Sensitive skin is a term people often use when they react harshly to certain bath and body products. In truth, these “sensitivities” are often the fault of the product being too harsh in general and not the actual result of sensitive skin. That said, sensitive skin is still an issue for some people. Dermatologists classify sensitive skin by checking for bumps, blemishes, and erosion on the surface of your skin or denoting skin too dry to naturally protect the nerve endings. Errant blushing and flushing are also signs of skin sensitivity.
People with sensitive skin often suffer from ailments like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction to certain chemicals. For these people, finding the proper bath and body products is imperative, as skincare is vital to keep skin moisturized and healthy. Let’s explore what people with sensitive skin should look for in a bath and body product.
When it comes to face care, many products on the market contain highly odoriferous ingredients masked by deodorizers or other more pleasantly scented chemicals/compounds. Dermatologists say that these products are the leading cause of those reactions that people misdiagnose as sensitive skin but are incredibly dangerous for those who genuinely have sensitive skin. It’s suggested that using a gentle cleanser, such as one that doesn’t contain soap, is the answer. Many soap-free cleansers exist in the form of bars and liquids denoted “gentle” or “made for sensitive skin.” These code-words also apply to products such as cleansing creams and disposable washcloths made for the face.
While there is very little guidance beyond cleansers, those with sensitive skin should look for specific attributes in their bath and body products. These include very few ingredients, no alcohol, little fragrance, nothing denoted “antibacterial” or “deodorizing,” and nothing containing alpha-hydroxy acids or retinoids unless otherwise directed by a dermatologist or doctor.
If you’re starting on sensitive skin product restrictions, it’s essential to test each product before fully applying. This includes all types of lotions, such as hand creams, body butters, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair products, body washes, face washes, and makeup products. Anything that you apply to your body on a regular basis should go through the testing process. To test, take a small portion of the product and dab it behind your ear for three days in a row before going to bed. If no irritation occurs, and it’s not a facial product, it should be safe. If it is a facial product, dab a small portion just to the side of your eye (do not put the product in your eye, as this can exacerbate irritation). If no irritation occurs, it is safe to use. If irritation occurs at any point, cease use immediately.
If you have any questions about specific products, contact your dermatologist or doctor. They can guide you on which products they deem safe and recommend for their patients.