Sensitive skin is a condition where the skin is easily irritated by various factors such as skin care products, household products, and environmental factors. People with sensitive skin may experience stinging, burning, itchiness, redness, or tightness when using certain products. Here are some positive and negative factors to consider when choosing skin care products for sensitive skin:
Positive factors:
- Moisturizing products help skin hold on to moisture so it resists drying and abrasion.
- Noncomedogenic products are designed not to block pores and can be beneficial for those with oily skin or prone to acne.
- Herbal treatments containing mucilage, such as heartseases, marshmallow, and flax, can soothe and act as an emollient on skin.
Negative factors:
- Some ingredients in hair care products, such as synthetic detergents, can strip the hair of natural oils and cause irritation.
- Some ingredients in skin care products, such as retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids, can be irritating to sensitive skin.
- Some ingredients in hair care products, such as resorcinol and selenium sulfide, are linked to skin irritation and carcinogenicity.
When choosing skin care products for sensitive skin, it is important to look for products with only a few ingredients and little or no fragrance. It is also important to avoid products containing antibacterial or deodorant ingredients, alcohol, and irritating chemicals. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using face powder, silicone-based foundation, and non-waterproof cosmetics for minimal skin irritation. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine maintain a Household Products Database online where you can look up products by brand name to see what’s in them and whether anything they contain could irritate your skin.
