Sensitive Skin: What Components Of Creams Can Cause Irritation

Interestingly, almost 70% of women consider their skin to be sensitive. They complain that they can't find delicate yet effective care. As soon as they buy a new cream, signs of irritation immediately appear on their face. Is it really their lot - just light moisturizers from the "but it won't be worse" category or homemade ones?

Fortunately, this is an illusion, a strange psychological aberration associated not with dermatology, but with the organization of the nervous system. Only 12% of women have a naturally sensitive skin type. This means that their skin produces little fat, has a very thin stratum corneum and very little protective pigment (melanin well known to us). Hence the increased irritability. But sometimes unpleasant changes happen to those who have not experienced problems before. The skin becomes sensitive not from the good life. Redness, itching, flaking in response to stress, climate change, or a new cream suggests it's time to see a beautician. Before prescribing a special care, he must collect complete information about the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, hormonal background, history of skin care.

Be so kind

When you fly from Singapore to Japan and then to Shanghai, you know your skin won't like it - no options. But, choosing serum and cream, you can be the mistress of the situation. For beginners, it is better to look for brands that have long and seriously dealt with sensitive skin problems: Clinique, Bioderma, Avene, LRoche-Posay … But lately, manufacturers of traditionally active cosmetics with quick response have begun to create products (and sometimes entire lines) for delicate care. However, it is always useful to have a "black list" on hand - add to it the ingredients that often disturb sensitive skin.

Aromatic fragrances are the main enemies of sensitive skin. The solution is to find products that are completely “fragrance-free”. And this is not at all the same as "odorless" products. Products marked "odorless" may contain masking fragrances that hide a sharp and sometimes extremely unpleasant trail of natural ingredients. So read the composition - there shouldn't be any aromatic substances at all (!).

Phthalates (commonly referred to as diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate on labels) are often used to increase the plasticity of nail coatings. They have already been banned in Europe as a potential carcinogen and a possible cause of birth defects, allergic rashes and eczema. When shopping for nail polishes, look for phthalate-free formulas. Neither Zoya nor SpaRitual have ever used these ingredients in their lines, and Essie, OPI and Sally Hansen have specially modified the formulas to get rid of them

Shea butter (shea butter) is most often completely harmless, but for those who are allergic to nuts, it can be harmful. Even if the ingredients are organic or natural, you shouldn't risk it. By the way, coconut is also a nut, so coconut oil should also be blacklisted.

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is often found in disinfectants, including soaps. If there is inflammation and an itchy rash that spreads over the palms and fingers, it makes sense to blame triclosan for this and find soap without it. You are not a surgeon - you just need to wash your hands, not sterilize them

Parabens are used as preservatives and are loved by manufacturers of inexpensive cosmetics because they are stable and inexpensive. They are dangerous for sensitive skin, so when buying any cosmetics, first make sure that there are no parabens such as methyl, propyl and benzyl hydroxybenzoate

Acids are fine (in moderation), but one - with the cozy name "cinnamon" - can be problematic. It is sometimes found in toothpastes and is designed to fight tartar. She succeeds in cleaning her teeth well, but itchy rashes sometimes appear on the lips and around the mouth

Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) work very well in anti-aging products, but they make the skin more sensitive to the sun in the summer and more prone to dryness in the winter. It would be a shame to refuse them. Try to find a remedy with a low concentration of these active substances: it is better to use a little, but every day, than to apply a loading dose twice a week. If you want an anti-aging effect without sensitizing your skin, apply the retinoid cream before bed for just 15 minutes, then rinse with a mild micellar solution. You get short-term rejuvenation

Photo: Getty Images

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