If you have acne-prone skin, skin that is especially oily, or skin that has very dry patches, you will need to address those concerns with products formulated for those skin types. Sensitive skin is prone to irritation, so it’s important to use as few products as possible in your skincare routine.
Choose products that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free to minimize irritation. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Products that say “sensitive” on the label. [2] X Research source Try facial wipes if you find that cleansers are too harsh for your skin. [3] X Research source You can always opt out of “soaps” altogether and just use water or coconut oil. If you have other skin issues, such as inflammatory acne, you will want to speak with a dermatologist before attempting to exfoliate. [4] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020. Remember that just because a product works well for someone else with sensitive skin, it might not work well for you. Additionally, more expensive products are not always best.
Wash your face at the end of the day before bed. Apply a mild moisturizer or cream when you’re done. Unless you have very oily skin, you do not need to wash your face in the morning. [6] X Research source
Hot water will strip your skin of its natural protective oils and can also scald it. While it is a myth that cold water closes your pores, it can help to keep them from producing excess oil. If you have oily skin, use cold water.
Some people prefer to use a washcloth, but unless it is very soft, the fibers on a washcloth can be abrasive to sensitive skin. Splash cool or warm water on your face. This will help the product penetrate the oil and dirt on your face. In general, a pea-sized amount should do, although some products do not spread as well as others so you may need more.
Be sure to remove all the product from your skin. Again, using a washcloth is not recommended for sensitive skin.
If you will be outdoors, use a product with sunscreen. [8] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020. Choose a sunscreen offering broad spectrum coverage and an SPF of 30. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source If your skin is sensitive to chemical sunscreens, try a broad spectrum sunscreen containing a physical blocker like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which tends to be gentler on skin. [10] X Research source Other gentle moisturizers that often work well for people with sensitive skin include Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for oily to normal skin or Bare Minerals Purely Nourishing Cream for very dry skin.
If you have no other major issues with your skin, it is possible that you can rely entirely on a mild face wash, a sunscreen, and a moisturizer. Remember that cosmetic products can also be irritating, so choose formulas that are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (that is, won’t clog your pores).
Some food allergies, like a gluten or milk allergies, can cause reactions in the skin. Even nut allergies can manifest as hives, itchy skin, or redness around the mouth. An allergist (a doctor specializing in allergies) can help you determine if your sensitive skin is caused by environmental or food allergies by giving you skin-prick or patch test.
Consider whether your face wash, scrub, toner, sunscreen, moisturizer, cosmetics, lip balm, or any other product that comes into contact with your face might be causing a reaction. You can try eliminating products individually for about a week each, in order to see if you have any improvement of your symptoms. You might also have an allergy or sensitivity to products that you use, such as your laundry detergent, or a perfume.
Some issues that seem like mere skin sensitivity are actually eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or other skin issues. Each of these skin conditions has its own root cause and treatment plan. [14] X Research source If you’ve never been to a dermatologist, see one to rule out other conditions. If you do find out you have a skin condition, the dermatologist can prescribe a treatment. Eczema or atopic dermatitis can be treated a number of way including creams to affect the immune system, antibiotics to prevent infection, antihistamine to stop itching, and stress modifications. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
