Keep your skin care routine simple
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, the best thing to do is keep your routine simple. This means avoiding a highly complicated regimen, unless otherwise directed by your dermatologist, Schlessinger says. His favorite treatment for skin sensitivity or irritation is the FixMySkin Healing Body Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone, $16. “In addition to coming in a convenient tube that easily fits into a pocket or purse, the soothing formula also heals irritation with 1% hydrocortisone and moisturizes with shea and cocoa butters,” he adds.“Additionally, he recommends two great lines for sensitive skin, Avene and La Roche-Posay, each offering ideal options for overly sensitive individuals.
Limit your ingredients list
Fewer ingredients means fewer opportunities for bad skin reactions. If your skin tends to be sensitive, less is more. “Sometimes, formulas may boast that they work for sensitive skin, but will contain ingredients disguised as something else,” Schlessinger says. That’s why he recommends looking for shorter ingredients lists and products that utilize ingredients you recognize (not strange-sounding chemicals you’ve never heard of). And, if you’re unsure if a product will work for you, ask your dermatologist.
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Steer clear of fragrances, dyes and alcohols
Fragrance might make your products smell nice, but it’s one of the biggest culprits when it comes to skin irritation. In fact, fragrance is the only ingredient that the FDA allows to be listed simply as “fragrance,” without explanation of exactly what chemicals are used to create said fragrance. In other words, you don’t really know what chemicals you’re putting on your skin. “Whether fragrances are naturally or chemically derived, they can be very irritating and should be avoided,” Schlessinger says.
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Protect your skin from the sun
If you have sensitive skin, you might be hesitant to wear certain sunscreens for fear that they may make you break out or cause irritation. However, sunscreen is your skin’s best line of defense, especially for those with sensitive skin. “If skin is burned or damaged from the sun, it only becomes more prone to being sensitive,” warns Kelly Bickle, MD, dermatologist. She recommends sticking to sunscreens that are physical blockers (as opposed to chemical blockers), like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as they are less irritating to the skin and also have a broader spectrum of protection from the sun. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47, $25, fits the bill and is highly recommended by dermatologists.
Skip hot water
Hopping into a hot shower or cleansing skin with steamy water may feel good, but it can be very damaging to all skin types, not just sensitive. “Hot water can cause dryness and exacerbate redness,” Schlessinger says. “The best way to get skin clean without causing further irritation is actually by cleansing with lukewarm water.” This goes for baths, too.
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