How to care for sensitive skin

How do I know if my skin is sensitive?

Having sensitive skin does not imply that you suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain cosmetics, although it is possible that both circumstances exist. Normally, sensitive skin shows redness when gesturing, irritation to some external agents such as contamination or some foods. It can be dry, mixed or oily.

Micellar water for sensitive skin

When it comes to removing makeup, micellar water can be a great option for the most sensitive skin. However, it is convenient to get one specially formulated for them.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, € 9.50

No soap

For those who prefer a rinse-off cleaner (this is optional), choose syndet, that is, without detergents as they can be too aggressive for this type of skin.

Kiehl's Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser, € 30

An extra help

If you want to perform a deeper cleaning and also want to fight against premature aging of the skin, a Foreo-type device has proven to be an extra help if used constantly.

Foreo Anti-Aging Facial Brush and Massager for Sensitive Skin, € 199

Calm

The thermal waters are ideal for all skin types but in sensitive ones they are especially beneficial. Spray a little after cleansing to calm your skin. The sensation is very pleasant and there is some improvement with the redness.

Avène Thermal Spring Water, € 15.45

Tonic for sensitive skin

In addition to thermal water - or instead - you can also use a soothing toner like this one, which is also non-comedogenic so if you have blackheads or pimples you won't have to worry that it will cause more.

La Roche Posay Sensitive Skin Soothing Lotion, € 11.95

Moisturizing

Next, it's time to hydrate the skin. If you opt for fragrance-free and alcohol-free products like this one, all the better. It also contains Aloe Vera, known for its soothing and regenerating properties for the skin.

The Body Shop Soothing Aloe Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15, € 20

Super light

Another moisturizer that we really like for sensitive skin is this one, with hydrating shea butter, aloe vera, rose hip, sesame and jojoba oils that absorbs immediately.

Sukin Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, € 9.45

Mask

Sensitive skin can also use masks as long as they are formulated specifically for them and are not peel off . And it is that these, when withdrawing pulling, suppose an aggression for the skin that will not be well tolerated and probably cause irritation and redness. That's why this one from The Body Shop is perfect for you.

The Body Shop Aloe Cream Soothing Mask, € 21

Makeup for sensitive skin

When choosing a makeup base, it is highly recommended to go to the pharmacy. Its formulation will be precise and gentle on your skin and, today, the range of shades and finishes is as wide as in perfumery.

Roséliane de Uriage Anti-Redness Makeup, € 19.45

BB Cream

If you do not want such a covering finish because redness is not a problem for you or you prefer to cover it only with concealer, you can use a BB Cream. This is quite moisturizing and leaves a very nice glow on the skin.

La Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Cream, € 17.95

Sensitive eyes?

There are people who, in addition to having sensitive skin, also suffer eye irritation with the use of certain products and mascara can be one of the most 'dangerous'. In this case, we recommend that you resort to pharmacy makeup to avoid that annoying sensation.

Avène Couvrance Mascara, € 13.54

Solar

Using sunscreen on a daily basis is essential for sensitive skin since they tend to burn more easily. With a facial mist you can reapply it throughout the day without complications but look for one that is specific for sensitive skin, like this one.

Uriage Bariésun Dry Mist SPF 50+ Sunscreen, € 12.95

For the hair

If the sensitivity of your skin also extends to the scalp (itches, flakes …) then it is advisable to get a specific shampoo. As for the use of masks or conditioner, it is not necessary, since they are applied only from medium to ends and do not come in contact with the skin of the head.

Dermoprotective Shampoo by Dr. Tree, € 8.49

Syndet soap

The same can happen with the skin of the rest of the body, that the use of certain gels causes us itching or flaking. To avoid this, use a syndet, without soap, which clean the same but are not as aggressive.

Sukin Soap Free Body Gel, € 11.95

Body moisturizer

Like facial skin, the rest of the body also needs hydration. We recommend that you do not shower with the water that is too hot and that you always apply cream afterwards.

Eucerin Hydrating Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin, € 9.90

What are the symptoms to know if you have sensitive skin? How can you restore comfort and finally end the redness? What is it that makes it worse? What is the best makeup for sensitive skin? If you have doubts about the best care and habits for sensitive skin, we answer each and every one of the most common questions.

What is the difference between sensitive, allergic and atopic skin?

Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose whether it is one type of skin or another, because many of the symptoms are similar.

