Sensitive skin is skin that easily stings or burns after applying certain skincare products. Additionally, sensitive skin may become inflamed due to exercise, exposure to the sun, or being outside in very cold or hot weather. Sensitivity may also result from underlying illnesses, including eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. Allergies may also cause skin sensitivity and discomfort.
Taking care of sensitive skin is crucial to avoid aggravating existing issues. The correct skin care products will improve your skin's appearance and feel. But how do you know which are the best products for sensitive skin?
Here we have listed down some claims that you to look for when shopping for skincare products:
- Check if they claim to be fragrance-free or unscented
Fragrances are another component of cosmetics that you should avoid, especially if you have sensitive skin. You have no idea what's in a "fragrance," which is only a cover for possibly harmful substances.
Be warned: Just because something is unscented doesn't mean it is fragrance-free.
A product is said to be fragrance-free if it contains neither synthetic nor natural fragrance components. Unscented, on the other hand, often denotes that the product lacks a noticeable smell but may still contain additives that conceal or neutralise the aromas of other active chemicals. There are skin care products that claim to have masking fragrances. Although they serve various purposes, masking and usual fragrances are the same. Fragrances provide a detectable pleasant odour, while masking fragrances are intended to cover unpleasant odours.
Artificial or natural fragrances can cause rashes, asthma attacks, and allergies. It is preferable to avoid them in skincare and makeup altogether.
- Look if they claim for products made without essential oil
Remember that natural isn't necessarily better when you look for skincare products. Essential oils are natural, but they can irritate some people, notably in the form of rashes. When exposed to sunlight, some components of essential oils, such as those in bergamot, change into molecules and enzymes. This might cause a photo-allergic reaction. Lavender, tea tree, mint, citrus, and other oils should be used cautiously or not at all. Tea tree oil can be beneficial for the skin when used in small amounts; however, many acne products contain tea tree oil can cause dryness and irritation. All three mint, citrus, and lavender oils can potentially irritate the skin and have undesirable effects.
- Check if they claim to be paraben free
Skincare products without parabens or sulfates omit hazardous chemicals from their compositions in favour of more environmentally friendly, sustainable natural ingredients. Some of the most effective components in cosmetic products indeed come from nature. Instead, choose skincare products with ingredients like ethylhexylglycerin (derived from plants) or phenoxyethanol if you want to eliminate chemicals in your beauty collection (a natural alternative to parabens).
- Lookout for claims regarding denatured alcohol
Although it doesn't have any beneficial effects on the skin, alcohol denat is frequently utilised in skincare and cosmetics due to its advantages in the formulation. It functions as a preservative and makes things easier to disseminate and absorb. It can also aid in the greater penetration of other components because it eliminates oils from the skin. It is precisely this that makes the skin so dry. According to dermatologists, it's generally an ingredient to avoid, especially for Indian skin, though it's a major no-no for dry or sensitive skin.
Conclusion: Always do a patch test
A patch test is a wise move in your product elimination procedure. Testing all of the products before using them may take some time initially, but it will ultimately save you a lot of money and hassle.