Skin care for hypersensitive, irritated, dehydrated skin?
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Mon Jan 24, 2011 9:06 am

Hi everyone!

I'm wondering if any of you know any facial skin care line for very-very sensitive acne prone irritated dehydrated skin? I've been searching for any sensitive skin care brand for a long time - unfortunately, no good results

I'm looking for special skin care which is formulated without:
any harsh chemicals (SLS,SLES and others),
mineral oil,
silicones,
dyes,
preservatives and alcohol

My skin is also sensitive to herbs, so organic skin care probably won't be suitable - the less ingredients the better. In addition, my skin is in need of rich moisturization.

any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks=)

free skin care · Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:42 pm

Hi there, and welcome!

I can only imagine how difficult it is to have such sensitive skin, but here are a few products that have helped me through some rough patches. I think you'll want to pick and choose from several good brands.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Dermo-Cleanser--this is what I have to use most of the time to tolerate tretinoin, and many of the Toleriane products are fragrance-free and very gentle. Another LRP product that many sensitive folks like is the spring water spray, which has selenium for healing and rinses away harsh chlorinated water.

Avene Cicalfate cream--I used this to soothe and heal a wound on my nose, and no scar and no breakouts! (It has zinc oxide for soothing and zinc gluconate or something for anti-bacterial.) Avene also has a couple of Tolerance Extreme products that might be suitable for you.

Paula's Choice has some good products: the Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer is probably a good first retinoid, and many people swear by her 1% BHA lotion for acne treatment (it has to be approached carefully, and even then you may not be able to tolerate it).

Vanicream is a pretty safe possibility for sensitive folks, but I don't remember the ingredients offhand.

Topix Replenix Cream may be good for a hefty anti-oxidant kick in addition to anti-irritant.

You might also consider dabbling in DIY with pure oils like evening primrose, safflower, or pure glycerin, or a simple hyaluronic acid serum (glycerin and HA are great for dehydrated skin). Many people like Garden of Wisdom for ingredients and simple formulas. Dehydration can also be treated/helped by a humidifier.

And of course, a dermatologist would really be able to help you a lot, especially if you have an underlying allergy or condition like rosacea.

I hope you get some relief soon,
Kay

free skin care · Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:00 pm

I feel your pain! Following illness my skin became just like that!

I highly recommend using a ph balanced SLS free cleanser, and a biological oil as a moisturiser. Check out Skin Beautiful (website waswww.skincarecentral.biz its changed but will link through). You should find products that meet your criteria - I found that the rosehip cleanser and a mix of basic Hylauronic acid and emu oil (or if you're squeamish squalane which is veggie, or something like camelia oil) worked best for me. They do samples so you can try them.
Its not glam skincare, it doesn't smell delicious (just smells neutral really) the packaging is boring but the products deliver. The idea is to rebuild the skins natural barrier by treating it gently with products it recognises (you can also check out the forum at Diana Yvonne who also sells similar products but I found skincare centrals customer service better).
HTH's Smile

free skin care · Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:24 pm

Hi Isidan,

You might check out essential wholesale, they sell bulk skin care that's unfragranced that can be fragranced or not. They sell large samples and many EDS members purchase products from them!
http://www.essentialwholesale.com/ Very Happy

Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:26 pm

Thank you guys! I'll take into account the info you provided me! I'm taking special homeopathic treatment for this horrible dermatitis at the moment, so my skin is fragile during this course of treatment - I have allergic reaction to almost everything I put on my face. Hope to find something really calming and moisturizing for my allergic face.

P.S. Do any of you use humidifier? And if so, what kind of water do you use to fill it? I guess I should use only distilled water...

Thanks)

free skin care · Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:28 pm

I confess, I'm lazy and use cold tap water.
Smile

Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:46 pm

rockhugger, Smile

Well, I have to say that I used to fill with boiled water, but the quality of water isn't very good, because it leaves a thin "chalky" coating in the room on everything!

Tue Jan 25, 2011 5:05 am

Guys, have you ever heard about japanese skin care ranges Kao Curel and Kanebo Freeplus?

Does anybody have some experiences with these brands?

