By Cora Gold
Even the most secure people sigh in dismay when they awaken to a red, blotchy complexion. Itchiness and breakouts can shatter your confidence before a big date or job interview. Is it something you use? What are the best skincare ingredients for your sensitive skin and what should you avoid to prevent problems?
Everyone’s biology is unique, so finding what works best for you takes trial and error. However, knowing what to look for makes the process easier. Understanding your complexion’s multiple factors can lead to your brightest, healthiest skin yet.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin arises from multiple causes. According to dermatologist Amy B. Lewis, MD., sensitive skin comes in four varieties:
- Naturally Sensitive: Genetic conditions like psoriasis and rosacea run in your family.
- Environmentally Sensitive: Anything from cigarette smoke to VOCs could cause your skin irritation.
- Reactive: This occurs when common skin care product ingredients cause redness, or make you break out with papules or pustules.
- Thin: Skin naturally becomes thinner with age.
Allergies And Sensitive Skin
Allergies to specific ingredients can trigger reactions. The best prevention is to avoid the irritating substance, but you must first discover what it is first.
If you follow a multi-step skincare routine, check the ingredients against the items you already have. Recently added a product to your repertoire? Make sure to check its ingredients. This will help pinpoint what may be causing the issue. If not, you can consult your doctor for a patch test. You can also experiment independently by applying a small amount of each substance to an inconspicuous area.
Basic TLC For Sensitive Skin
The biggest “crime” committed by those with sensitive skin is trying too hard to correct it. Sometimes, more products can just lead to more problems.
Wash your face no more than twice per day. Those with extremely sensitive skin might only rinse their face with water in the morning. They can save the deeper cleanse for the evening. After cleansing and using a gentle toner, apply any speciality products, followed by a general-purpose moisturiser and sunscreen.
If you wear makeup, it’s also essential to remove it every night. Removing makeup will allow new skin cells to regenerate overnight and help avoid breakouts.
Taking An Inside-Out Approach
Does your diet affect your skin? The answer is yes, but it’s complicated. Although many people associate your microbiome with your gut, beneficial bacteria colonies thrive on multiple bodily surfaces, including your skin. The makeup of these colonies varies depending on where they occur in your body. However, diet and lifestyle factors affect them wherever they are.
While topical applications help, dietary changes could result in less sensitivity, especially if related to an underlying deficiency. For example, magnesium regulates your skin’s tone and texture while helping you produce natural vitamin D from the sun’s rays. Magnesium deficiency can also spur depression, which often takes a toll on your appearance as you neglect self-care.
When you start to understand how everything works together, you can improve yourself inside and out. For example, vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that boost your body’s immune response when eaten. They also protect against sun damage when applied topically by mitigating the effects of UV light on your complexion.
The 8 Best Skincare Ingredients For Sensitive Skin
Multiple skincare ingredients show beneficial effects you may want in your skincare routine. Here are eight of the best for sensitive skin that provide soothing benefits.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid for many purposes, including maintaining plump, smooth skin and flexible joints. It helps prevent visible signs of ageing by drawing water into cells, minimising the look of fine lines and wrinkles. You might recognise it as an ingredient in many injectable skin fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane.
It’s safe for sensitive skin, as this molecule already exists in your body, reducing the chances of an allergic reaction. Many over-the-counter skincare creams contain hyaluronic acid. However, you must read the jar carefully to avoid other unwanted ingredients. It pairs well with nearly anything. Even if those substances cause you to break out.
2. Ceramides
Ceramides are fats or lipids found in your skin’s outer layer. As you age, your body can’t replenish them as quickly, allowing more damage to occur. Those with skin conditions like eczema may also have depleted levels.
It’s best to apply ceramide creams while your skin remains moist to lock in moisture. Fortunately, they pair well with emollients and humectants such as hyaluronic acid. You might be able to find a combination product.
3. Peptides
Peptides are short amino acid chains that build substances like keratin, collagen and elastin. According to Dr. Alexis Granite — one of the UK’s leading board-certified dermatologists — peptides help maintain positive skin texture, strength and resilience. There are scores of peptide creams, many of which also contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
4. Niacinamide
If vitamin C serum dries your sensitive skin, try a cream rich in niacinamides. These substances work similarly. They prevent the damaging effects of sunlight or other outside toxins. Many find niacinamide the gentler option. Niacinamide also stimulates collagen production to combat visible ageing signs.
5. Witch Hazel
If your sensitive skin cries out for a gentle toner, opt for witch hazel. Unlike more caustic substances like salicylic acid or isopropyl alcohol, it removes dirt and oil from pores without excess drying.
6. Aloe
Snap off a leaf of this succulent and apply the juice directly to your skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it soothing to irritated flesh, hence its popularity as a sunburn remedy. It also appears in many skincare products.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that fight acne. You should never apply it at full strength. Seeking products with this ingredient can balance your skin’s microbiome. It can also decrease acne lesions when mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or avocado.
8. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a rich source of moisture with high levels of vitamins C and E. These nutrients benefit your skin when applied topically, according to board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD. Enjoying guacamole beautifies you from the inside out, while using this ingredient in creams moisturises.
For those looking for top-rated vitamin C serums, it’s essential to focus on formulations specifically designed for sensitive skin. The best vitamin C serum often includes additional soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. It may also contain vitamin E to help mitigate potential irritation.
These serums do an excellent job of providing antioxidant protection. They promote collagen production and even out skin tone. This makes them a valuable addition to any sensitive skincare regimen. Look for products that clearly state they are suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid those with fragrances or other known irritants.
Ingredients To Avoid When You Have Sensitive Skin
In general, you should avoid harsh chemicals when you have sensitive skin. Seek products that contain only the ingredients above with a gentle carrier, such as glycerin.
Fragrances, in particular, cause issues for many, so watch out for heavy perfumes and labels with indecipherable ingredients. A quick online search can tell you if it’s a long name for a gentle product. It can also tell you if it’s a harsh element your skin will disagree with.
Nourish Your Sensitive Skin With These Skincare Ingredients
Dry, itchy, or irritated skin is simply uncomfortable. If you have a sensitive outer barrier, knowing what ingredients to use and avoid can help. It can make a significant difference in your day-to-day quality of life.
Those listed above are natural and unlikely to cause or increase irritation. Use them as a guide to find the right products for your unique complexion.