Do common skincare and household products cause itching, redness, or inflammation? 

If so, you may have sensitive skin. This kind of skin problem makes it important to be aware of both what you're putting into your body and what you're putting on your skin. You’ll need to make some changes to your beauty kit, adding products aimed at skincare for sensitive skin and avoiding ingredients that exacerbate your symptoms. 

Sensitive skin can be caused by preexisting health conditions like eczema, rosacea, and hormonal imbalances. However, it can also be caused by allergies and food intolerances, environmental factors like extreme wind or excessive sun or cold exposure, and even stress and genetic factors. When the skin's protective barrier is compromised, it is more susceptible to both internal and external irritants and this can show up as rashes, swelling, or scaling. You could even experience uncomfortable sensations like itching, burning, or stinging on the face, lips, hands, body, and scalp.

Join us as we take a look at the daily beauty habits and skincare products that can help you manage your sensitive skin and rid you of any pain, discomfort, or visible signs of irritation.

Tips for managing irritation and sensitive skin

Test new products before using them

People with skin that tends to be sensitive and easily irritated need to test products gradually before using them to observe their skin's reaction and slowly build up a tolerance. Before putting a new product on your skin, do the following:

1. For several days in a row, apply a small amount of product to your inner forearm and leave it on overnight.

2. If your skin shows no signs of discomfort or irritation, follow the same procedure, this time applying the product to an area on your neck.

3. If you still don't see or feel signs of irritation, the product should be safe for you to apply to your body and face.

4. If the product does cause irritation, don’t use it.

Those with sensitive skin should avoid products that contain strong active ingredients like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, vitamin C, and topical retinoids/retinol.

Avoid common irritants

The skincare ingredients that create a reaction will vary from person to person, but generally speaking, those with sensitive skin will want to steer clear of products that contain synthetic fragrances, sulfates, dyes, preservatives, harsh alcohols, and parabens. 

Instead, look for products that contain skin-nourishing ingredients that retain moisture, such as hyaluronic acid and humectants. The latter include soothing plant extracts and natural oils such as coconut, jojoba, and evening primrose oil, that replenish the lipid barrier.

The simpler and cleaner the ingredient list, the better.

Protect your skin throughout the seasons

Make sure you avoid sunburn and other harmful effects from UV exposure by wearing a high-quality sunscreen such as Pack Up & Glow Priming Mineral SPF 40. Because chemical sunscreens commonly contain potential irritants, mineral sunscreens are the safest option for sensitive skin. Sunscreen should be worn year-round, and take other precautions, such as avoiding prolonged sun exposure when the sun is at its highest and wearing protective gear like a hat. In winter, make sure not to overheat your home or take excessively hot baths or showers, and be sure to use ultra-hydrating skincare products to avoid dryness, flaking, itching, and cracking.<product>1</product>

Make changes to your daily habits

There are a number of lifestyle habits you can adopt to avoid further aggravating irritated skin. These include:

1. Favoring soft, natural fabrics such as fine cotton and silks for your clothing  and bed sheets.

2. Consuming a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods and avoiding your food intolerances and common allergens such as dairy and gluten.

3. Implementing stress management techniques, as high stress levels are known to increase skin sensitivity and worsen pre-existing conditions. 

Product recommendations for sensitive skin

Face cleanser

Highly fragranced soaps containing strong detergents shouldn’t be used on the face, especially if you have sensitive skin. Instead, use a mild cleanser formulated for sensitive skin such as Drift Away™ Cleanser. This gentle face cleanser nourishes and balances the skin using mineral-rich ingredients such as seawater, kelp, and coconut water that don’t strip the skin of its natural barriers. Vitamin-rich fruit extracts help defend cells from free radical damage, leaving your skin clean and hydrated.<product>2</product>

Body wash

All Inclusive Shampoo and Body Wash is a 2-in-1 gel-to-foam formula that reinvigorates dull skin and hair without using any harsh chemicals or irritants. It is safe to use on color-treated hair, and makes an excellent body wash for sensitive skin. It contains a bamboo extract that helps soothe and calm skin and coconut oil that creates a protective barrier while locking in moisture.<product>3</product>

Moisturizer

Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized will help prevent irritation, dryness, and the uncomfortable sensations associated with it. Dive In™ Moisturizer is a wonderful face cream for sensitive skin as it provides up to 72 hours of deep hydration. The lightweight formula is easily absorbed and enriched with a combination of 13 fruit extracts that deliver nourishment and hydration to your skin.<product>4</product>

For extra hydration, we recommend our best face oil for sensitive skin Glow Ahead Illuminating Face Oil.<product>5</product>

Eyeliner and mascara

Use a quick-drying, smudge-free formula, like High Line Liquid Eyeliner, to avoid the potential of makeup getting in your eyes. The tapered tip will help you create a defined look while gliding on smoothly and effortlessly. Because sensitive eyes are easily irritated by wind, air pollution, and allergies, a water-resistant mascara is undoubtedly best for sensitive eyes. Be sure to avoid formulas with alcohol, latex, and synthetic fragrances, which may cause watery eyes and discomfort.<product>6</product>

Foundation

When shopping for a foundation, look for formulas that contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. You’ll find this in the Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation, along with a range of other gentle, nourishing vitamins and plant extracts. When looking for a powder foundation, avoid too many preservatives to limit the risk of skin irritation. Your makeup foundation brush should have soft, synthetic bristles.<product>7</product>

Discover more skin-loving products at Wander Beauty

Wander Beauty offers an extensive range of essential women’s beauty products. Because we believe in clean beauty, we’ve created the Clean Initiative to ensure the ingredients in our products work for your skin, not against it. All our multitasking makeup and skincare products are cruelty-free, free of parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), mineral oils, and synthetic fragrances. 

Keep it safe, simple, and effective with Wander Beauty.