8 things to avoid if you have sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, finding beauty products can be a challenge. Most likely, some formulas have become your worst enemy. On top of that, relying on labels won't always keep your temperamental skin from going crazy for you. Avoiding potential triggers can help - we've listed nine below. 

HOT WATER 

Hot water can aggravate some skin conditions and make dry, sensitive skin more irritated. When you shower or bath, make sure the water doesn't burn or burn your skin. After showering, pat damp skin dry and immediately apply cream or lotion (suitable for sensitive skin, of course) to lock in moisture. 

ALCOHOL 

Some tonics, cleansers, and creams contain alcohol to help dry quickly. But alcohol can affect your skin's moisture levels and be a disaster when you're sensitive. Your best bet is to try a mild, alcohol-free toner that won't dry out your skin. Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol Free Tonic. It is formulated with gentle plant extracts that have a soothing, balancing and slightly astringent effect. Just don't rub too hard!

PERFUMERY

Synthetic fragrance is a common irritant for sensitive skin. Choose fragrance-free products whenever possible - note: this is not the same as fragrance-free - formulations such as The Body Shop Aloe Body Butter. Melts on the skin, leaving it soft and smooth; it is the ideal formula for skin requiring more gentle care.   

HARD CLEANERS

Often the ingredients in cleansers can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Instead of reaching for the first cleanser you see, reach for micellar water cleanser. Micellar water La Roche-Posay gently cleanses, tones and removes make-up from the surface of the skin without rubbing, while maintaining the natural pH balance of the skin.

Parabens

Parabens are one of the most commonly used preservatives in beauty products - color cosmetics, moisturizers, hair care products, etc. - to protect them from microbial growth. Right now, The FDA sees no reason for consumer concern about the use of cosmetics containing parabens.. If you're concerned, there's nothing wrong with using paraben-free products. Try Decléor Aroma Cleanse Soothing Micellar Water or Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 Cleanser in One Step for effective cleansing and softening of the skin, as well as dissolving make-up and impurities. Both are paraben-free, versatile and formulated for sensitive skin. 

EXCESSIVE SUN 

If you have sensitive skin, especially skin that is already irritated, consider finding shade and sun protection. If you do go out in the sun, apply a layer of sunscreen that is formulated for sensitive skin. We like La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral because it is ultra-light in texture and leaves no limescale.

expired products 

Some products that are used their expiration date has expired may be less powerful and no longer effective. Sunscreen, for example, is designed to retain its original strength for up to three years. Mayo Clinic. Discard any food that is past its expiration date and/or that has obvious changes in color or texture.

RETINOL

Retinol, a powerful anti-aging skincare ingredient, can dry out the skin, so people with sensitive skin should use caution. For retinol-free anti-aging benefits, try products containing rhamnose, a natural plant sugar. Serum Vichy LiftActiv 10 Supreme A hydrating facial serum formulated to help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines.