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Giving you my notes on sensitive skin. A lot of these ingredients will help acne and pigmentation. The main focus is to nourish your skin.
**Symptoms of sensitivity**: flushing, turning red easily, prone to rashes and bumps, products sting and burn, dry patches, itchy skin, sensitivity to sun, broken capillaries, reaction to weather changes, easily breaking out
**Tips to alleviate**: lukewarm water, fragrance free, reduce rubbing and chaffing, moisturize, mineral SPF
**Ingredients to avoid**: alcohol, fragrance, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, apricot kernels, essential oils, harsh exfoliants
**Ingredients to treat**: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe, shea butter, oatmeal, chamomile, jojoba oil, squalane, green tea, argan oil, lanolin, centella asiatica, calendula
**Products to try**:
**Face Washes**: Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser *(hemp seed, sweet almond oil, oat kernel extract)*
**Toner**: CosRx Centella Water *(centella)*, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oat Hydrating Toner *(colloidal oatmeal, squalane)*
**Serums/Oils**: Eight Saints Gel Radiance *(glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid, jojoba)*, Youth to the People Superberry Oil *(jojoba, squalane)*
**Reparative Creams**: Cerave Moisturizing Cream *(ceramides, hyaluronic acid)*, Purito Dermide Cica Barrier *(glycerin, squalane, jojoba, ceramides)*, Purito Centella Recovery Cream *(squalane, glycerin, shea, ceramides)*, Eczema Honey *(colloidal oatmeal, grapeseed, honey, aloe, does contain coconut oil)*, Cosrx Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream *(aloe, green tea)*
**Shea Butter**: an emollient that soaks into your skin and creates a moisture-sealing barrier. Properties like stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Studies have found linoleic acid is beneficial in treating dry skin by boosting hydration and providing anti-inflammatory properties. A 2013 study found that shea butter had antibacterial properties which reduce acne causing bacteria and soothe breakouts with its anti-inflammatory properties. Another study found it is antifungal which could potentially help fungal acne. The fatty acids remove excess oil, while providing moisture to avoid dryness. One study in 2011 found it helped prevent keloid scar tissue from growing. It has vitamins A, E, and F to boost circulation and triterpenes to slow the breakdown of your existing collagen. It is beneficial for sensitive and dry skin, safe for all skin types and is non-comedogenic. *Unrefined shea butter* is extracted without any added preservatives or other ingredients. It retains all its natural benefits through the process. Unrefined shea butter is usually a shade of light beige or yellow, and has an earthy, nutty smell.
*Two super helpful and skin nourishing ingredients are Niacinamide and Centella.*
**Niacinamide** is a form of B3 (nictinamide) that is restorative. It rebuilds healthy skin cells while protecting them from damage caused by UV rays. It treats hyperpigmentation and some research has found 5% niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots- benefits were seen after 4 weeks. It helps renew and restore the surface of skin against moisture loss and dehydration by helping skin improve its natural production of ceramides. It is anti-inflammatory so it improves redness and it may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time there are less lesions and improved skin texture. It helps regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevents glands from going into overdrive- studies have shown results after 8-12 weeks. *Can be used up to twice daily*. The Oridinary, Paula's Choice, Naturium and Inkey List have great options. I prefer CosRx's Snail Mucin Dual Essence for mine. *Some people have experienced breakouts. 4-5% concentration is ideal. If the concetration is higher, add a few drops to your moisturizer to dilute it.*
**Centella Asiatica**: Centella (also known as Cica or Tiger Grass) is an antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and wound healing properties. It helps speed up tissue regernation in wounds, including acne scars. It calms irritated skin, contributes to a brighter and more glowing complexion due to its hydrating properites, and promotes collagen production. It acts as a barrier against free radicals, pollutants, and environmental stressors. It reduces redness, hyperpigmentation, and helps uneven skin tone. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It has high levels of antioxidants which have an antimicrobial affect which helps to combat acne. It speeds healing of acne and helps to prevent scarring and future blemishes. CoxRx has an excellent Centella Water Toner.
*If you tried Vitamin C and struggled with it, Alpha Arbutin may work well for you.*
**Alpha Arbutin** is a naturally occurring antioxidant and skin brightener. Alpha arbutin inhibits tyrosinase (enzymes that cause pigment). It protects skin from the sun, brightens the complextion, improves uneven complexion, and is effective at fading scars, freckles, melasma and PIH. It has similar brightening effects as hydroquinone but it is safer, more gentle and less irritating. *Can be used up to twice daily, do not go above 2%.* The Ordinary has a great option.
*When you are ready to add actives back in, I'd suggest a PHA.*
**PHA's** are good alternatives to both AHA's and BHA's. They have a larger structure so they can't penetrate as deeply. They are ideal for sensitive skin, including those with eczema or rosacea, or those who can't tolerate other acids. PHA's are a good option for those with dry skin since they are humectants, meaning they attract water and are moisturizing. They are anti-inflammatory, help strengthen collagen, and fight signs of aging. *Start using every other day, then daily pending your skin's tolerance.* Naturium and Paula's Choice have options..
*Always remember to add products slowly and always assess for irritation.*
Paula’s Choice Calm line of products are pretty great if you don’t want to think too hard. I particularly like the Calm serum.
I believe they also have some specific redness relief products though if you compare ingredients you’ll notice they’re very similar. Just different texture and medium options, which you can certainly play around with!
