If you are experiencing skin sensitivity, you’re likely searching for which of your current products is causing your issues. If a product is irritating your skin, it’s likely that one of these eight ingredients is the culprit.
These ingredients show up in everything from mascara to hand soap. To help you in determining what is causing your sensitive skin, we’ve put together a quick guide to what may behind your skin irritations.
Dual-Purpose Products
There are many cosmetic products on beauty product shelves that have dual uses. While it may sound like a great concept to cleanse your face while fighting acne, or to moisturize while preventing aging, these dual-purpose products can lead to applying too much of one ingredient without realizing it.
If you have sensitive skin, choose your products wisely. Stick to one-purpose products to avoid overloading your skin.
Fragrance
If you’re experiencing any type of sensitivity, the first thing a dermatologist is going to recommend you cut out is fragrance. Artificial fragrance could contain 200 or more different chemical or botanical components while the ingredients are simply labeled “fragrance” on many products. When eliminating ingredients, look for “fragrance-free” rather than “unscented” to avoid all potentially-irritating scents.
Dyes
Dyes are another irritating ingredient for those with skin sensitivity. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a common ingredient found in permanent hair dyes that can cause an allergic reaction. The result is a rash at the hairline, nape of the neck, and around the ears. Ask your colorist before booking your next appointment what they recommend. There are both in-salon and at-home color kit options available that are formulated without PPD.
Sulfates
These cleansing agents commonly found in shampoos help to create a rich, foaming lather. However, sulfates can strip your hair and skin of its natural oils. This ingredient often contributes to rashes, blemishes, and can be too harsh for some, creating dry skin and hair.
Preservatives
While necessary for keeping any products that contain water fresh and stable, some preservatives, such as parabens, can cause an allergic reaction in certain people. Parabens are more likely to cause irritation to those who already experience skin sensitivity and issues such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Another preservative to avoid in cosmetics and skin care products is methylisothiazolinone which is considered a highly-hazardous allergen.
Essential and Mineral Oils
Products that are labeled as natural or organic can still cause a reaction on sensitive skin. These products often contain ingredients that may be unusual or untested. Plant-based ingredients like citrus fruit extracts and mint can cause irritations if these are primary ingredients.
Helioplex
This relatively new sunscreen agent does an excellent job of blocking both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin. However, 99% of sunscreen rashes that develop are Helioplex related. While this ingredient is highly effective, it could also cause someone with sensitive skin to have a mild reaction. If you notice a reaction to sunscreen, check the ingredients list to see if Helioplex is listed.
Exfoliants
It’s perfectly safe for you to use exfoliating products if you have sensitive skin, but the key to using these products is to apply them in moderation. Start out with a product that contains amino fruit acids. The AFAs re-derived from the sugar cane bud rather than the stalk to provide better exfoliation with minimal irritation.
Are Laser Treatments Safe For Sensitive Skin?
For people with sensitive skin, it can feel as though the selection of new skin treatments or skincare products to try is limited. At Laser Aesthetic Center, our skilled medical staff is experienced in working with all skin types, including sensitive skin. We tailor every treatment to our individual patient. To learn more about the top treatments we recommend for sensitive skin, schedule your free consultation appointment today.