Solutions for Sensitive Skin

According to Temitayo Ogunleye, MD, associate professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, there is no formal description for sensitive skin. However, most physicians consider it to be skin that is bothered by items that are not bothersome to the majority of individuals.

It’s actually very straightforward. According to Ogunleye, if your skin burns, itches, or becomes red and inflamed after applying cosmetics or skincare products, this is a solid indication that you have sensitive skin. The more difficult aspect, she argues, is determining what causes it.

These symptoms may indicate an allergy or a minor form of a skin illness such as eczema or rosacea in certain people, according to Leila Tolaymat, MD, a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. “These problems can become more severe under specific circumstances, such as when the skin is exposed to particular substances or environments,” she explains. Your doctor can assist you in determining if you have one of these conditions or whether a skincare product is to blame.

Because skin can be sensitive to a wide variety of substances, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare. However, some items might aggravate sensitive skin more than others, and following some general rules can help make life with sensitive skin simpler.

Avoid fragrances. 

Tolaymat notes that scented soaps, lotions, and liquid cleansers frequently include chemicals that might irritate sensitive skin. Due to the fact that corporations are not allowed to label every chemical or component used in a fragrance, it can be difficult to identify and monitor the ones that are causing you difficulties.

What about perfumed goods made entirely of natural components, such as essential oils or botanicals derived from plants? According to Ogunleye, just because something is natural does not mean it would not irritate your skin. “You don’t really need fragrance in your lotion or soap, so it’s better to choose one that doesn’t include any,” she adds.

Even goods labeled “unscented” may include compounds added to hide the strong scents of active substances. Rather than that, seek for goods labeled “fragrance-free,” which implies they contain no odors — not even those used to conceal them. This is true of soaps and lotions, as well as any other items that may come into contact with your skin, such as shampoo, household cleansers, deodorant, and laundry detergent.

Watch out for preservatives. 

Parabens, which are chemicals added to lotions and cosmetics to inhibit microbial development and extend their shelf life, may irritate certain people with sensitive skin, Tolaymat adds. If you’ve experienced an adverse response to a product containing propylparaben or butylparaben, consider switching to a paraben-free version.

Additionally, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone should be avoided. These preservatives are frequently irritants and allergens to the skin.

Skip the toner. 

Tolaymat advises her patients with easily sensitive skin to avoid alcohol-based face toners and astringents that are intended to remove excess oil and debris. “There is much overlap between sensitive and dry skin, and cosmetics containing alcohol can be detrimental to both,” she explains.

Tolaymat asserts that as long as you cleanse your face twice daily using a liquid cleanser, toners are not a required component of the majority of people’s skin-care routines. She suggests avoiding them completely or requesting a milder option from your dermatologist.

Try one new product at a time.

 When making adjustments to assist your sensitive skin, go cautiously. “Many of my patients would completely alter their skincare routine,” Ogunleye explains. “When people experience an adverse response, they are unable to determine which product caused it.” It might be a single component or a combination of goods that do not perform well together.

Introduce one new product at a time and monitor it for a few weeks to determine if it is beneficial. If your dermatologist advises or prescribes a new product, inform them of the ones you already use.

Choose makeup carefully. 

“Even if they have had negative responses in the past, people with may use makeup,” Ogunleye explains. “They just need to identify the appropriate items, which may need some trial and error.”

Tolaymat offers a few general guidelines: avoid perfumes and preservatives, and search for oil-free, non-comedogenic products. This indicates that the product is not meant to clog pores, which might result in acne and sensitive skin flare-ups. Additionally, cleanse your face at the end of the day; sleeping in makeup can cause irritation and pimples.

Use physical sunblocks. 

Sunblocks are classified into two categories: chemical and physical. The first kind employs compounds such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene that absorb and degrade ultraviolet radiation. The second kind employs microscopic mineral compounds, such as zinc or titanium, that adhere to the skin and deflect the sun’s rays.

Many folks have no difficulties using either form of sunscreen. However, some individuals may experience adverse responses to chemical blockers. Occasionally, UV radiation can react with commonly used sunscreen ingredients (a condition known as photoallergy) and cause a rash or blisters when a person is exposed to the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that those with sensitive skin use physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active components. Additionally, they should avoid sunscreens containing perfumes, oils, or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a frequent allergy.

Don’t ignore new breakouts or reactions. 

Everybody occasionally develops pimples or inflamed skin. However, if you see significant changes, a dermatologist can help you determine if you have a curable ailment or are sensitive to a component of your skin-care regimen.

Even if you haven’t changed goods recently, one of them may be to blame. “Because the body must be exposed to something for a period of time before developing an allergy, you may be using a product for a long period of time and then have a severe reaction to it,” Tolaymat explains. “Manufacturers can also alter the composition of a product without informing the consumer.”