Sensitive Skin Care

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What is Sensitive Skin?

Many people tell us they have sensitive skin. The question is...sensitive to what? Sensitive skin is a lay term rather than a medical diagnosis.

Natural Organic Chocolate Soap for Dry Skin Some people are simply born with sensitive skin, and research shows this skin type is often genetic.

For many, the causes of sensitive skin can be traced back to skincare.

If you notice redness, burning, itching or stinging after applying a product, your skin could be reacting to something in the ingredients list.

Some people truly have thin or a fine-textured sensitive skin. Since it reacts quickly to both heat and cold, sensitive skin sunburns and windburns easily. It is often dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions.

Other people have skin that is simply sensitive to its environment. Seasonal temperature and humidity changes, very hot water, detergent soaps, synthetic fragrances and colors, preservatives, alcohol (used on the skin), and other artificial additives cause irritation or inflammation, which leads to red, blotchy, and itchy skin.

Rosacea, eczema and allergic contact dermatitis are commonly mistaken for sensitive skin.

For a more extensive list of soaps for sensitive skin, please read Help Me Choose Soap.

For special products for sensitive facial skin, read Help Me Choose: Facial Skin Care

Symptoms

Dry, Itchy, Tight, Flaking Or Peeling Skin: This is usually due to dryness, common causes of dry-skin itch are cold, dry weather, wind, harsh skin care products and washing with very hot water.

Redness: This can take the form of a red rash, red bumps, blushing and flushing.

Stinging & Burning: Especially when using detergent based soaps or gels, products with alcohol or artificial fragrance, and strong acne or anti-aging products.

Helping with Sensitive Skin

Use Simple Natural Soap & Skin Care

Simple, natural soap is best. We suggest that people with sensitive skin begin with soaps that contain no essential oils. Soaps like the Goat Milk Oatmeal, Carrot & Honey, Milk & Honey Baby Soap, Chamomile Calendula Soap. Some people have also found the Sea Buckthorn and Neem and Tea Tree soaps to be very helpful.

Simple, wholesome skin care is best. Choose skin and hair care products carefully. Read labels and choose products that have simple, natural ingredients. The fewer ingredients in a skincare product, the better it is for sensitive skin.

Some with sensitive skin do better with unscented soaps and skin care products. For a more extensive list of soaps for sensitive skin and soaps with "no added scent," please see our Help Me Choose Soap page.

If you are not sure how a product will react with your skin, do a patch test before applying.

Moisturize

Natural Organic Moisturizing Shower Lotion Bar Sensitive skin is often dry and more prone to problems from environmental elements like pollution, dry air, and wind.

Moisturizing helps protect skin from water loss and maintains a healthy barrier from environmental factors.

It is important to choose moisturizing products with simple, natural ingredients that will both hydrate and soothe the skin.

Gentle natural organic creams, shower lotion bars, balms and body and face oils are calming and kind to sensitive skin.

Always apply moisturizers to warm and damp skin. Creams are better able to lock in moisture when the pores are clear after a warm wash. After you finish, gently pat your skin dry.

Gently Exfoliate

Organic Coconut and Honey Facial Sugar Scrub While exfoliating is not always necessary, for individuals with sensitive skin, selecting the right exfoliating scrub is crucial to avoid irritation and damage. Many commercial scrubs contain harsh ingredients that can be detrimental to sensitive skin.

Avoid scrubs with harsh acids, salt, or large particle ingredients.

Instead, opt for small granule products like our facial sugar scrubs, which are often gentle enough for sensitive skin on the face and the body. These scrubs provide a more gentle yet effective exfoliating experience.

Remember, the goal is to eliminate dead skin cells and encourage cell regeneration without leaving the skin raw or irritated.

Choosing a simple natural exfoliator like Adzuki Micrograin Scrub will gently exfoliate without irritating sensitive skin.

Simple exfoliation occurs every time you wash your face from the friction of rubbing your skin with your hands, washcloth, or gentle facial pad.

For more information read our blog, "The Nitty Gritty of Exfoliation"

Salves

Organic Calendula Salve Old fashioned ointments or salves are great for spot treatment of sensitive skin areas.

Natural salves are used to soothe, protect, or promote healing of the skin. The concentrated organic formulation of nourishing oils and the healing power of herbs acts as a barrier on the skin’s surface.

Organic herbal salves are a convenient way to bring the healing and soothing properties of herbs deep into the tissues.

For a comparison of all of our salves, please read "Help Me Choose Salves."

