Many deal with skin irritation at least occasionally, but does that mean you have sensitive skin? We’ll discuss how to tell if you have sensitive skin, as well as some helpful tips and products to use.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin refers to a skin type that easily reacts to certain triggers. These triggers might be harsh conditions (such as heat, coldness, or wind), products applied to the skin, the environment (such as air pollution), or even certain foods and drinks.
When exposed to one of these triggers, sensitive skin can experience redness, itchiness, burning or stinging, a rash, or may even start to peel. While many people will experience some skin irritation at some point in their life, those with sensitive skin will deal with a more persistent reaction to these triggers.
Do I Have Sensitive Skin?
The best way to check if you have sensitive skin is to meet with a dermatologist to get a proper examination. A dermatologist can help you determine your skin type, and see if any underlying conditions (such as rosacea or eczema) are causing the sensitive skin.
Besides meeting with a professional, you may be able to tell if you have sensitive skin if you regularly experience some form of skin irritation. You may notice that your skin stings when you apply a certain product, or that it easily gets red on a windy day. If so, you may have sensitive skin.
Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Sensitive Skin
While sensitive skin triggers will differ from person to person, there are a few skincare ingredients those with sensitive skin should avoid.
It’s important to steer clear of inert ingredients, which are fillers that may increase shelf life or improve the scent of a product. These ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Common inert ingredients that can be problematic for sensitive skin include propylene glycol, parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, fragrances, and formaldehyde.
Those with sensitive skin should also avoid products with high concentrations of exfoliants. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and cause it to peel, so look out for products with high levels of alpha-hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid) or strong retinols. It is also important to stay clear of cleansers with exfoliating beads, as they can create microtears and cause more inflammation.
Other ingredients that can be problematic for sensitive skin include alcohol (which are common in astringents), propylene glycol (a drying ingredient found in foaming cleansers), sulfates, and parabens.
Best Products for Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin can find a variety of beneficial products at Visha Skincare. All Visha Skincare products are free of inert ingredients that cause reactions. The following are some of the best products for sensitive skin.
Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser
This multitasking cleanser effectively removes pollutants and residue from the skin while balancing its pH, making it ideal for twice daily use. It contains zinc and mild alpha and beta acids, which work together to decrease inflammation, redness, and irritation. It is free of parabens and sulfates, and is perfectly safe for sensitive skin.
Visha Skincare RejuVenating Moisturizer
This emollient face cream restores moisture, reinforces the skin barrier, reduces wrinkle density, and improves overall elasticity. Sensitive skin will benefit from the yam extract, which soothes and calms the skin.
Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex™
This correcting serum contains ingredients that boost collagen production, soften wrinkles, minimize sun spots and hyper-pigmentation, improve skin texture, and minimize the appearance of pores. The addition of hyaluronic acid also helps to keep sensitive skin supple and hydrated.
Sensitive Skin Care Tips
When you have sensitive skin, it is important to recognize what causes reactions and adjust accordingly. If you’re currently dealing with itching or skin redness, do some investigation to determine the trigger.
If you’ve added a new product to your routine, you may want to eliminate it and see if the irritation clears up. This includes not only skincare products, but also laundry detergent and hair products that could affect the skin. You should also take a look at your environment, and note if you have made any changes to your diet that may contribute to the issue.
Final Thoughts
It is important not only to use products that are safe for sensitive skin, but to also avoid irritating ingredients and known triggers. By taking these steps, those with sensitive skin can work towards calm skin that is free of irritation.