Best Products & Treatment For Sensitive Skin

Skin Care Products

Sensitive Skin

Many women (and some men) feel that they have highly sensitive skin. But, what does that really mean? There is really no “official” dermatological definition for sensitive skin. It usually means the skin condition of those who easily break out in patchy, blotchy rashes or get itchy, stinging skin as a result of some skin care products or cold, windy weather.

If you experience these uncomfortable skin conditions, you should see a dermatologist to rule out any serious problems and get a professional opinion on just is happening with your skin. However, your sensitive skin issues just may be of your own doing. Due to pressure from the media, Hollywood and the younger-is-better attitude here in the USA, many of us are actually doing too much to our skin. We’re undergoing microdermabrasion, chemical peels and weekly facials. We’re using at-home exfoliators and retinoids that are supposed to give us a more youthful appearance (and they do when used in moderation). However, they also strip the skin of its protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to sun, wind and chemicals that we all experience every day.

Skin Disorders

Rosacea is a skin disorder that appears as red blotches and pimples on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin and can make skin ultra-sensitive, especially to hot weather, temperature variations, spicy foods, stress, alcohol consumption, hot baths and some skin care products. It may also cause burning and soreness in the eyes and eyelids. Rosacea can be treated with antibiotic drugs or ointments. If these fail to give relief, Accutane or Retin-A is sometimes prescribed. You should use sunscreen everyday and use mild skin care products, including daily moisturizers. You should also gently cleanse your eyelids with a product made just for that use, apply warm compresses to your eyes several times a day and use eye drops if your eyes feel dry.

Eczema symptoms include itchy, red, dry skin. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of eczema are made worse by excess sweating, stress, cold weather, wearing scratch, tight clothes, taking hot (as opposed to warm) showers or baths and using harsh skin care or laundry products. So, don’t engage in extreme exercise during a breakout, wear breathable clothing (cotton and linen) and test all products that may come into contact with your skin. Be sure to keep areas of breakout clean and moisturized with a fragrance and dye-free product. Test all laundry products to see how they react with your skin. You can use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and itching and try not to scratch inflamed area. Cover these with a light bandage and wear gloves, especially at night, to avoid unintentionally scratching your skin, which will make the rash worse. See a dermatologist for more answers to your eczema questions.

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to a substance to which you are sensitive or allergic. The allergic reaction is often delayed, with the rash appearing 24-48 hours after exposure. Skin inflammation varies from mild irritation and redness to open sores, depending on the irritant, the body part affected and your sensitivity. Common allergens include (but are not limited to): plants, some metals, cosmetics and other skin care products, certain medications, rubber, fabrics, detergents, fragrances, solvents, adhesives, ragweed and aerosol sprays.

Facial products & the Skin Reactions They May Cause

Retin-A – This product claims to slow down premature aging caused by sun damage. It is not shown to cause redness or excessive peeling in most people. If these symptoms happen when you use it, cut down the number of times per week you are using it. If you still experience uncomfortable symptoms, your skin just may be too sensitive for this product.

Alcohol, beta hydroxy acids, retinoids, lanolin – These ingredients that are used in many anti-aging products and moisturizers are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. so can Preservatives such as parabens and quaternium-15 that are sometimes used to prolong a product’s shelf life may also cause allergic in sensitive skin.

Fragrances that companies use to mask the chemical smells in unscented creams may also cause allergic reactions in people who have sensitive skin. It may help to use “fragrance free” products rather than “unscented” creams and lotions.

Formaldehyde is found in most nail polish and perfume and may, again, cause skin reactions.

The best and easiest way to find out if you’re sensitive to ingredients in a product is to put a little of the product on your forearm and wait 24 hours. If you experience redness, itching or blistering, try a different product. Be sure to check the product’s label for any of the above ingredients (some dyes can cause allergic dermatitis too, so check for them, too).

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