Hypersensitive skin is prone to allergy if fragrance cosmetics or essential oils are used because of the chemical compounds in these products. In order to avoid these adverse reactions, those with allergy-prone skin should follow a skincare regime comprising hypersensitive skin products which are fragrance-free.
What is hypersensitive skin?
Those with hypersensitive skin have an extremely low tolerance level to unfavourable environmental conditions and chemical-based skin care products. Upon usage of these products their skin may thus suffer from multiple allergies or worsen chronic skin conditions they may already have (such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and dermatitis.) These skin conditions will get more irritated by chemical-based skin products. If they begin to use hypersensitive skin products however, it is likely that conditions can be improved and allergic reactions avoided.
These are scent-free skin products that are especially designed for those with hypersensitive skin. These hypersensitive skin products should be free from essential oils, added fragrances or scents and irritating substances. These irritants include sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), parabens, phthalates, ethyl alcohol and GMOs.
Skin-care regime with hypersensitive skin products
A skincare regime with hypersensitive skin products is the same as any regime – just with gentler products. Outlined below is an example of a typical regime using scent-free hypersensitive skin products:
1. Shower or bath with an organic base no scent shower gel.
At the beginning of the skin care regime, a shower gel should be used that is free from artificial fragrances. It should contain natural products such as aloe vera and yucca, kind to ultra sensitive skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Hypersensitive skin products such as this shower gel must be free from SLS.
2. Use an organic base no scent hand and body lotion whilst skin is still moist.
Hypersensitive skin products like hand and body lotion should be rich in moisturising substances such as Omega 6 and fatty acids. With gentle and natural ingredients such as hemp, avocado and aloe vera, natural lotions should restore the skin's moisture whilst being non-greasy and easily absorbed. They should also be free from irritants such as phthalates or petrochemicals.
3. Apply an organic base no scent deodorant to dry armpits.
Like other hypersensitive skin products, this natural deodorant should be free from parabens, ethyl alcohol and artificial fragrances. It should be gentle on the skin, whilst also being effective in preventing bacterial growth. Stay clear of deodorants that have aluminium in them as this ingredient contributes to the clogging of the skin's pores. A no-scent deodorant with natural ingredients such as witch hazel, olive leaf or aloe vera however should be sought after.
4. Cleanse the face and neck with an organic base no scent cleanser.
When the body has been cared for with hypersensitive skin products it is essential to then target the neck and the face. Use fingertips to apply the facial cleanser in small circular movements and then wash off with warm water, or remove with tissue or cotton wool. Natural and gentle ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile should be in the hypersensitive skin product and not irritants such as emulsifiers or essential oils. Hypersensitive skin products specifically formulated for the face and neck should be ultra-gentle, leaving skin feeling smooth with its moisture balance retained. A facial cleanser should also act as a make-up remover for hypersensitive skin, so gentle that it is safe for getting rid of all types of eye make-up, and even waterproof mascara.
5. Finish by applying a no scent 24 hour fragrance-free facial moisturiser.
Moisturising the face should be the final part of the regime using hypersensitive skin products. A face cream that can be used morning and night is preferable so that your skin can be fed with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients at all times. The moisturiser's ingredients must be gentle on the skin such as primrose or avocado, which also support the health of skin that is hypersensitive. As with all other scent-free products, the moisturiser should be free from lanolin, petrochemicals and colourants.
Therefore there is no limit on what you can do with hypersensitive skin products – you can follow the same skincare regime that you followed before – just without the undesired skin reactions. These products will also help calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.