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Help Me Choose Natural Products For Sensitive Skin

What is it?

Many people tell us they have sensitive skin. The question is...sensitive to what? Sensitive skin is a lay term rather than a medical diagnosis.

Some people truly have thin or a fine-textured sensitive skin. Since it reacts quickly to both heat and cold, sensitive skin sunburns and windburns easily. It is often dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions.

Other people have skin that is simply sensitive to its environment. Seasonal temperature and humidity changes, very hot water, detergent soaps, synthetic fragrances and colors, preservatives, alcohol (used on the skin), and other artificial additives cause irritation or inflammation, which leads to red, blotchy, and itchy skin.

Rosacea, eczema and allergic contact dermatitis are commonly mistaken for sensitive skin.

For a more extensive list of soaps for sensitive skin, please read Help Me Choose Soap.

Symptoms

Dry, Itchy, Tight, Flaking or Peeling Skin

This is usually due to dryness, common causes of dry-skin itch are cold, dry weather, wind, harsh skin care products and washing with very hot water

Redness

This can take the form of a red rash, red bumps, blushing and flushing

Stinging & Burning

Especially when using detergent based soaps or gels, products with alcohol or artificial fragrance, and strong acne or anti-aging products.

Treating Sensitive Skin

Use Simple Natural Soap & Skin Care

Simple, natural soap is best. We suggest that people with sensitive skin begin with soaps that contain no essential oils. Soaps like the Goat Milk Oatmeal, Carrot & Honey, Milk & Honey Baby Soap, Marsh Mallow Chickweed or any of the other soaps listed below that say “no added scent.” Some people have also found the Sea Buckthorn and Neem and Tea Tree soaps to be very helpful.

Simple, wholesome skin care is best. Choose skin and hair care products carefully. Read labels and choose products that have simple, natural ingredients. The fewer ingredients in a skin care product, the better it is for sensitive skin.

For a more extensive list of soaps for sensitive skin, please read Help Me Choose Soap.

If you are not sure how a product will react with your skin, do a patch test before applying.

Moisturize

Sensitive skin is even more prone to problems from environmental elements like pollution, dry air and wind.

Sensitive skin is also often dry. Moisturizing helps protect skin from water loss and maintains a healthy barrier from environmental factors.

It is important to choose moisturizing products with simple, natural ingredients that will hydrate and soothe skin.

Gentle natural creams and body and face oils are calming and kind to sensitive skin.

Gently Exfoliate

All skin needs exfoliation, but sensitive skin types can be damaged by ingredients in some scrubs.

Avoid scrubs with harsh acids, salt or large particle ingredients.

Choosing a simple natural exfoliator like Adzuki Micrograin Scrub will gently exfoliate without irritating sensitive skin.

Salves

Old fashioned ointments or salves are great for spot treatment of sensitive skin areas.

Natural salves are used to soothe, protect or promote healing of the skin. The concentrated organic formulation of nourishing oils and the healing power of herbs acts as a barrier on the skin’s surface.

Organic herbal salves are a convenient way to bring the healing and soothing properties of herbs deep into the tissues.

For a comparison of all of our salves please read "Help Me Choose Salves."

Bathing

Soaking in a warm bath can help soothe sensitive skin. Here are some tips:

Add oatmeal, natural bath oil, or a natural bath salt to a warm bath water. Try our Simply Salt Bath Salts
Organic herbal bath teas are a soothing addition to a warm bath and can also be used as an "herbal washcloth." Our Soothe My Skin Bath Tea is a gentle blend of skin soothing and softening botanicals, oats and Himalayan Pink Sea salt.
Gently pat skin dry after a bath or shower. Vigorous rubbing can irritate sensitive skin.
To get the most from a moisturizer, use it immediately after a bath or shower.

Things to Avoid

Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrance is a leading cause of contact dermatitis and can even lead cause an increase in skin sensitivity, especially for folks with sensitive reactive skin.

Those with sensitive skin often find significant relief just by switching to fragrance-free products. Look for products that are labeled "fragrance-free," and not just "unscented." Unscented products may still contain synthetic fragrances added to neutralize natural scents created by other ingredients. When checking ingredients avoid products that contain "fragrances" or "parfums."

Preservatives

According to the Mayo Clinic, next to fragrances, preservatives found in cosmetic and skin care products are the most common allergens and irritants for people with sensitive skin. Any product that contains water must also contain some type of preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Since most commercial skin care products contain water, it can be difficult to find products that are preservative-free.

Harsh Chemicals & Synthetic Ingredients

Avoid using skin care and cosmetic products that have alcohol, harsh exfoliants, harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate, petrochemicals, and artificial colors or synthetic fragrances all of which can irritate sensitive skin. Research ingredients carefully. For example, two common ingredients found in many anti-aging products, retinol and glycolic acid, can be very irritating to sensitive skin.

Heavy Foundation

Your skin needs to breathe, so avoid foundation if possible. Foundation, especially when applied as a thick film, can interfere with the ability of the skin's natural cell turnover process, the ability to shed old skin cells and to renew cells.

What’s Your Skin Type?

Unlike your blood type which is the same from the day you are born, your skin type is something that will change throughout the different stages of your life. The first step in properly caring for your skin begins with understanding your skin type.

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Medical Disclaimer

The content found on this website is for informational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information and statements regarding health related benefits of certain ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your personal physician or other medical professional. Do not use the information found within this website to self-diagnose any medical conditions or treat any health problems or diseases. The information provided is not intended to prescribe or be taken as medical advice