Bathing

Soaking in a warm bath can help soothe sensitive skin. Here are some tips:

Add oatmeal, natural bath oil, or a natural bath salt to warm bath water.
If you are sensitive to scents, try our unscented Simply Salt Bath Salts
Organic herbal bath teas are a soothing addition to a warm bath and can also be used as an "herbal washcloth." Our Soothe My Skin Bath Tea is a gentle blend of skin-soothing botanicals and oats, with a touch of Himalayan Pink Sea salt.
Gently pat skin dry after a bath or shower. Vigorous rubbing can irritate sensitive skin.
To get the most from a moisturizer, use it immediately after a bath or shower.

Things to Avoid

HOT BATHS OR SHOWERS

To soothe skin, take shorter showers in warm — not hot — water. Use mild soaps that skip perfumes and other fragrances, and be particularly careful with red areas, open cracks, sores, or rashes.

To calm and comfort sensitive skin, adopt a gentle approach to bathing.

Take shorter showers in warm, rather than hot, water.
Use mild, fragrance-free soaps that are gentle on the skin.
Exercise extra caution when washing sensitive or compromised areas, such as red patches, open cracks, sores, or rashes.

SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

Synthetic fragrance (parfum) is a leading cause of contact dermatitis and can even lead cause an increase in skin sensitivity, especially for folks with sensitive reactive skin.

Those with sensitive skin often find significant relief just by switching to fragrance-free products. Look for products that are labeled "fragrance-free," and not just "unscented." Unscented products may still contain synthetic fragrances added to neutralize natural scents created by other ingredients. When checking ingredients avoid products that contain "fragrances" or "parfums."

Synthetic fragrances, often listed as "parfum" or "fragrance" on product labels, are a common culprit behind contact dermatitis and increased skin sensitivity. For individuals with sensitive, reactive skin, these fragrances can be particularly troublesome.

Those with sensitive skin often find significant relief just by switching to fragrance-free products. However, it is essential to be mindful of labeling. While "unscented" products may seem like a safe bet, they can still contain synthetic fragrances that neutralize natural scents from other ingredients.

To ensure you are avoiding synthetic fragrances, carefully read the ingredients and steer clear of products containing "fragrance," "parfums," or other synthetic ingredients.

PRESERVATIVES

According to the Mayo Clinic, preservatives in cosmetic and skincare products are considered the most common allergens and irritants for people with sensitive skin, second only to fragrances.

Any product that contains water must also contain some type of preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Since many commercial skin care products contain water, it can be difficult to find products that are preservative-free.

HARSH CHEMICALS & SYNTHETIC INGREDIENTS

Avoid using skin care and cosmetic products that contain alcohol, harsh exfoliants, detergent surfactants, petrochemicals, and artificial colors or fragrances, all of which can wreak havoc on sensitive skin, leading to irritation, redness, and dryness.

Even some seemingly beneficial ingredients, like retinol and glycolic acid, commonly found in anti-aging products, can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Always research ingredients carefully and opt for gentle, natural alternatives to ensure the best possible care for your skin.

HEAVY FOUNDATION

Your skin needs to breathe, so avoid foundation if possible. Foundation, especially when applied as a thick film, can prevent the skin from shedding old cells and renewing itself, leading to clogged pores and irritated skin.

Try making a DIY tinted moisturizer using cocoa powder. Mix a small amount of your skin's favorite moisturizer with a tiny pinch of cocoa powder. Continue adding cocoa powder in tiny amounts, mixing well after each addition to avoid clumps, until you achieve your desired tone. Before applying to your face, always do a patch test to check for any sensitivities or irritation.

For most people with sensitive skin, a little extra TLC and gentle care can go a long way in preventing and easing irritation.

If sensitive skin symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying allergies or conditions.

Allergies

People with severe allergies—please note: If you have severe anaphylactic-type reactions to ANY of the ingredients in ANY of our products, please do not buy our products. We have dedicated soap rooms and product rooms that are kept meticulously clean, but we cannot guarantee against possible cross-contamination of individual ingredients.

Chagrin Valley Soap & Craft is not responsible for any individual reaction to any particular ingredient. Each product description on our website includes a complete list of ingredients. People with sensitivities to any listed ingredient should not use the product. In case you are in doubt always try an allergy patch test and if at any time irritation occurs, discontinue use of the product.

Medical Disclaimer

The content and information on this website, provided by The Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Company, is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended and should not be construed as medical advice to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The information regarding folklore or health-related benefits of certain ingredients is for educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to prescribe or be taken as medical advice.

The information provided is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your personal physician or other medical professionals. Do not use the information found on this website to self-diagnose any medical conditions or treat any health problems or diseases. If you have medical concerns regarding yourself or your family you should seek the advice of qualified, licensed health professionals. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Read our Full Medical Disclaimer.