Sensitive skin does not have to be allergic. It is a more vulnerable type of skin that overreacts to certain external stimuli (heat, cold, sudden changes in temperature, pollution, skin contact with very hard water, cosmetics, metals or some tissues) and internal (eating things spicy, consuming alcohol). This hyper-reactivity acts on the nerve endings of the skin causing tightness, itching, heat, rashes, peeling, burning or redness. They are also known as reactive or intolerant skin . And although many people associate sensitive skin with dry skin, it must be taken into account that there are also sensitive skin that is oily.

In the case of atopic skin, it is a chronic disease. It is a dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and is characterized mainly by dryness. It is a skin with little water and fat, which leads to its flaking and irritation and causes annoying symptoms such as an itch that becomes exasperating. It is not contagious, but in the last 30 years its presence has doubled due to environmental factors and the increase in irritants. When the disease is at its maximum expression, we speak of outbreaks, which appear at the most unexpected moments.

In allergic skin, the immune system is involved . The skin reacts with an inflammatory process to a substance that most people tolerate well, but in some cases the body recognizes as foreign (antigen). They can be allergies to pollen, certain plants, some foods (eggs, shellfish, nuts) or exposure to the sun. It is the dermatologist who, through certain medical tests, determines if there is any type of allergy.

Does sensitive skin heal?

No, it is not cured. That is, the skin does not stop being sensitive because a specific treatment is followed. It is so in some people by nature. However, using the appropriate facial and body cosmetics and taking certain precautions can prevent irritation, reduce overreactivity and restore comfort to the skin.

What is the best cleaning for sensitive skin?

To keep redness and flaking at bay, it is preferable to remove make-up with a cleanser that removes without water (milk or micellar water). Although if rinse-off cleansers are preferred, you can use a dermatological bread or syndet, a kind of specific bar of soap for sensitive skin that, precisely, does not contain soap so as not to irritate the skin. If micellar water is used, no toner will be needed afterwards. But if you use a cleansing cream or milk, it is advisable to use an alcohol-free facial toner to restore the natural pH to the skin or, much better, replace it with sprays of thermal water, which soothes, decongests and hydrates.

If you have sensitive eyes. There are specific make-up removers that specify on their packaging that they are suitable for sensitive skin (biphasic or with thermal water) and that they remove make-up without rubbing the eye. You can even have sterile single-dose in pharmacies, which respect the fragility of the eyelashes or eyelids.

Exfoliations. Sensitive skin can also be deep cleansed. The only thing to keep in mind is to use exfoliants with very gentle microparticles (no salts, sugars or large granules) and only once or twice a month, without rubbing hard.

What creams and products are best for sensitive skin?

A moisturizer that is protective and soothing . If the skin is dry or mature, it is also advisable to apply a repairing and nourishing cream at night to reinforce the cohesion of the epidermis cells.
It is best to use only specific cosmetics for sensitive skin. They are formulated with few ingredients and of great purity. The simpler the formula, the less risk of irritation and that some actives react with each other.
Airless containers. Or what is the same, containers that prevent air from entering and oxidizing the product. So better dispenser or tube containers than jars.
It dispenses with "troublesome" components . Like lanolin, alkaline substances (ammonia), preservatives (parabens, thiazolinones), colorants and perfumes. Note that the label says hypoallergenic.
Choose fluid and light textures . They are more recommended than creams that are too unctuous or "clog" the skin.
Do not frequently change the product and brand. You will avoid the risk of discovering new irritants. If a cream works well for you, you can use it for months or years. And if you need a thicker formula for winter, you can choose another product from the same firm.
A couple of times a week. Or when you feel tight or itchy it is recommended to use a soothing mask. Thermal water, on the other hand, is an excellent wild card that can be used as many times as desired.
The sunscreen, essential. It is for all skin types, but if it is sensitive, it is better that the protector is a total screen or with a sun protection factor 50+ and with physical and non-chemical filters. Physical filters, with a mineral-based formulation, are better tolerated by very white and sensitive skin.
It also protects the hands and lips. They are other highly exposed parts of the body and in the case of sensitive skin they appreciate extra pampering. Include hand creams (with allantoin, shea or panthenol) and moisturizing lip balms (better with SPF) in your toiletry bag to prevent them from drying out and cracking.

What should I take into account if I have sensitive but also dry skin?

This type of skin is characterized by tightness and has a tendency to redness, so it does not tolerate fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids), retinol, peptides or vitamins C and E. Only when it is specified that the cream is hypoallergenic it is safe to use, as the potency of these assets is balanced by other ingredients. It prioritizes actives that decongest (cornflower, rosehip, thermal water) and actives that reinforce the capillaries (centella, cvid, ruscus) for redness.

Do I have to take any precautions if my skin is also oily sensitive?

