October 10, 2024, 3:57 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Sensitive skin can react to a wide variety of ingredients – often with redness, irritation, or even allergic reactions. To protect your skin barrier and avoid discomfort, it’s worth taking a look at the list of ingredients in your skincare products. Find out which ingredients can be particularly problematic and why you should avoid them at STYLEBOOK.
Do you have sensitive skin and feel overwhelmed by all the products in the drugstore? No problem; there are ingredients that you can definitely eliminate from your skin routine.
Overview
1. Fragrances are an unnecessary burden on your skin
Whether synthetic or natural, fragrances can easily upset sensitive skin. They are one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Perfumed creams and lotions, in particular, are often full of fragrances, which can trigger redness or rashes on sensitive skin. It is better to use products that are labeled ‘fragrance-free’ or ‘unscented.’
2. Alcohol can irritate and dry out the skin
Alcohol in skincare products can have a very aggressive effect on the skin, especially on sensitive skin types. It removes moisture from the skin and can weaken the natural barrier. This often leads to dryness, tightness, and irritation. Pay particular attention to terms such as “Alcohol Denat.” or “Ethanol” in the list of ingredients and opt for gentle, alcohol-free alternatives instead.
3. Avoid sulphates
Sulfates are often found in cleansing products, shampoos, and shower gels. Although these surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), create a good lather, they are also quite aggressive. They can dry out the skin, disrupt the natural pH value, and cause irritation. Mild, sulphate-free cleansing products are suitable for sensitive skin instead.
4. Be careful with parabens and co.
Although preservatives are necessary to preserve products, they can be problematic for sensitive skin. Parabens, formaldehyde, or methylisothiazolinone are suspected of causing allergies and skin irritation. Look out for “paraben-free” products and try to choose those with natural preservatives or particularly skin-friendly alternatives.
5. Essential oils – natural, but not always gentle
Essential oils often sound tempting as they are derived from natural plants, but they are not always gentle on the skin. For sensitive skin, in particular, essential oils such as tea tree oil or peppermint oil can cause irritation. These strong “natural” fragrances can cause redness, burning, or dryness.
Instead, opt for soothing and moisturizing ingredients that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. Interim conclusion: Natural cosmetics are, therefore, not necessarily better for sensitive skin, as many formulations rely on alcohol and essential oils – a misconception that dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa also regularly reports.
6. Take retinoids slowly
Retinoids, known for their anti-aging effects, can cause redness, flaking, and irritation on sensitive skin. These vitamin A derivatives promote skin renewal but can put a lot of strain on the skin barrier. If you want to use retinol, start slowly, use mild formulations, and always apply a high level of sun protection the next morning.
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Fewer ingredients are more for sensitive skin
For sensitive skin, the fewer ingredients, the better! Look for clear, straightforward formulas and avoid unnecessary additives that could irritate the skin. Your skin will thank you if you choose products that have been specially developed for sensitive skin – for a smooth, healthy complexion. You should also introduce new products slowly and never at the same time. This approach will help you identify the specific ingredient causing issues.