Does your skin get red, blotchy, and irritated after you wash it? If so, you might have sensitive skin, or what I call angry skin. The number of women who describe their skin as being sensitive has doubled over the past 30 years; in fact, some surveys show that up to 60 percent of women describe their skin this way. Based on what I see in my patients, sensitive skin is often the result of the overuse of facial cleansers and other products that are too harsh and “active.” Here’s how to get clean without aggravating your skin:...
Choose a gentle liquid or cream cleanser. Save the bar soaps for your armpits and feet; the suds will get you squeaky clean, but they can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, tight, and itchy. In general, the more a cleanser foams, the more potentially irritating it is. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a popular drugstore option, although it may not remove heavier makeup. Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser contains licorice extract, which is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s been shown to reduce facial redness, including the redness of rosacea. For those who are trying to avoid sulfates (which are found in many soaps and detergents and can be irritating) and parabens (preservatives that can cause allergic reactions), Beauty Without Cruelty Extra Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk contains 100 percent vegetable ingredients, including vegetable glycerin and natural plant oils to help soften dry, irritated skin. Olay Daily Facials Wet Cleansing Cloths for Sensitive Skin are a time-saving option. Their soft texture won’t scratch delicate skin.
Watch the temperature: Hot water can cause more redness and irritation, so use lukewarm water and wash with fingertips, then pat dry with a soft towel.
Don’t overwash: Unless your skin is very oily (or you went to bed without washing your face), simply splash with water in the morning to get the sleep out of your eyes. This way, you won’t start off the day with red, flaky skin that’s hard to hide with makeup.
Choose a gentle liquid or cream cleanser. Save the bar soaps for your armpits and feet; the suds will get you squeaky clean, but they can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, tight, and itchy. In general, the more a cleanser foams, the more potentially irritating it is. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a popular drugstore option, although it may not remove heavier makeup. Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser contains licorice extract, which is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s been shown to reduce facial redness, including the redness of rosacea. For those who are trying to avoid sulfates (which are found in many soaps and detergents and can be irritating) and parabens (preservatives that can cause allergic reactions), Beauty Without Cruelty Extra Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk contains 100 percent vegetable ingredients, including vegetable glycerin and natural plant oils to help soften dry, irritated skin. Olay Daily Facials Wet Cleansing Cloths for Sensitive Skin are a time-saving option. Their soft texture won’t scratch delicate skin.
Watch the temperature: Hot water can cause more redness and irritation, so use lukewarm water and wash with fingertips, then pat dry with a soft towel.
Don’t overwash: Unless your skin is very oily (or you went to bed without washing your face), simply splash with water in the morning to get the sleep out of your eyes. This way, you won’t start off the day with red, flaky skin that’s hard to hide with makeup.
