With sensitive skin, you need to take care of your skin, but it can feel like a challenge. There are some skincare products that contain harmful ingredients due to which, the skin becomes red, breaks out or can trigger allergic reactions. If your skin barrier is weak, choosing gentle and effective products is even more important.
If you have sensitive skin, here’s a guide to the skincare ingredients to avoid and what to use instead for a skin friendly, soothing skincare routine.
10 Things to Avoid for Sensitive Skin
1. Alcohol
Alcohol is a drying agent, so it is often found in many cleansers, toners, and makeup products because they dry quickly. However, it can remove moisture and make dry skin feel even worse. But if you see “denatured alcohol” or “ethanol” on the ingredient list, skip it. Avoid all harsh cleansers and pick up a gentle one with ingredients that hydrate such as hyaluronic acid.
2. Chemical Sunscreens
Oxybenzone and avobenzone are some harsh chemicals found in some sunscreens that can be irritating for sensitive skin types. If you have irritated skin, chemical sunscreens can cause burning, redness and discomfort. But you should go for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
3. Hydroxy Acids (In Strong Formulations)
Dead skin cells need to be exfoliated but too much in the face of sensitive skin, such as glycolic and strong Lactic acid can be too harsh. However, overuse may cause irritation, and they do not ensure the improvement of skin texture. But, instead, select products with more mellow results, such as hyaluronic acid in hydration.
4. Harsh Exfoliants
On the other hand, some exfoliant products have rough particles such as walnut shells or microbeads that can strip your skin and destroy your sensitive skin barrier. Now, instead of these, look for a chemical exfoliant made with a mild acid such as fruit enzymes or Lactic acid.
5. Parabens
Lots of skincare products contain parabens as preservatives. They prevent bacteria from growing but can also cause allergies and change hormones. See if you can find parabens free options that use natural preservatives.
6. Sulfates
Foaming cleansers, shampoos and body wash contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). All the ingredients of these take out natural oils and may leave normal skin feeling dry and tight. A more balanced routine comes from using sulfate-free cleansers.
17. Dyes and Colorants
Artificial dyes and colorants in the products are also attractive, but they cause clogging of the pores and irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you can go for the dye-free formulas that are focussed on natural ingredients.
The Best Routine for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to follow a sensitive skin skincare routine to prevent irritation:
- Choose a low, gentle cleanser not full of sulfates or alcohol.
- Use a hydrating vitamin which contains hyaluronic acid.
- Using fragrance free moisturizers will help keep the skin hydrated.
- Mineral sunscreens are always worn to prevent skin cancer.
- If you want to use a new skincare product, patch test it before you apply it on your face.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Get a Sunburn guide explains the effects of sun exposure.
Conclusion
Since sensitive skin is already reactive, extra attention must be paid to ingredients that can cause redness and breakouts. You can keep your skin barrier healthy and vibrant by using the right skincare products, avoiding synthetic fragrances, chemical sunscreens, and harsh exfoliants.
At French DNA, we aim to create gentle and effective solutions to help people with sensitive skin to find the solution easily.
Check ingredient lists of the products and opt for skin friendly options. Your skincare routine isn’t about irritation, it’s about nourishing your skin.
