Do you often experience irritation caused by your skincare products? If you do, you most likely have sensitive skin. We understand that the thought of testing new products can be unsettling for you since it is impossible to predict what will trigger flare-ups, red spots, rashes, stinging, or any other abnormal reaction.
However, just because you have sensitive skin doesn't mean that your skincare regimen must be challenging. You just need to read the label more carefully and know which ingredients to stay away from.
Here is a list of the Top 5 skincare ingredients you should avoid.
Many skin care products contain alcohol such as ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol, to help in the penetration of various ingredients. These alcohols can nevertheless result in dryness, infection, and outbreaks. Certain fatty alcohols and mixtures can cause reactions like redness, irritation, and plugged pores on sensitive skin. So, it's okay for you to stay away from them entirely.
Although fragrance can relax and create a sense of happiness, it is also one of the most common reasons for skin irritation. Even natural fragrances can cause a reaction to sensitive skin though they are usually better than artificial/synthetic fragrances. Fragrances are a complex mixture of various scent substances, and anyone can be sensitive to these substances. When applied to sensitive skin, serum or lotions with fragrances may cause irritation and weaken the skin's inner layers. When choosing a skincare product, chose one that reads “No Added Fragrance” or “Fragrance-Free”. Do not be confused with the term “Unscented “or “Allergen-Free Fragrance”. “Unscented” could mean that there are added masking ingredients meaning that the same harsh chemicals could have been added so that it has “no scent”. “Allergen-Free Fragrance” refers fragrances that do not contain any of the allergen ingredients defined under the EU cosmetics directive.
Using an exfoliator that is excessively abrasive can cause your skin to become immediately inflamed if you have sensitive skin. While you shouldn't fully skip exfoliating because it's necessary to remove dead skin cells and obtain that glow, choosing gentler products is crucial to preventing any skin flare-ups.
Using gentler types less frequently can exfoliate while avoiding any unpleasant effects because both physical exfoliators (like scrubs) and chemical exfoliators (like acids) are relatively harsh on the skin. Because it doesn't penetrate as deeply as other acids, lactic acid is an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
Parabens are a low-cost synthetic preservative used to keep beauty products free from the growth of bacteria and fungus. The problem is, parabens have been linked to allergic reactions among a host of other health issues.
Parabens can be listed under different names, but the most common are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. Parabens are particularly common in makeup and moisturizers.
We're used to believing that any vitamin is beneficial for us, but for those of us with sensitive skin, this isn't true. Vitamin E can be very beneficial for promoting skin healing. Most people with dry skin and even some eczema sufferers can tolerate it. However, you should start taking it cautiously if you have highly sensitive skin. For people with highly sensitive skin, products with a high concentration of the ingredient can trigger an allergic reaction, redness, and even a rash. Use a very tiny amount of the product on people with mild to moderate levels of sensitivity and check for dryness or redness before using more. Instead of using a potent vitamin E serum, look for it in moisturizing products where it's often considerably milder.
Not all ingredients on this list will guarantee a reaction, but they can be more irritating than others. It's recommended to add new products to your routine gradually if you have sensitive skin. If you're trying something new, introduce one product at a time. Once your skin doesn't show any signs of sensitivity, you can gradually introduce more products into your skincare regimen.
Our Store offers Clinic-Exclusive products that are Curated by Experts and Recommended by Doctors. If you have sensitive skin and is keen in using our products, our team is ready to assist on any enquiry you have before you make any purchase.