In this case, in addition to keeping in mind that the formula is simple - with few ingredients and that it contains soothing active ingredients - it is important that the creams are oil free, since if not, they increase the risk of irritation and more sebum to form. If you are not sure what your skin type is, find out with our test to provide the best care.

What cosmetic products or treatments should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?

Take a good look at the following list and keep it in mind when you want to take care of your skin if it is sensitive. This is what you should do without:

Aggressive cleaners (scrubs with abrasive particles, soaps).
Creams with hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic), especially if the final pH is acidic.
Creams or scented products. The perfumes that are incorporated into some creams can be very attractive to the smell, but irritate the skin. The more aseptic and neutral the cream, the less risk there is of adverse reactions.
Chemical peels . They are too aggressive. If you have sensitive skin and want to clean your skin in depth or, for example, remove spots, it should always be under the control of a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor
Products with heat effect. There are some exfoliants or anti-cellulites with a thermal effect. Better to avoid them, because they can cause redness.
Be careful with some masks. Those that adhere to the skin and then have to be removed in one piece can damage the skin. Better to use soothing masks, let them act for 20 minutes and then give a light massage so that the rest of the product is absorbed.
Photoprotectors with chemical filters. Better with organic or physical filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), which contain minerals that are very well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Very calcareous water. If the water from your tap is hard (it contains a high level of minerals), better use a filter, take 5-10 minute showers or finish the facial cleansing with thermal water.

Is it better not to wear makeup if I have sensitive skin?

Not necessarily. Many women who have sensitive skin mistakenly think that they should do without a good part of makeup products because they dry out, cause tearing, or the subsequent removal of makeup will irritate the skin. But today there is a wide range of products with excellent dermal and ocular tolerance, which even contain active ingredients that soothe and repair the skin, while giving it color. You just have to pay attention to the labeling and follow the following recommendations:

Choose good quality and hypoallergenic products to minimize risk.
Opt for formulas with a high proportion of natural ingredients and that do not contain chemical preservatives, petroleum derivatives or perfumes. Lines that are certified organic or organic (eg Ecocert) are a good choice.
Ask for samples . For example, if you want a makeup base. Many large stores offer this option. This way you can try it at home to make sure you don't get any reaction before the product.
Never apply makeup with exposed testing products (eyeliner, mascara, etc.). They can cause you discomfort due to the product itself or due to lack of hygiene. You better try them on the back of your hand and wait a few hours.
Use ophthalmologically tested products in the case of eye makeup. Although they do not guarantee complete safety, they are less likely to cause problems.
Avoid mascara with intense colors (blue, green, purple) and shadows with metallic pigments. They are more irritating to the eyes.
Better not to use water-proof products. They are more irritating and require more powerful makeup removers, which can cause adverse reactions, such as eye puffiness.
Be careful with enamels. Nail polishes are responsible for 20% of dermatitis caused by cosmetics. The symptoms (redness, itching and swelling) appear in the area around the nail or in remote areas such as the face –especially in the neck, eyelids and chin– due to contact with the nails when performing various gestures. The causative ingredients are some colorants, plasticizers and resins with formaldehyde, which are part of the composition. Sign up for vegan or 5-free polishes, which guarantee the absence of the 5 most common toxins present in nail lacquers.

Contact with water, depending on its hardness, can irritate the skin. It is best to avoid showers and baths with very hot water , as well as prolonged saunas. Replace your bath gel with a gentler formula (for example, with colloidal oatmeal) or a bath gel-oil , more respectful of the hydrolipidic mantle and the pH of the skin. The exfoliations, better to space them to a couple a month, using a natural sponge instead of the horsehair glove and using enzymatic exfoliants (without granules and with derivatives of tropical fruits that do not irritate the skin). And don't forget to apply a specific body lotion for sensitive skin, which hydrates and relieves tightness.

How do you care for a sensitive scalp?

If you notice tightness in your scalp, wash your hair with warm water, which is not too hot. Better to wash 2-3 times a week, not every day. Use a sulfate-free or frequent-use shampoo . Soothing masks are also great to use once a week. But just as in hair masks it is normally recommended to apply the product from medium to ends, in cases of sensitive scalp, these are applied with a light massage on the head so that the desensitizing actives penetrate well. Then it is rinsed with plenty of water.
Regarding coloring , some oxidation or permanent dyes usually contain chemical dyes and ammonia, which can cause itching or irritation. Avoid them with natural dyes or that do not include these substances.

Does temperature affect sensitive skin?

