What is sensitive skin?
“Sensitive skin” is one of those phrases thrown around all the time, but what does it really mean and how do you know if you have it? And if you do have it, what causes it and what do you do about it?
Sensitive skin is when the top layer of the skin (where the nerve endings are), becomes irritated. What you experience can be stinging, burning, itching, dryness, tingling or reddened skin. This irritation happens when the skin's natural barrier is impaired by triggers, such as sun, heat, wind, cold, soaps, cosmetics, detergents, dyes, fragrances, pollution, and stress.
Skin-care products and detergents are big factors for those with sensitive skin. This is why these products should be carefully examined for ingredients that are harmful for your skin.
So what skin-care ingredients should someone with sensitive skin try to avoid?
Any products that contain fragrances and dyes – this includes both detergents and skin and hair care products. Laundry detergent is usually heavily scented with artificial fragrances, and often contains dyes that can cause reactions. Even skin care products can contain these or other harmful things.
Keep away from ingredients like glycolic, salicylic acid, retinoids, isopropyl alcohol, parabens, benzophenone, sodium laureth (or lauryl) sulfate, propylene glycol & butylene glycol, chemical sunscreens, and any product with a gazillion ingredients – a sure sign of way too many chemicals that you don’t need getting into your skin. Try to choose natural detergents and skin care products that don’t have these ingredients.
Which ingredients should sensitive skin types look for in skin care products?
Look for products that maintain and nourish your skin barrier. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter are humectants (substances that promote retention of moisture) and emollients (a softening, soothing agent) that draw and seal in moisture, and Aloe Vera can soothe and heal your skin.
Beauti Me’s Anti-fungal & Anti-bacterial Body Lotion has many of these ingredients. It was created for those who care about their skin and want an irritation-free moisturizer that makes their skin glow!