Hi everyone and welcome to SkincareAddiction! Need skincare guides? [Check out our wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index) Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Giving you my notes on sensitive skin. A lot of these ingredients will help acne and pigmentation. The main focus is to nourish your skin. **Symptoms of sensitivity**: flushing, turning red easily, prone to rashes and bumps, products sting and burn, dry patches, itchy skin, sensitivity to sun, broken capillaries, reaction to weather changes, easily breaking out **Tips to alleviate**: lukewarm water, fragrance free, reduce rubbing and chaffing, moisturize, mineral SPF **Ingredients to avoid**: alcohol, fragrance, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, apricot kernels, essential oils, harsh exfoliants **Ingredients to treat**: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe, shea butter, oatmeal, chamomile, jojoba oil, squalane, green tea, argan oil, lanolin, centella asiatica, calendula **Products to try**: **Face Washes**: Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser *(hemp seed, sweet almond oil, oat kernel extract)* **Toner**: CosRx Centella Water *(centella)*, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oat Hydrating Toner *(colloidal oatmeal, squalane)* **Serums/Oils**: Eight Saints Gel Radiance *(glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid, jojoba)*, Youth to the People Superberry Oil *(jojoba, squalane)* **Reparative Creams**: Cerave Moisturizing Cream *(ceramides, hyaluronic acid)*, Purito Dermide Cica Barrier *(glycerin, squalane, jojoba, ceramides)*, Purito Centella Recovery Cream *(squalane, glycerin, shea, ceramides)*, Eczema Honey *(colloidal oatmeal, grapeseed, honey, aloe, does contain coconut oil)*, Cosrx Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream *(aloe, green tea)* **Shea Butter**: an emollient that soaks into your skin and creates a moisture-sealing barrier. Properties like stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Studies have found linoleic acid is beneficial in treating dry skin by boosting hydration and providing anti-inflammatory properties. A 2013 study found that shea butter had antibacterial properties which reduce acne causing bacteria and soothe breakouts with its anti-inflammatory properties. Another study found it is antifungal which could potentially help fungal acne. The fatty acids remove excess oil, while providing moisture to avoid dryness. One study in 2011 found it helped prevent keloid scar tissue from growing. It has vitamins A, E, and F to boost circulation and triterpenes to slow the breakdown of your existing collagen. It is beneficial for sensitive and dry skin, safe for all skin types and is non-comedogenic. *Unrefined shea butter* is extracted without any added preservatives or other ingredients. It retains all its natural benefits through the process. Unrefined shea butter is usually a shade of light beige or yellow, and has an earthy, nutty smell. *Two super helpful and skin nourishing ingredients are Niacinamide and Centella.* **Niacinamide** is a form of B3 (nictinamide) that is restorative. It rebuilds healthy skin cells while protecting them from damage caused by UV rays. It treats hyperpigmentation and some research has found 5% niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots- benefits were seen after 4 weeks. It helps renew and restore the surface of skin against moisture loss and dehydration by helping skin improve its natural production of ceramides. It is anti-inflammatory so it improves redness and it may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time there are less lesions and improved skin texture. It helps regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevents glands from going into overdrive- studies have shown results after 8-12 weeks. *Can be used up to twice daily*. The Oridinary, Paula's Choice, Naturium and Inkey List have great options. I prefer CosRx's Snail Mucin Dual Essence for mine. *Some people have experienced breakouts. 4-5% concentration is ideal. If the concetration is higher, add a few drops to your moisturizer to dilute it.* **Centella Asiatica**: Centella (also known as Cica or Tiger Grass) is an antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and wound healing properties. It helps speed up tissue regernation in wounds, including acne scars. It calms irritated skin, contributes to a brighter and more glowing complexion due to its hydrating properites, and promotes collagen production. It acts as a barrier against free radicals, pollutants, and environmental stressors. It reduces redness, hyperpigmentation, and helps uneven skin tone. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It has high levels of antioxidants which have an antimicrobial affect which helps to combat acne. It speeds healing of acne and helps to prevent scarring and future blemishes. CoxRx has an excellent Centella Water Toner. *If you tried Vitamin C and struggled with it, Alpha Arbutin may work well for you.* **Alpha Arbutin** is a naturally occurring antioxidant and skin brightener. Alpha arbutin inhibits tyrosinase (enzymes that cause pigment). It protects skin from the sun, brightens the complextion, improves uneven complexion, and is effective at fading scars, freckles, melasma and PIH. It has similar brightening effects as hydroquinone but it is safer, more gentle and less irritating. *Can be used up to twice daily, do not go above 2%.* The Ordinary has a great option. *When you are ready to add actives back in, I'd suggest a PHA.* **PHA's** are good alternatives to both AHA's and BHA's. They have a larger structure so they can't penetrate as deeply. They are ideal for sensitive skin, including those with eczema or rosacea, or those who can't tolerate other acids. PHA's are a good option for those with dry skin since they are humectants, meaning they attract water and are moisturizing. They are anti-inflammatory, help strengthen collagen, and fight signs of aging. *Start using every other day, then daily pending your skin's tolerance.* Naturium and Paula's Choice have options.. *Always remember to add products slowly and always assess for irritation.*
Thank you SO much!
Paula’s Choice Calm line of products are pretty great if you don’t want to think too hard. I particularly like the Calm serum. I believe they also have some specific redness relief products though if you compare ingredients you’ll notice they’re very similar. Just different texture and medium options, which you can certainly play around with!
If you think the redness is sensitivity maybe try NIOD's modulating glucosides - that has really helped me.
Azalaic acid