Any tips for sensitive skin?

I do not have sensitive skin, so I do not know whether my opinion counts (ignore me if it doesn’t). I do go for regular microdermabrasion and other high performance facials so my skin does get “sensitised” from time to time.

Contrary to popular opinion, what calms my skin real quick are not “natural” products, but “bio-natural” products, meaning skincare products that contain what are naturally found in my skin. These bio-natural products are often synthetically produced in a lab.

(1) Ceramides.
(2) Hyaluronic acid.
(3) Phospholipids.
(4) Cholesterols.

Controversial, but silicone works like a charm for me when my skin is sensitised. I usually slather ceramides, then hyaluronic acid, then a silicone-based moisturiser.

Other than a few exceptions I tend to avoid plant-based products, as they are heterogeneous (cannot exhaustively list out every molecule and composition can vary from batch to batch). If you look at things like QV they are very synthetic and in that way it’s well-controlled and I know exactly what I’m putting on my skin.

I like using “natural”, plant-based etc . products when my skin is not sensitised.

Always find it is best to stay away from fragrances in my Skincare Products, also Body Washes and Washing Detergents also Fabric Softeners all these products that have Fragrances would cause rashes and hives.

These days there are so many great Natural or Organic Skincare Products around. This should also apply to the types of clothing that you buy sticking to Organic Cotton, also Bamboo Clothing Products.

I use to have very sensitive skin on my face but once I started to eliminate some of the nasty chemicals, my skin has improved 100% I finding more & more that natural products are the best way to avoid irritation. With that said, I did have a nasty reaction to a tea tree product once & found I was allergic to the plant itself. I can use most tea tree products but have to avoid anything with a high concentration of it.

I use as only natural products -no chemicals or alcohol and sunscreen every day

I find that strengthening the skin barrier and reducing irritation are the things that get me back on track when I experience sensitivity. Ensuring the skin has enough hydration, using skin-strengthening ingredients such as ceramides and pre and pro biotics builds up the skin’s own natural defence against irritants. Reducing irritation means using very gentle, low pH cleansers that don’t strip, cutting back on the strong actives (no strong acids, retinols, pure L-ascorbic acid) for a while.

Generally I avoid products with strong fragrance or essential oils. Some plant extracts also irritate mey skin (such as pineapple extract). Brands like Cerave are a safe bet for cleansing and moisturising. Pre and pro biotic products include The Inkey List Multi-biotic, Manyo Bifida Biome Complex, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum, Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Serum.

I find natural products without perfume (or if so naturally derived), sulphates paraben or alcohol are usually less likely to make me react. Physical sun blockers with zinc oxide are usually better than chemical ones. Budget brands that use chemical sunscreen in their formulas are the worst! I will buy a product if it says it has been designed for sensitive skin or a from a brand I trust like Avene, La Roche-Posay etc. For makeup it is trial and error. I look for dermatologist tested. I constantly make mistakes and products end up in the bin! If I can I will get a tester or mini size of product to try it before commiting to a full size. Even more confusing I can start using a product and be fine and then suddenly it will feel uncomfortable. Very unpredictable. I also avoid acids like retinol, AHA etc but usually HA acid is fine and am careful with Vit C as well (La Roche-Posay serum is Ok!) Hope this helps!

It’s hard trying new products because I just never know when something is going to irritate my skin. I also stay away from perfumed products and ingredients like alchohol. I like to use oils on my skin in the winter when it’s drier, as long as it’s just 100% oil then I know it won’t irritate my skin.

Their are very basic moisturisers like Avene calcifate and Bioderma cicabio that I use if my skin has flared up. Anything with oats or a derivative of oats is very soothing too.

Hi Samantha

My skin is always dry and sensitive especially during the cold seasons . I try very heard to search for lip/facial/body products for dry skin without any alcohol or harsh ingredients and perfumes that would irritate even further. I look for brands that says it on the labels ( eg. sensitive, gentle, for dry skin, no alcohol etc ) and if any organic products are on sale I give it a try as they are quite pricey full price. Also I don’t spend too much time prolonged sun exposure.
I feel blessed to be able to try the Natural beauty box coming soon as its excactly what should suit me well for my skin . Thanks BH !