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The rise of social media influencers has catapulted the beauty industry into a different realm. Viral products develop a cult following unlike anything we’ve seen in the previous decade, and legions of dedicated brand followers will routinely empty their wallets for the latest drop. Though many of these popular beauty products are marketed toward all skin types, the truth is that certain ingredients in these products can have an adverse impact on sensitive skin.
The rise of social media influencers has catapulted the beauty industry into a different realm. Viral products develop a cult following unlike anything we’ve seen in the previous decade, and legions of dedicated brand followers will routinely empty their wallets for the latest drop. Though many of these popular beauty products are marketed toward all skin types, the truth is that certain ingredients in these products can have an adverse impact on sensitive skin.
Whether you’re prone to experiencing minor flare-ups, or you have allergies that can pose serious risks to your health, staying informed about which ingredients and products are best for your skin will save you both pain and money in the long run. We’ll assess which ingredients and products to avoid and which ones are best for sensitive skin.
Many people do not realize just how sensitive their skin is. Those with skin sensitivities will likely notice a variety of symptoms or concerns, such as:
Skin sensitivites can also occur as a result of environmental stressors, such as unprotected exposure to UV rays, pollution, and free radicals. Those who usually have little to no ongoing sensitivities may notice flare-ups when faced with certain allergens. Common allergens include:
Those with allergies and sensitivities may also have an increased reaction to expired cosmetic and skincare products, or ones that have become contaminated by fungus or bacteria. Because of this, it is crucial to never use products beyond their expiration date, and to be careful of where you purchase your products from. Staying aware of product recalls is essential as well – the FDA cannot formally recall tainted cosmetics, only the companies producing the products can. Be aware of brands that use all-natural products and make an effort to inform their consumer base when something goes awry.
If you have sensitive skin, you should primarily avoid any harsh or abrasive products that can lead to lasting inflammation. Both chemical and physical exfoliants should be used with caution. People tend to use exfoliants to rid their skin of deep-rooted sebum and debris and to enhance skin vibrance. Chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid, slough away dead skin layers that can build up in your pores and cause acne. These products will increase photosensitivity though, and without sunscreen, you can easily get burned. Physical exfoliants, like facial scrubs, work the same but can be much harsher on the skin, causing microtears and destroying the skin barrier with overuse.
Folks with sensitive skin should also avoid any products with added fragrance. This can lead to a burning or itchy feeling that will cause redness or persistent bumps. Another ingredient that can cause inflammation is benzoyl peroxide, which is commonly incorporated into acne face washes. This can excessively dry out the skin, which further damages the skin barrier and may lead to an overproduction of sebum, making your acne, redness, and discoloration worse.
You should be quite wary of retinoids and retinol if you have sensitive skin. Retinoids are a prescription-only vitamin A product that targets scarring, wrinkles, psoriasis, and common signs of aging. Retinoids include adapalene, bexarotene, and tretinoin, to name a few. Retinols are a less potent form of retinoids, available in beauty and drug stores without a prescription. These products greatly increase photosensitivity and can cause incredibly serious chemical burns and damage if you are not using sunscreen daily. They may also increase dryness and acne and cause scaly, dry skin.
Beyond common skincare products, it is crucial to make other changes to your lifestyle to prevent irritating your skin. As mentioned previously, many people suffer from allergic reactions to certain metal types. Investing in hypoallergenic jewelry will prevent reactions and stop you from spending big bucks on products to find relief. Platinum and tungsten are two types of metals people often use instead of other metals like nickel and cobalt, which have been noted to cause reactions. These are durable metal types that are lovely for everyday wear, making them a cost-effective and safe investment.
People with sensitive skin have to work a bit harder to find products that work best for their needs. But thankfully, there is no shortage of skincare products for those who have allergies or sensitivities. There are plenty of ways to achieve the results you’re looking for without using the products that inflame you.
Instead of depending on physical and chemical exfoliants to clear your pores, one of the best alternatives is to double cleanse, using an oil or balm cleanser first and a foam or cream cleanser second. The oil cleanser helps bring the gunk to the surface, and the foam/cream cleanser washes all the impurities away. Washing your face with your second cleanser for 60 seconds ensures the cleanest result possible.
You can also get the anti-aging assistance you need without using retinoids and retinol. Many folks choose to use bakuchiol or resveratrol instead, two products that have antioxidant and skin-smoothing benefits. Most importantly though, hydration is key. Drinking lots of water throughout the day keeps your skin plump, fresh, and elastic. Using water-based products like alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid will also nourish your skin and provide it with that lush, youthful glow you love.
Additionally, using petroleum-based products at the end of your routine, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, will seal in your products, preventing them from being wiped away on your pillow.
Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy cosmetic products. It just means you need to take the time to do some research and make purchases from brands which prioritize quality ingredients.
Author by: Luke Smith
