Avon Crystal Lake

People who have sensitive skin typically experience irritation, itching, redness, stinging and tightness. This type of skin is also prone to breakouts, dryness and even a rash.

Sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a description of the way your skin reacts to outside factors such as weather and products you use.

1. Apply a moisturizer

Using a moisturizer on daily basis is one of the most important steps in caring for sensitive skin. A good quality, unscented cream will hydrate and protect the skin barrier. A moisturizer with glycerin and aloe is best for sensitive skin as it is very soothing.

Another important step in caring for sensitive skin is to use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh soaps. This will help prevent dryness and irritation.

A great way to know if you have sensitive skin is to observe your reaction to different products and environmental conditions. You may notice redness, itchiness or stinging. This could be a sign of an underlying condition like rosacea or eczema. If you have a severe reaction to a product or environment, you should see a dermatologist as it could be an allergic response. A dermatologist will be able to recommend products and treatments that will help relieve your symptoms. This will include at home care and regular professional facial treatments.

2. Apply a sunscreen

In addition to moisturizers, you’ll want to incorporate a sunscreen into your daily routine. A good sensitive skin sunscreen should be broad spectrum, protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and contain no irritating ingredients like parabens or fragrances. A dermatologist will be able to recommend the best sunscreen for your skin type.

If you have a sun allergy, your dermatologist may recommend swapping out regular sunscreens for hypoallergenic ones that don’t contain chemicals. This is especially important for people who have a condition called photodermatoses, which causes a reaction to sunlight that appears as a rash, bumps, or scaly patches on the skin that gets worse the longer it touches the sun.

Some things that can trigger sensitivity include hormones, age, severe weather, and pollution. Other factors include your ethnic background and heredity. Keeping your skin clean, using products that don’t contain irritants, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, and avoiding smoking can all help prevent irritation.

3. Apply a calming cream

A calming cream is essential to help ease and avoid the appearance of redness and irritation. Look for gentle products that contain soothing ingredients like azulene and shea butter. Our popular Source Vital face cream has a soft, soothing feel and contains shea butter, aloe vera, lavender and blue tansy. Its ingredients also support your skin’s ability to retain moisture and boost its barrier function.

Sensitive skin can be triggered by a variety of factors, including environmental and internal triggers. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They can run a patch test to see if you have an allergy or sensitivity to certain products. They may also suggest prescription treatments, such as low and medium potency topical corticosteroids to relieve inflammation. In more serious cases, they may recommend anti-itch creams or oral medications. These can help control inflammatory conditions such as irritant contact dermatitis and moderate allergic contact dermatitis.

4. Apply a toner

A toner is a liquid-based formula that’s designed to restore skin’s pH balance and remove excess oils from the surface of your complexion. It can have hydrating, calming, or even astringent properties depending on the ingredients and formulation.

A toner can also prep the skin for your post-cleanse moisturizer and other face treatments. That’s why it’s important to choose one that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients like alcohol or synthetic fragrances, as these can irritate sensitive skin.

Luckily, there are plenty of gentle, soothing options for your skin. Toners formulated with skin-soothing ingredients like allantoin, glycerin, and rose water can help reduce redness and calm irritation.

This soothing toner is formulated with 3% niacinamide, which helps to control sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores and discoloration. Plus, it’s infused with botanical ingredients like anti-aging immortelle (helichrysum) extract, rose water, and hydrating sunflower seed oil to help your skin feel soft and smooth. This alcohol-free, balancing toner is suitable for all skin types.