What Skincare Products should I Avoid for Sensitive Skin?

Featured Image Caption: Facial Surgery Services in Miami

The attention that you give to your beauty routine when starting your day, which differs for all of us, easily sets the stage for your daily journey and how it will be. If you have sensitive skin like me, then it might take a little longer to set the stage but nevertheless, if we set aside the time for our personal skin care, we can all step out looking like stars.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD AVOID IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN

Through trial and error, personal research and with the input of medical professionals, my bathroom cabinets and vanity went through a drastic transformation. I targeted products that contained harsh ingredients and threw them all away.

CLEANSERS WITH SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE AND AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE

I used to select cleansers based on affordability and whether or not they could produce an adequate amount of foam; I thought more foam meant better results. Both sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate are foaming agents that can be very effective but not for sensitive skin. They typically break down natural lipids in the skin resulting in itchiness and tautness.

EYE CREAMS AND MAKEUP WITH RETINOIDS, ALPHA-HYDROXY ACIDS OR LATEX

We’ve heard that the eyes are the windows to one’s soul. I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve worked diligently to maintain and makeup my eyes. I’m now particular about not using anti-aging products with retinoids and/or alpha-hydroxy acids. Although retinoids can reverse sun damage and minimize wrinkles, the burning and stinging I was experiencing was enough to make me explore other options. Alpha-hydroxy acids are generally less harsh, but I need to make sure products don’t have more than a 10% concentration otherwise they could cause a bad reaction.

I love using eye liner; I’m guilty of using liquid variations but when I realized they had latex, I started using traditional pencils which quickly reduced inflammation, redness and any rash.

CHEMICAL PEELS WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

Originally sourced from sugar cane, glycolic acid is now typically engineered chemically. These chemicals can cause negative side effects. With that said, there are certainly cosmetic companies selling quality products that contain it but I found getting the assistance of a medical professional was best. Doctors can easily recommend quality peels based on one’s skin type; they can help determine what concentration you need. Generally, peels that have lactic acid are better for sensitive skin. A visit is worth it especially when skin with a nice glow is the end result.

SUNSCREENS WITH OXYBENZONE, AVOBENZONE, HOMOSALATE, OCTISALATE, OCTOCRYLENE

I used to feel like I was dealt a double whammy- I needed to apply sunscreen but sunscreen was not what my skin needed. Rashes and redness due to clogged pores left me in despair. I eventually made it a habit to look at labels and aim for those that had zinc oxide or titanium oxide vs. those that had oxybenzone and other harmful ingredients. I’m selective when choosing a chapstick or any makeup that contains an SPF. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide provides immediate sun protection because they don’t require time for the product that they’re in to penetrate the skin. Those with sensitive skin may try to use less amounts of a sunscreen with harmful ingredients but even a small amount can trigger a reaction. In addition, putting less can leave the skin vulnerable to a burn.

ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING WITH FRAGRANCE

This may seem like the greatest challenge but, fortunately, skin care products without fragrance have become more available over time. Fragrance can cause burning and redness.

Some companies have invested in more natural, organic ways to create scents which is favorable for those with sensitive skin.

PLASTIC SURGERY INSTITUTE MIAMI

Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami has a team of experts dedicated to skin care, in addition to providing multiple facial surgery services in Miami. The doctors can create a treatment plan to accommodate sensitive skin as well as other skin conditions; the plan they help create is sure to ease stress while you are working on your skin care goals at home. The center has carefully selected some of the best skin care products on the market and it offers them onsite for purchase. Jason I. Altman, MD, Marcelo Ghersi, MD, and John C. Oeltjen, MD are located at 550 Bilmore Way, Suite 120. Visit www.psimiami.com for more information.