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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Relieve irritation the right way
If you find yourself with itchiness or irritation, avoid scratching at all costs. It might provide relief in the moment, but it will only lead to additional irritation, or even infection, soon after. Instead. Schlessinger suggests soothing the irritation with a comforting product, like FixMySkin Healing Body Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone, $16, and Vanicream HC 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, $9.95. “Both products contain soothing and healing ingredients to moisturize and heal skin without causing further irritation,” he says.
