Sensitive skin

[Mila D]

Be careful of thinking that sensitive skin= allergic skin/reactions!! It doesn't. In many cases people who are allergic (ie. atopic dermatitis, when you're allergic to anything and everything) have sensitive skin, but it's not always true the other way around: people with sensitive skin aren't always allergic.

Sometimes, especially if it seems to be sudden, skin may become extremely sensitive due to stress or external factors. For instance a change in the season (my skin goes crazy in the summer), or pollution, or overzealous cleaning. I've seen a lot of cases when cleaning or exfoliating with products that are too harsh can make skin react: itch, sting and become sensitive and this won't go away from one day to another, but with consistency and a soft treatment it gets better!

I used to have the mos sensitive skin ever! I've always had to look out for the products I used on my skin because I am allergic, and because my skin was a tiny bit sensitive. Then, about 2 years ago, my skin went CRAZY. I couldn't put anything on it without it being tight, itchy and uncomfortable and blotchy and red. If I run my finger down my cheeks it felt like sand paper and my skin burnt! I can't describe how awful it was. What I did then was eliminate almost everything I did to my skin, except cleansing and moisturizing.

The products that worked best for me (mostly, dry skin but sometimes normal) were:

-Avéne's miscellar cleansing water, which unlike Vichy's (I tried this one later on) isn't tacky and is frangance free.

-Avéne's cream for Intolerant skins (peaux intolerants): This is absolutely brilliant, and it really calms skin down.

Also, I find that when skin is extremely sensitive and reactive its best to keep away from lathering, rinsing cleansers and from water (especially hot water!).

Today my skin is way better, it still gets periods of sensitivity but mainly,I think it's either due to climate factors or because I put too much stuff on my skin and end up saturating it (I'm a bit of a skin-care obssesive!). One thing I've learned over the couple of years is that for sensitive skin simple is the way to go and less is more!

Also, every skin is different, especially sensitive skin: my skin seems to react badly to grainy exfoliators so I try to stay away from those, but it may not be the case with everyone ( it isn't actually). My skin tolerates some cosmetic brands fairly well (ie. Garnier essentials,or some plant-based products) even though they mess up other people's skin and aren't formulated exclusively for sensitive skin.

As for the Clinique debate, I agree we shouldn't deem it bad for skin in general. I used it once, didn't see much changes on my skin, positive or negative, so I finished using the products I had (3 step system) and switched to other brand.

Just my two cents

 

[Mila D]

Some recommendations:

For oily/acne prone sensitive skin, I've heard good things of La Roche Posay's Effaclair line. It's formulated for sensitive skin and combats acne. In general LRP's products are good for problem and sensitve skin--I repeat in general--because they have thermal water which I find soothes skin a lot. There's also Normaderm from Vichy, but I think LRP's is better in general (I love that it's always fragance free, which means products don't contain scents and ingredients your skin doesn't really need, reducing the odds of having a reaction to them). Avéne carries a line for sensitive acne-prone skin too...Cleneance? I can't remember the name, but it should be on their website.

I agree with The Ida, that usually the less ingredients a products contains the better for skin that reacts badly to most things. But as I said above, as not every sensitive skin will be allergic not every sensitive skin will react badly to plant derived products. For instance, I am allergic, not hugely so, but I am and I can't handle aloe vera, even if it isn't a very potent allergen while Lavander is okay for my skin. I'm allergic to sallicylic acid and react poorly to products with fragrances (chemicals!)...so it's not a black/white thing, imho. We can only speak in general, an if a product works for someone then great!

As for make-up...I'd say if your skin is in really bad shape due to the sensitivity (rash, patches, inflammation, irritation) I'd leave it alone! I don't think makeup would do it any good. You need to let skin estabilize so to speak, calm itself, get back to normal (as normal as it gets) and then think about wearing makeup on your skin.

If you absolutely have to wear a foundation or cover up there is makeup available in dermocosmetic brands, such as Vichy, LRP, Avéne (I'm sure there are more brands that have makeup for sensitive, or irritated skin, but those are the ones I'm familiar with). I know there's this foundation from LRP's line Toleriane which is formulated for skins that are extremely sensitive, I haven't tried it, or other Toleriane products, but I've heard good things about that line. It may be worth the shot.

