sensitive skin include dryness, frequent breakouts, excema, dermatitis or infections, and/or excessive irritation due to external stressors such as sun exposure, wind, temperature changes, pollutants or allergens such as cigarette smoke, chemical fragrances and cosmetics, and internal stressors such as hormonal changes, diet and even some ingested food preservatives.

Individuals with sensitive skin may be more prone to cosmetic issues such as premature wrinkles and may eventually face a higher risk factor for medical conditions such as skin diseases or skin cancer.

Since we can’t change the skin we are in, learning how to select sensitive skin products that protect and nourish skin is the best course of action for those with delicate skin.

Establish a Skin Care Regimen:

1. Cleanse Your Skin:

Cleanse your skin on a daily basis with water, and mild, hypo-allergenic soaps or cleansers that do not contain alcohol which can easily dry out sensitive skin. Instead, search for all natural soaps or cleansers with botanical ingredients.

2. Tone Your Skin:

Toning is the best way to remove any remaining makeup, dirt or oils that may be still be clogging your pores even after you have cleaned your skin. Select an alcohol-free toner that is specifically intended or labeled for treating sensitive skin types. Witch Hazel is one example of an all natural astringent and gentle botanical cleanser that is ideal for sensitive skin. Tone your skin by gently patting a cotton pad, soaked in astringent over your face.

3. Moisturize Your Skin:

Daily moisturizing is the best way to keep skin nourished, healthy and prevent premature wrinkling, and lessen the effect of stressors. Avoid moisturizers with chemical fragrances and opt for lotions that contain natural, botanical ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, olive oil, almond oil, oats, honey, chamomile or sage.

4. Protect Your Skin:

The sun, in particular ultraviolet rays from the sun, have proved to be one of the most damaging external stressors to sensitive skin. Even the CDC warns that protecting skin from sun exposure is important all year round, not just during the summer months. Protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses are essential for those with sensitive skin, and sunscreen is one of the most important products. According to the CDC, sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 are ideal. Individuals with sensitive skin should also research make up and cosmetics that contain SPF 15 sunscreen.

Anyone wondering how to select sensitive skin products will find these additional tips to be helpful:

3 Helpful Tips for How to Select Sensitive Skin Products

1. Avoid using any skin care products that contain either alcohol or alpha hydroxy acids. Both of these ingredients will serve to dry out and damage sensitive skin.

2. Regularly treat your face to a hydrating or nourishing mask that will revitalize your skin.

3. Purchase all natural or botanical cosmetics. Avoid cosmetics and toiletries that contain toxic skin sensitizersss such as methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, ethoxylated ingredients, artificial fragrances or colors, or propylene glycol, which is a proven skin irritant and carcinogen.