You may have sensitive skin if it easily becomes red or irritated, or reacts negatively to many of the skincare products on the market or to certain types of fabrics touching it. Dermatologists may identify sensitive skin by certain types of skin reactions, excessively dry skin or a tendency toward blushing. If you are experiencing the discomfort of sensitive skin, you know that this condition can be a difficult one to cope with. It’s hard to know what is safe to use on your delicate epidermis in terms of cleansers and makeup. The good news is that there are some basic guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your skin stays soft, smooth and irritation free.

Cleansers

If you have sensitive skin, you can’t just put any old skincare product on it and hope for the best. When you are choosing a cleansing program for you skin, it is generally best to look for products that contain a list of ten or less ingredients on the label and include little or no fragrance. “Fragrance-free” is often the best choice, and if the product is labeled “hypoallergenic”, then so much the better. However, keep in mind that this description is not regulated by the FDA, so hypoallergenic can basically mean whatever the manufacturer wants it to. While this may be a good place to start in terms of care for your sensitive skin, always test a small area behind your ear first when trying any new product, to ensure that your skin does not react to it.

If you have oily skin as well, you will need to use skincare products that will address both of your issues to keep breakouts at bay without causing additional irritation to your complexion. Choose fragrance free, hypoallergenic products formulated for oily skin, and only apply astringent to the oiliest areas of your face. Discontinue if redness or irritation develops. Avoid exfoliating products completely; instead choose cleansers containing salicylic acid that will gently exfoliate pores without causing a reaction.

Makeup

The same guidelines apply when selecting makeup products for sensitive skin, in terms of finding those that are labeled fragrance free and hypoallergenic, and contain ten or less ingredients. A silicone-based foundation is the least likely to cause irritation, followed by a face powder that contains few preservatives. Darker eyeshadows tend to be more irritating than earth tones, and pencils and powders work better than creams and liquid liners. Avoid waterproof products, because they will require a solvent to take them off, and make sure that you don’t keep any cosmetics that are old and possibly contaminated.

Sunscreen

Sun protection becomes even more essential for those with sensitive skin, so make sure that you are wearing an SPF of 15 or higher every day of the year. Products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the best choices for protection of sensitive skin. Gel formulas are better choices than oil-based varieties, and you can also look for fragrance free, hypoallergenic products in sunscreens as well.

Sensitive skin can be a challenge to deal with, but the right products and plenty of TLC will keep your sensitive complexion looking and feeling it absolute best.

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