Oh and it's always a good idea to ask for samples everytime you get the chance! I always do it when I'm buying skin care products or make-up. Better safe than sorry, you know

Hope this helps!

 

[cold_sun]

Well then, I just ordered Bioderma H20 Crealine Cleanser as well as the Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask (I think thats what its called) - read/heard good things about those, now I only need to find a good moisturizer, since in the morning, after applying the Clinique anti-blemish one, my skin tends to get very irritated, dry and even itch. I goes away after some time but nevertheless, I don't think a good product is supposed to make you feel like that.
Im a bit afraid that the since the cleaner is no "anti-belmish/anti-acne-something", my skin might get worse but if my skin gets on w/t cleanser, I might try their akn moisturizer as well.

 

[stolemybicycle]

Anyone have and suncream recommendations?

I always have big problems with suncream.
Going on holidays next week so I need to try to find one that won't leave me with terrible skin by the time I get back home.

 

[Georgi]

^^ Yes!! here is my rec: DEVITA Solar Protective Moisturizer spf30. ZInc oxide and eco-friendly (doesnt destroy the coral or other ecological systems like chemicals do and is non-nano).

Google it.. Many online places and Whole Foods have it. It doesnt cause le zits on my sensitive acne-prone skin. Reapply every hour when outside. Not white-ish on the skin.. totally clear.

 

[ediewho]

^what about something over 30 spf!!!???

 

[Nikoline]

I´ve always had sensitive skin, but through this really cold winter my skin have become even more sensitive because of my stupidness of not using a coldcream when I´m outside in -20 degrees celsius. So I´ve been switching out my skin care routine completely and are currently using stuff from L´Occitane´s Ultra Comforting-line. I really like it, especially the cream, but I prefer foaming cleansers over cleansing-milks. Any suggestions for a foaming cleanser for sensitive skin??

 

[CarolineRose]

When my skin is really stressed or my cheeks get blushed from the heater I usually just use Jason Naturals Aloe or Tea Tree Gel - both are really nice and soothing. It also helps me to pour a little cold green tea (I always have a pitcher in my fridge to drink anyways) on a cloth and put it on my face for a few minutes.

 

[bluebutter]

When my skin is really stressed or my cheeks get blushed from the heater I usually just use Jason Naturals Aloe or Tea Tree Gel - both are really nice and soothing. It also helps me to pour a little cold green tea (I always have a pitcher in my fridge to drink anyways) on a cloth and put it on my face for a few minutes.

Does the cold green tea work? How does it work anyway?
I have uber sensitive skin as well. My face is really prone to dryness and these red blemishes. It's so frustrating. I've been to a doctor several times and he has yet to refer me to a dermatologist. All he has given me is a steroid based topical cream. He did recommend a face lotion called Impruv though that seems to work alright.

 

[CarolineRose]

Well, cold water works too, but green tea is gentler to me and makes my skin calmer. The antioxidants in green tea have anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically.

 

[Cristina777]

I feel so frustrated with my skin. I have sensitive and super acne prone skin. I've tried eye make up and got acne pimples on my eye area, how crazy is that?!

Products used to treat acne are so harsh...and make my skin hurt so bad. My derm gave me Duac gel and after the first application (I used less than a small pea size amount for my all face, I felt so stupid applying such tiny amount) made my face hurt really bad, my skin peeled, become red and my face swolled. I kept using the product and after 2-3 weeks the side effects almost disappeared, but during the 1st week I could hardly sleep due to the pain. My acne got a lot better and I don't use it anymore (my derm recommended to keep it using 2x a week, but I hate that thing so much...).

Someone mention that Avene Cleanance and LRP Effaclar lines should be good for oily sensitive skin, they did not work for me. Avene Cleanance gel cleanser and Cleanance K made my skin burn. If I kept using them the burn sensation got worse and worse (I did not use them during the same period).
Tried LRP Effaclar soothing moisturizer, after applying it I (literally) ran to the sink to wash it off. It burned so much.

