Taking care of sensitive skin can prove to be a challenge for many. This type of skin usually reacts to any skincare products, whether natural or synthetic. Typically, sensitive skin leads to irritation, redness, and severe discomfort when stretching facial muscles. For such skin, choosing the right type of cleanser is an ordeal in itself.ย
There are so many skincare products out there. So, the question remains: How to choose the best cleansing for sensitive skin? Like any question, there is a solution to this problem as well. In today’s blog, we provide a detailed overview of choosing the best cleansing for sensitive skin.
What Does Having A Sensitive Skin Mean?
Before we start our discussion on choosing the best cleanser for sensitive skin, you need to understand the sensitive skin itself. Any person suffering from sensitive skin would likely suffer from problems like redness, dryness, and itchiness. All these sensitive skin issues are triggered by factors like:
- Harsh ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, and chemicals which cause skin irritation.
- Environmental elements like sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause severe skin reactions.
- Lifestyle changes like mental stress, and lack of proper and unhealthy diet cause skin sensitivity.
What Are The Key Features Of A Good Cleanser For Sensitive Skin?
Choosing the right kind of skin cleanser can be really hard. However, you can do it with ease if you look for these in your skincare products.
A Gentle Formula
Any skincare product with labels like โโGentleโโ or โโDesigned for sensitive skinโโ is the ideal one. Such products have mild ingredients in them that do not cause the removal of the skinโs natural oil content.
Hypoallergenic
There are hypoallergenic cleansers in the market which prevent allergic reactions of the skin. Their formulation is highly suitable for sensitive skin.
pH Balanced Cleansers
The pH balance of skin is 5.5 making it a bit acidic in nature. a well-balanced pH cleanser maintains this natural level. This forms a barrier against irritants that can cause skin sensitivity.
Fragrance Free Products
Fragrance is one of the main factors that can result in skin sensitivity. Always buy cleansers that are fragrance-free to limit the risk of skin reactions.
Cleansers with Moisturizing Ingredients
Be sure to buy a facial cleanser that contains ingredients like Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycerine. These ingredients keep the skin hydrated, supple and soft as well as keep the skin soothing.
Popular Types of Facial Cleansers For Sensitive Skin
You need to choose a facial cleanser that works well for your sensitive skin. There are various types. We have listed the types of cleansers that are ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Cream Cleansers
A cream-type cleanser offers a hydrating effect, especially for dry skin. It effectively removes dirt or makeup trapped within the pores without removing natural skin oils.
Micellar Water
Micellar Water contains micelles, tiny oil molecules that act like magnets for oil and dirt. Thus, you wonโt need to rinse to remove impurities from your skinโa perfect on-the-go facial cleanser.
Foam Cleansers
This type can be a little tricky for sensitive skin as it causes slight dryness. Still, most foam cleansers have gentle formulations that moisturize the skin.
Gel Cleansers
This is a refreshing and lightweight cleanser type that works wonders for sensitive skin. Especially, if your skin is prone to acne outbreaks or is oilier than usual, gel cleansers keep it clean without causing dryness.
Oil Cleansers
You can maintain the balance of your skin even after removing impurities and makeup from your sensitive skin. No matter what skin type or sensitivity level you have, oil cleansers work like a charm.
What Ingredients Should You Look For In A Cleanser For Sensitive Skin?
There are many ingredients that are beneficial for sensitive skin types. Always look for ingredients that have a hydrating and soothing effect on your skin. you need to look, especially for the following ingredients.
- Aloe Vera: It is known for its skin-calming properties โ reducing effects like irritation & redness.
- Cucumber Extract: This is perfect for giving a cool, soothing, & hydrating effect to sensitive skin.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: You would be surprised by how moisturized it keeps dry skin with itchiness.
- Chamomile: Its natural anti-inflammatory properties soothe sensitive skin types.
- Green Tea: Due to its rich antioxidant nature it keeps inflammation at bay for sensitive skin.
Ingredients You Need To Avoid In A Cleanser
Just like you need to look for certain ingredients in your facial cleanser, there are some you need to avoid. These ingredients can trigger your sensitive skin.
- Sulfates: It can strip the skin from its natural oils, resulting in severe irritation and dryness.
- Alcohol: This one ingredient can keep the skin dry for a long time which results in skin sensitivity.
- Parabens are preservatives for skincare products, but they can either disrupt hormone function or cause allergic reactions to the skin.
How To Test The New Cleanser For Your Sensitive Skin?
Oftentimes, a cleanser looks good on paper but it is still helpful to test it before adding it to your skincare routine. Below are some tips on testing a new cleanser before using it on a daily basis.
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Patch Test
Take a small amount of your cleanser and apply it on a small part of your skin like behind your ear. Wait for a day to see if it causes any reaction or not.
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Introduce It Gradually
If the skin doesnโt react adversely to it, still, introduce it gradually into your regular skincare routine.
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Start Small
When applying a new cleanser, start with a small amount and keep note of how the skin reacts to it.
Our Final Say
While choosing the best cleanser for sensitive skin can be daunting, you can do it if you know the right doโs and donโts for it. Be clear on what to look for and what to avoid in a cleanser. Only then will you be able to find the best cleanser for your sensitive skin.
