6 products that are gentle on sensitive skin

How Do You Know If You Have Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin can present itself in different ways but most often skin can feel discomfort or appear irritated. “Skin feels dry and flaky but most often people complain about increased redness,” says Garnier SkinActive consulting dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes. Irritation or flare-ups can occur for a variety of reasons. They can occur seasonally – for example when the temperatures are extremely cold or hot. They can also occur due to certain ingredients in product formulas.

What Ingredients Can Cause Irritation?

Everyone has a different skin type and can experience irritation from a variety of factors. However there are a few ingredients that are not recommended for sensitive skin — alcohol, fragrance and dyes, which may cause skin to act up. What does “acting up” look and feel like?

“Itching, burning and stinging,” says Dr. Madfes. “Sensitive skin occurs from a disruption in skin barrier. The skin’s top layer is unable to hold moisture contributing to transepidermal water loss. Until the barrier is improved, the sensitivity will continue.”

So what products can you use to avoid your skin feeling and looking less than perfect? We have six products that work with your skin type.

1. Micellar Water

Micellar water is a gentle and easy way to cleanse. Just use two cotton balls or pads, saturate them with micellar water then lightly glide those over your face. You will easily remove dirt, oil and sweat without using a lot of pressure. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser is a gentle and easy to use micellar water that won’t irritate your sensitive skin. Use it in the morning and at night to cleanse your skin and refresh your complexion without rinsing or harsh rubbing.

2. Micellar Towelettes

The All-in-1 cleansing and makeup removing power of micellar water is now available in an ultra-gentle wipe. Specially formulated with silk fibers for an extra soft clean, these make makeup removal easy. Like a magnet, the micelles in these makeup removing wipes capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup without harsh rubbing, leaving skin feeling clean and soft.

3. Sulfate Free Cleanser

Rinse off cleansers can be drying but with the right ingredients you can wash your face without irritating it. Garnier SkinActive The Gentle Sulfate Free Cleanser effectively removes face makeup, impurities and excess oil without drying it out. It’s formulated with no sulfates, no alcohol, no dyes, no fragrance and no parabens for powerful cleansing that’s gentle to skin. Rich in glycerin, the foaming lotion softens as it cleanses. Start or end your day (or both!) with this gentle cleanser.

4. Cleansing Towelettes For Sensitive Skin

Think cleansing towelettes are too harsh for you? Look for ones that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Soothing Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes gently remove impurities, makeup and even waterproof mascara. Its formula infused with calming plant extract and Vitamin E soothes and comforts skin. Use these towelettes when you are traveling or need a skin refresh while you’re on the go. These will get your skin clean and comforted without making it feel tight or look flaky.

5. Fragrance-Free and Alcohol-Free Lotion

Moisturizing is key for all skin types but for sensitive skin, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredient list. Fragrance and alcohol-free products are especially suitable to sensitive skin. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Actively Hydrating Daily Lotion Fragrance-Free SPF15 has a deeply moisturizing, non-comedogenic formula infused with glycerin. It helps strengthen your skin's barrier to protect against moisture loss and helps your skin feel hydrated throughout the day. Use this product in the morning after cleansing to moisturize and protect your skin for the day ahead.

6. Gentle Scrub

Scrubs are great for all skin types, however if your skin is very sensitive you may tend avoid scrubs or exfoliating cleansers because you think they will harm your skin or make you break out. There are however two easy ways that you can exfoliate even if you have sensitive skin. A simple way is to use a wash cloth and massage your favorite cleanser into your skin in a circular motion. The motion will loosen your skin and cause you to shed dead skin cells. Just make sure to use a new wash cloth every time as oil and sebum can get trapped in the washcloth which can cause your skin to break out.

Another easy way for you to exfoliate is to use a gentle scrub specially formulated for sensitive skin. Ingredients such as oatmeal or rice flour can exfoliate your skin without irritating it or causing it to flare up. Make sure the product is specially formulated for sensitive skin and pay attention to how your skin reacts. If there is no redness or irritation, it’s a keeper.

Additional Tips For Sensitive Skin

1. Use SPF Daily

Sensitive skin, like all skin types, needs to be protected from the sun. Use a daily SPF moisturizer to protect your skin from damage and also irritation through sun exposure. Look for non-comedogenic and fragrance-free products which are less likely to irritate your skin. There are many sunscreens and SPF moisturizers formulated specifically for sensitive skin. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF with SPF 15 or higher depending on time spent outdoors and the fairness of your skin. Prevent premature aging and possible irritation from the sun with the right sunscreen, which you need to use daily rain or shine.

2. Keep It Cool

Love splashing your skin with piping hot water? You might want to reduce the temperature if you have sensitive skin. “When cleansing, skip extremes in temperature as the friction may stimulate an inflammatory response,” says Dr. Madfes. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face. This temperature is far less likely to cause redness and irritation in your skin. Protecting your skin from the elements also helps to avoid extreme jumps in temperature. In the winter you should try to shield your skin from extreme cold and also nourish your skin so that it does not become flaky. In the summer avoid sun exposure and overheating your skin as that might result in your skin being irritated.

With the right products and skin care techniques, your sensitive skin will not get irritated and look its best. Find the right regimen for you and avoid extremes in temperature — the results will be visible on your skin.