I know that they are formulated for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

Thanks

free skin care · Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:18 am

I have very sensitive and dry skin that stays irritated in the winter. I love my ISC or Phyto-C Proheal Serums and Hydra-cool.
And strange as it may sound and I know you wanted to stay away from organics but, Russell Organics Sea Buckthorn oil has been a lifesaver this winter. It really has healed my skin and combats the dryness very well. My hubby has some excema on his arms that it has all but made disappear.

free skin care · Tue Jan 25, 2011 11:36 am

No, sorry, never heard of them.

May I ask what homeopathic treatments you're taking? The reason is that I wonder if you could add in some omega-3-rich supplements, like olive oil, flaxseeds (ground or oil), evening primrose, borage, or fish oil--to help your skin moisturize itself.

Tue Jan 25, 2011 11:53 am

AnnieR, Thanks for your reply.

I checked the ingredient list of the products you mentioned and realized they contain alcohol, menthol. In my skincare regimen I try to avoid these potential skin irritants.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear it works for you Smile

Tue Jan 25, 2011 3:15 pm

rockhugger, I should consult my doctor.
I wonder if the use of such supplements can lead to weight gain..?

free skin care · Tue Jan 25, 2011 3:39 pm

Isidan wrote:

rockhugger, I should consult my doctor.
I wonder if the use of such supplements can lead to weight gain..?

Isidan, there is no way you can gain weight from a 1,000-2,000 mg of fish oil per day Smile

Tue Jan 25, 2011 4:17 pm

rockhugger, Very Happy

I'm sure you're right.

free skin care · Wed Jan 26, 2011 1:07 am

I really doubt weight gain would be an issue with the amounts I have in mind (2000 mg fish oil, 1000 mg EPO, a shot of olive oil...). In fact, a diet too low in the good fats can make skin dry and easily irritated.

Wed Jan 26, 2011 9:21 am

Have you ever thought of using Eucerin Calming Creme? It's made to soothe irritated or dry skin with great simple ingredients like oatmeal and natural emollients. I figure this would be a great balance of staying ahead of your oversensitive skin while keeping it moisturized. Especially since this winter has been SO cold!

free skin care · Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:15 am

Eucerin Calming Cream is a good alternative too. Hubby keeps it in his golf bag for windy days if he gets sunburned and chapped.

free skin care · Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:50 pm

Hi and welcome,

I have been doing some research on this and found Dr Ci Labo, Hadalabo and Fancl that I think are better than the other brands that claim to be good for sensitive skin. I tried an Avene scrub and it had scent and coloring in it. I was very disappointed in their claims to understand sensitive skin.

These Asian lines are only available online but Dr Ci Labo and Fancl have US distribution. I can't say that you wont react to it but I think the Asian's are more ahead of North America in some aspects of skincare. They were making high sunscreens available way before NA.

free skin care · Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:04 pm

Hi Isidan,

I have very sensitive skin as well and what has been an absolute godsend for me is Mario Badescu products. Especially their Cream Soap, Chamomile Cleansing Lotion and Control Cream (this is a can't live without product for me). I cannot tolerate essential oils, acids, BP and these products don't contain those things. They are fragrance-free as well. You can to towww.mariobadescu.com and take a questionnaire to determine your skin type and they will send you free samples of the recommended products. This has been the only thing to clear up my skin, keep it clear and maintain balance that I have ever found.

If nothing else, just know that I have skin very similar to yours and I have found something that truly works and gives me nice skin. Don't give up hope!

free skin care · Wed Feb 16, 2011 9:19 pm

Hi there, I don't know if this line covers all your requirements but I know it covers some - the first two at least. Take a look a Renee Rouleu reneerouleau.com
I've started using this brand and enjoyed the first few products purchased. She also has a blog that I've enjoyed reading. Some good tips in there.

free skin care · Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:17 pm

If you face is very sensitive. you can try A-Derma oil cleanser (it is good for baby too).

here you can find the info:

http://well.ca/products/a-derma-exomega-shower-bath-oil_15024.html

I had a sensitive skin before. Totally sensitive. therefore I change my routine cleansing procedure. It got better.

however if you apply makeup on i recommend to use the mineral makeup. /
remember to use makeup remover to remove your makeup first before cleansing ur face at night .

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