Friday, July 3, 2009

Top 10 Sensitive Skin Products In No Particular Order

Just a little background on how sensitive my skin really is:

I have eczema year around on my face and body. I have combination skin that ranges from normal on my checks to really, really dry with acne and scarring everywhere. I have dozens of food allergies and am allergic to nature and just about any furry animal known to man. This is all painfully reflected on my skin. Even my allergist is tired of me. People have asked me, "Hey, what happened to your skin?" Rude, huh?
Short story : I am Bubble Girl.

My whole life I have been on the search for products that won't irritate my skin. Here are the top 10 (or more) products I have been using regularly.
I cannot live without this product! This has been the best relief for my eczema. The salt needs to dissolve in hot water but I wait for the water to cool just a bit and soak in a warm bath for 20 minutes. If you have cracked, raw skin, beware: this might sting when you get into the bath but it will start to soothe and heal your skin. When you get out you will feel a huge difference! I do this about twice a week.
P.S you can find cheaper salts in bulk online.
I have been trying to find the right moisturizer for my skin for years. I can't say enough about this product! I use it day and night. It has a very light scent which I usually don't like but it hasn't bothered me so far. I have never had any irritation using this cream, even when I have had really bad eczema breakouts where the skin is cracked! I put this on and it is just so rich and soothing. I must tell you though, it is a really thick cream. I haven't found anything better but I'm getting some new stuff in so I will post any updates I may have on all products posted. So far this is the best moisturizer I have found for my skin.

3. Philosophy On A Clear Day Oil-Free Foaming Acne Cleanser
What it is formulated WITHOUT: Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro- Chemicals. I started using this cleanser about 2 months ago and I really like it. Philosophy targets the sensitive acne prone skin group with this line. It has a foam pump which is a unique way of delivering the salicylic acid(first I've seen.) You only need one pup for your face. I have not had any problems with it so far just minimal drying that is almost negligible and my breakouts are noticeably less which makes me a really happy camper. Overall, I like this product but I am still going to keep an eye out for better products.
This is a great Ointment for any dry, cracked or irritated skin patches. I carry the 1 oz. tube with me everywhere I go. Don't be fooled, it is a temporary fix. I use it mostly on my lips and face where I have eczema patches. It's fragrance-free and hasn't caused me to breakout when I put it on my face. But make sure you use the most minimal amount and really rub it in because it is a bit greasy, especially if you are wearing make-up over the area. This is the best inexpensive moisturizer you will find. A must buy!
Every other eye cream that I have tried has given me the allergy, swollen, puffy eye. This one takes care of all my dry spots from eczema and make-up irritations. It is soothing and really packed with moisture without being greasy or heavy. It soaks into your skin pretty quickly. I use this day and night because of the dryness in my skin. This Product is pricey. It is about $48.00 on Amazon or Sephora. Bottom line: I buy it cause it works and I'm not allergic to it. I am still keeping an eye out for better, cheaper products.


Truth be told, this soap is pricey but well worth it. Dermatologist will tell you to use Dove White or Dove Sensitive skin but I find that the Natural or Organic cleansers work best on me. I love this one which is less expensive that the one I used to use:
One with Nature, Dead Sea Salt Soap Bar
which gets honorable mention (I get mine from WholeFoods.) Both do a great job but I prefer Tom's because it lathers more so it makes me feel cleaner(if that makes any sense.)
I highly recommend this fragrance free lotion for dry and sensitive skin type and even for Eczema. Not too thick or greasy, soaks into your skin quickly and really last all day. The set back is it costs too much to use every day. This goes on during the winter or my extra dry days.
During the summer I use:
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion, Unscented
which I really love. It's really Moisturizing for a medium weight lotion.

This Sunscreen if formulated with no toxins, chemicals or oils and works to heal and soothe. One of the most gentle sunscreens I have ever used. I really like to use this on my face when I am extra sensitized and irritated. It hasn't caused any breakouts or irritations. Any sunscreen with the Zinc Ocxide will make your face white if not massaged into the skin. Under make-up it's fine but on its own not so much. So, for the more bare look I use a tinted moisturizer over it and I'm good to go.
This is sunblock can be gentle enough to use everyday but it is not fragrance free. Although this bottle is the second one I have purchase, I am starting to second guess this product's compatibility with my skin. I think that the weather change and the fact that I have been sweating a lot has has had an a huge effect on my skin this summer. Maybe, I will hold off until it cools down to try using this product on a daily basis again.
Update: I'm now using this DDF Sun Protection on a daily basis again. No complaints- no allergies. Wohoo!
This Cleanser is really a universal sensitive skin product. It's one of the first things a dermatologist will recommend when you have atopic dermatitis or eczema. I use this when my skin has just had it and nothing will calm or soothe it because has never caused my skin to sting or burn even when it is cracked and sore. I also use as a gentle eye make-up remover on a daily basis. Love this product! I always have a bottle handy.

10. Any California Baby Products:

Heavy, white, almost neon sunscreen. I can put this on my face and not worry about getting a sunburn. I look ridiculous but at least my skin is protected. Ha Ha Ha!

The most gentle Lotion you will ever use! You can even use a bit on your face for extra moisture.
I bring this with me to the spa when ever I get massages. I have had an allergic reaction to everything else that has been rubbed into my skin at these places. Mind you I always ask for their most gentle massage oil and I don't go to cheap places either. They say their oils are hypo-allergenic, organic, made from the best ingredients, but every time . . . every time I tell you! I get these little itchy bumps all over that turn into big itchy bumps that last for weeks! Not fun. This is the only massage oil I am not allergic to and I love it!


That's It! Okay, so there are more than 10 things but I really hope this post helps you in your search for all things sensitive! Remember: what works/doesn't work for me may have the opposite effect on you. Everyone's allergies are different. Thanks for reading!



1 comment:

  1. Glad to know I'm not the only one allergic to everything. Just bought Annemarie Borlind Sensitive Day cream, wish me luck.

    ReplyDelete