If you struggle with sensitive skin, some skincare ingredients are best avoided. Here are some of the best sensitive skincare options to seek out instead.
Sensitive skin can be challenging to manage, especially when you're unsure about which products might actually cause irritation.
If you want a cool, calm complexion, understanding what triggers your sensitive skin and learning about the ingredients to avoid can help you build a more effective and gentle skincare routine.
Here are five common ingredients you should steer clear of, plus the sensitive skin products that will help your skin to feel better.
What causes sensitive skin?
A few different factors can cause your skin to feel red, itchy, hot or dry.
Internal factors that cause sensitive skin
Several internal factors can contribute to skin sensitivity:
- Genetics: If your parents or siblings have sensitive skin, you are more likely to experience it too. Genetics play a significant role in determining your skin's reactivity and tolerance levels.
- Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, can make your skin more sensitive. These changes can affect your skin's barrier function and increase its susceptibility to irritation.
- Age: As you age, your skin becomes thinner and loses some of its natural protective barriers. This makes it more prone to sensitivity and irritation from external factors.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to particular foods or even dog/cat hair, your skin may be one of the warning signs.
External factors that cause sensitive skin
External factors also trigger sensitive skin reactions:
- Weather: Extreme weather conditions such as harsh winds, cold temperatures, and excessive sun exposure can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to increased sensitivity.
- Pollution: Air pollution can clog pores and irritate the skin, exacerbating sensitivity. Pollutants can break down the skin's barrier function, making it more vulnerable to irritants.
- Skincare products: Some ingredients in skincare products can irritate sensitive skin. Identifying and avoiding these ingredients is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced skincare routine.
Skincare ingredients to avoid for sensitive skin
When dealing with sensitive skin, you need to be cautious about the ingredients in your skincare products. Here are five ingredients you should avoid to prevent irritation and maintain healthy skin.
- Fragrances
Fragrances are commonly added to skincare products to enhance their scent. However, they can irritate sensitive skin. Fragrances may cause allergic reactions that lead to redness, itching and rashes. It's best to opt for fragrance-free products to minimise the risk of irritation.
- Alcohol
Alcohol, particularly denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, is often used in skincare products for its quick-drying properties. However, alcohol can be extremely drying and strip the skin of its natural oils, causing irritation and sensitivity. Look for alcohol-free products or sensitive skin products with additional hydrating ingredients.
- Sulphates
Sulphates, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), are commonly found in cleansers and shampoos. They are effective at removing dirt and oil but can be too harsh on sensitive skin. Sulphates can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. Choose sulphate-free cleansers and shampoos to protect your sensitive skin.
- Chemical exfoliants
While exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, certain exfoliants can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Physical exfoliants, like scrubs with large particles, can cause microtears and irritation. Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), can also be too strong. Opt for gentle, natural exfoliants specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
- Preservatives
Preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould in skincare products. However, some preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, can cause allergic reactions and irritation. When you’re shopping, invest in sensitive skin products with gentler preservatives or preservative-free options.
Find out more: Effective sensitive skincare tricks to cope with sensitive skin
Best sensitive skincare ingredients
The best sensitive skin products use all-natural ingredients that soothe and calm an irritated complexion. Regular use will help reduce flare-ups and give you the confidence to get through the day without the stress of itchy or burning skin.
Invest in quality sensitive skin products and follow a regular routine. At Botani, some of the ingredients we recommend for sensitive skin are:
- Vitamin B3: This has an incredible cooling effect when you apply it and acts to strengthen your skin’s barrier function
- Vegan collagen: This is derived from rice amino acids, soya, baobab and L-proline. It acts to stimulate your body’s own natural collagen production, which can help to ease sensitive skin
- Olive Squalane: To seal moisture into your skin and strengthen its protective barriers
- Olive Leaf Extract: A potent antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties
Shop our sensitive skin collection
Quality sensitive skin products boost your skin’s natural defences and hydration levels, protecting you from that uncomfortable sensation of dry, inflamed or itchy skin.
Start with our bundle for dry and sensitive skin: these all-natural products set the gold standard in skin hydration, repair and nourishment. The sensitive skincare pack covers all bases by:
- Cleansing - Olive Soothing Cream Cleanser
- Treating and Hydrating - Olive Skin Serum
- Moisturising - Olive Repair Cream
Use these premium-quality sensitive skin products morning and night for a few weeks, and let us know about the results you experience.
Click to view Botani’s full sensitive skin product range.