The only skincare products that I ever finished were a Neostrata lotion (in my teens when my skin wasn't that sensitive), effaclar A.I and sunscreen. I usually develop some weird reaction to a lot of skincare products and I have to stop using them. I thought that I would finish my first cleanser this year but nah...after months using the same cleanser it is starting to burn on my skin...have to change cleanser again.

My face towels and pillow cases have to be really soft and if caps or hats touch my forehead for more a couple of minutes they start to hurt my face.

This last couple of weeks my skin has being more sensitive than usual and I don't understand why. The only moment that my skin doesn't hurt is when I have sunscreen on (never heard nothing like this before...). Oh yeah, and the only sunscreens that I can use leave a white film and I can't wear foundation on top, because it gives me pimples and/or irritate my skin. How great is this?

Sometimes I just don't know what to do with my skin.

 

[CarolineRose]

Honestly the first thing I would do is consult another derm . . . nobody's skin should cause them pain! If your doctor isn't helping you prevent it, then get another one! I don't know the medical reasons that might be behind your skin sensitivity, and I'm not going to venture into an area I don't know about, but I think you should treat your sensitivity before you bring out the harsh creams to treat the acne . . . because they could just be making it worse!

Do you need to cleanse your skin harshly? When my face is feeling sensitive I just cover with with a warm washcloth for a few minutes and wipe it off, then splash with some cold green tea. It's the ONLY thing that doesn't make my rosacea worse if it's already flared up.

The only other thing I would recommend is a pure hyaluronic acid serum, which is around $10 on sites like vitacost and iherb. Don't be scared by the word "acid", it's just the moisturizing ingredient in heavy-duty creams without the gunk and fillers. The one I use is from Now Foods, and it also has aloe in it, which calms the skin additionally. Because it's so light and simple, I've never had any irritation or breakouts from it.

 

[oceanhue]

Hey guys,

I too have very sensitive skin. Normal washing detergent, lotion, oils, body wash, body sprays ALL give me a rash. So I can only use NATURAL soap or oils on my hair and skin. Trust me, if I use normal bodywash my skin feels very dry and and slightly burns. The burning sensation isn't THAT noticeable, but it's definitely different than my normal body temperature. And if I continue to use these products my skin breaks out in a rash.

Anyway.

I currently only use African black soap on my body and I use it to remove my makeup. It's a good cleanser. Here's some info about it--CLICK HERE. It's very good for any skin problems and it has helped my scars to fade significantly. I use this one. Don't mind Meko Kardashian, my friend wrote that about me, haha!

Chagrin Valley is also very good. My favorite is the Goat Milk Honey Oatmeal Soap. It's really good when your skin is super itchy and inflamed. Helped me during the cold winters of Austria.

As for a moisturizer, I make my own. I put unrefined African shea butter and EVOO in a bottle and I melt it in the shower. When I get out, I put it all over my body. It evaporates really quick and there is no smell. It fades your scars too. People always compliment me on my skin and my skin is very smooth because of this stuff.

Thought that I would help!

 

[Cristina777]

Do you need to cleanse your skin harshly? When my face is feeling sensitive I just cover with with a warm washcloth for a few minutes and wipe it off, then splash with some cold green tea. It's the ONLY thing that doesn't make my rosacea worse if it's already flared up.

I didn't think that the cleanser that I was using was that harsh. I used it for about 5 months (a record for me) without a problem. I never being able to use the same cleanser for that long! I always had to alternate cleansers...or I would get breakouts and/or irritated skin. This week my skin is being so crazy that some days I can not even use warm water! I switch to a La Roche Posay Toleriane cleanser, which does not burn on my skin and I already started to get tiny bumps all over my face!
I don't use any product that contains Benzoyl Peroxide since the beginning of January. Stopped using AHAs or BHAs all over my face more than a year ago (I do use effaclar A.I.-targeted spot treatment). NEVER used BP while using AHAs or BHAs, NEVER used them everyday (since 10 years ago) or used more than one product containing them at once. Never used retinoids or vitamin C. I was using PHAs (which are gentler than AHAs and BHAs) every other day for 3 months and the only thing I felt was a very light tingling the first time I applied them (AHAs and BHAs BURN on my skin...for days!). I stopped using PHAs 3 weeks ago, tried it today on my forehead just to see what happens and I felt NOTHING! I was doing exactly the same as I did for 3 months: sunscreen in the morning, wash it off in the end of the day and a PHA product every other day at night (and no makeup).
These last weeks my skin went crazy! The only thing different in my daily routine is that I've spent hours during weekdays inside a (hot) greenhouse with a lot of plants (one of these days I just wanted to scratch and peel off my skin; the skin on my face, neck, chest and back was "burning" so much). My skin does get better on weekends...hmmm...


