Top Tips For Finding Make Up For Sensitive Skin

By Celia Hall


After using certain cosmetics and toiletries, some people may break out in hives or some other form of irritation. People like these are considered to have sensitive skin. More than half of the population, mostly women, are prone to this condition. Just because one has this condition does not mean that one is not able to use cosmetics anymore. Enumerated below are some tips on how to find make up for sensitive skin.

Every person has a different skin type. A brand that works for one person may cause allergies for another. What is common among people with this sensitivity is that they are best off using hypoallergenic products as these do not contain ingredients that cause irritation.

It's important to check whether the product has an expiration date as it is most effective when used before it expires. For products without expiry dates, they must be used for up to a year only so that germs do not build up on them. The same applies to make up brushes and sponges, which should also be cleaned weekly.

Substances placed on the skin are very easily absorbed by the body. It is important to do some research to find out which substances are safe to apply and which are not, especially for those with a sensitivity. Some common ingredients that cause irritation are Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Boric Acid and many more.

When a product has less ingredients, there will also be less chances that the user will get an undesired reaction. Thus when a product contains ingredients that it can do without, it's always better to just go without them. For this reason, fragrance-free products are better than its fragrant alternative especially for those with sensitivities.

Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients are also common irritants. Sensitive skin does best with sunscreens that contain such ingredients as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Ingredients such as these are called physical UV blockers. Examples of the chemical ingredients that may cause irritation are Oxybenzone and Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, or PABA.

Always test a product before buying or using it on your face. The best places to do a patch test are behind your ear or on the inside of the elbow. The skin on the inside of your elbow is very thin, thus the product is absorbed easily. As long as there is no redness or itchiness on the area tested, then the product is most probably safe to use.

Knowing what the product is made of is important in avoiding any allergic reactions. Although some products may claim that they are hypoallergenic, there is really no clear standards as to what would make a hypoallergenic product. Thus it is always best to educate oneself of the harmful chemicals that may cause irritations and check this with the product whenever possible.

The best people to talk to about make up for sensitive skin would be the experts such as the dermatologists and allergists. The dermatologist is an expert in skin care thus he would know which products are best to use. The allergists would be able to point out which substances in particular one should stay away from in order to keep the skin free from allergic reactions.




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