Yes, it is one of the factors that most conditions it. Extreme conditions of wind, cold, sun or direct heat sources (intense heating, thermal blankets, etc.) and sudden variations in temperature aggravate the redness and itching of sensitive skin. Protect yourself with warm clothing in winter and don't forget to use sun protection throughout the year. If it's very cold or windy and you're outside, reapply the soothing moisturizer frequently.

Quick showers . Precisely because of the effect that heat and steam can have on your skin (redness, dehydration), it is best to take 5-minute showers with warm water and then dry with gentle touches of the towel, without rubbing.

What cosmetic ingredients restore comfort to sensitive skin?

Substances that are present in the skin , such as urea, some sugars and amino acids (serine, proline); or ceramides, which are restorative.
Ingredients with a barrier function , such as waxes and vegetable butters (jojoba, shea).
Soothing active ingredients (cornflower, calendula, licorice, aloe, oats) and thermal waters provide comfort.
Moisturizers (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) treat roughness and dryness of the skin.
The vasoprotectors ( butcher 's broom, holm oak, ivy) strengthen the capillaries.
Antioxidants (green tea, idebenone) to revitalize cells.
Immunostimulating actives, which increase the defense capacity of the skin, such as aloe and seaweed

Can I only improve my sensitive skin with creams?

You can also improve the condition of your skin from within your body through nutrition and nutricosmetics.

A healthy diet , based on fresh products of plant origin, with enough vitamins and minerals visibly improves the skin. Oily fish, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has, for example, a clear anti-inflammatory action. And probiotic foods (yogurt, kefir, kombucha tea) are also highly recommended because they stabilize the intestinal flora and prevent the activity of harmful microorganisms. On the other hand, spicy foods, aged cheese, seafood, some condiments, coffee and alcohol are not recommended.

Oral supplements. Dietary supplements rich in essential fatty acids (for example, evening primrose and borage oil) reinforce the hydrolipidic mantle that protects the skin. On the other hand, antioxidants (vitamins C and E, resveratrol) also help you, as they prevent the formation and spread of free radicals, which are responsible for damage to cells.

Are there fabrics that can cause allergic reactions?

A person with very sensitive skin should avoid synthetic fabrics, but even wool garments. It is better to put a cotton t-shirt underneath or to use directly garments of this type of fabric or other natural ones, such as linen or silk. Also try not to wear accessories (jewelry, glasses frames) that include nickel in their composition, because they can cause allergic reactions.

If my skin is very sensitive, how do I prepare it for sunbathing?

If you have itchiness, redness and pimples on your décolleté, arms and legs after a walk or being on the beach, you probably have sun-sensitive skin. In that case, take precautions and use protective products first and afterwards repair cosmetics (aftersun). Keep in mind that the irritation in these cases consists of small reddish pimples that are accompanied by strong itching and that appear in the areas of exposure, although they usually do not affect the face.

At other times, a rash does not appear, but reddish spots of varying size and itching on the décolleté, but they disappear spontaneously when the tan appears. If this happens to you, you should not continue sunbathing until your skin has fully recovered.

The safest exposure. When you sunbathe, do so gradually and avoid the hours of more intense radiation (between 12 and 17 hours). In the morning, always apply a sun product with a very high protection factor (SPF 50+) or high (SPF 30-50), which also protects from UVA and infrared radiation (IR-A). Reapply every two hours and do not forget the most hidden areas such as ears, neck, behind the knees and groin. After each bath, rinse the skin with water from the shower, the sea salt and chlorine from the pool dry out and cause itching.
The serum, a good reinforcement. If you apply a serum with antioxidants (tocopherol, coenzyme Q10) to the face and décolleté before sunscreen, you will reinforce the skin's protection against free radicals.
If the tendency for irritation to appear lasts over time, it is preferable that you use hypoallergenic cosmetics that do not contain perfumes, essential oils or dyes. And even better without preservatives.
The hot springs are excellent. Calm and comfort the skin. Use them as a replacement for your facial toner or spray them all over your body after sunbathing.
Aftersun, after showering at home . Be generous and use a specific aftersun for the face and another for the face. That of the face contains more re-spawning products and free anti-radicals that stop the photoaging of the skin. Repeat the application at night to calm and hydrate the skin before the next sun exposure.
Supplements for sun intolerant skin. There are tablets that contain carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, etc.), vitamins (A, C, E), minerals (selenium, zinc) and antioxidants to strengthen the skin's defenses from within and provide a homogeneous tan. They begin to be taken a month before being exposed to the sun. But, of course, they are not a substitute for photoprotectors (sun protection is essential), they are complementary nutricosmetics.
Take extreme precautions. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and some anti-inflammatories can cause allergic reactions when exposed to the sun.