I also splash my face with cold green tea. It feels so cooling and nice. Good to know I am not the only one, I always felt a bit weird doing that.

 

[cup-of-tea]

I didn't think that the cleanser that I was using was that harsh. I used it for about 5 months (a record for me) without a problem. I never being able to use the same cleanser for that long! I always had to alternate cleansers...or I would get breakouts and/or irritated skin. This week my skin is being so crazy that some days I can not even use warm water! I switch to a La Roche Posay Toleriane cleanser, which does not burn on my skin and I already started to get tiny bumps all over my face!
I don't use any product that contains Benzoyl Peroxide since the beginning of January. Stopped using AHAs or BHAs all over my face more than a year ago (I do use effaclar A.I.-targeted spot treatment). NEVER used BP while using AHAs or BHAs, NEVER used them everyday (since 10 years ago) or used more than one product containing them at once. Never used retinoids or vitamin C. I was using PHAs (which are gentler than AHAs and BHAs) every other day for 3 months and the only thing I felt was a very light tingling the first time I applied them (AHAs and BHAs BURN on my skin...for days!). I stopped using PHAs 3 weeks ago, tried it today on my forehead just to see what happens and I felt NOTHING! I was doing exactly the same as I did for 3 months: sunscreen in the morning, wash it off in the end of the day and a PHA product every other day at night (and no makeup).
These last weeks my skin went crazy! The only thing different in my daily routine is that I've spent hours during weekdays inside a (hot) greenhouse with a lot of plants (one of these days I just wanted to scratch and peel off my skin; the skin on my face, neck, chest and back was "burning" so much). My skin does get better on weekends...hmmm...


I also splash my face with cold green tea. It feels so cooling and nice. Good to know I am not the only one, I always felt a bit weird doing that.

May be your allergic to one of the plants in the greenhouse and the hotness probably makes it worse...?

 

[ellastica]

until a few years ago i never really considered my skin to be sensitive. but now i'm very cautious.

a few years ago i had a run-in with Origins cleansing oil. my skin got uber itchy, started flaking horribly and my pores started becoming bumpy and noticeable. that was a real eye-opener. it took a few weeks for my skin to recover. i usually consulted my paula begoun books (don't go to the cosmetic counter without me) to get the scoop on products before trying but it was new at the time and i'm a sucker for cleansing oils. well turns out the essential oils (which Origins is notorious/known for) is what did my skin in.

after that skin trauma i become pretty llaissez-faire with my skin care: ocasionally washed my face and didn't really use moisturizer. but than i got 'inspired' a few weeks ago and i started using whatever random stuff i had laying around (clarins, ysl, l'occitane, juice etc brands that like to tout 'natural') and my skin freaked out: tiny raised bumps (i think my normally invisble pores became inflamed) and my skin started peeling all over. not pretty, so i just stopped all the random stuff.

currently i'm using Dessert Essence Fragrance free body lotion for my body as well as face and alba botanica sea algae scrub as a cleanser. alba is 'natural' and the desert essence is organic. my skin loves it and hasn't reacted and slowly is getting back to normal.

sensitive skin care is very tricky; even with natural and organic products freakin labeled for 'Sensitive skin' or unscented or fragrance free has done a number on my skin.

i find this site uber helpful as far as learning more about basic skin care facts, products/ingrediients to look for/avoid etc:

http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn-skin-care-facts.aspx

http://www.cosmeticscop.com/are-natural-and-organic-ingredients-better-for-your-skin.aspx

 

[Diedejan]

I swear by products of MBR, the have the ContinueLine MED, a medical range in skincare...

Look @ www.M-B-R.de ( you only have to translate...)