During the last few years, I’ve come to realize (the hard way of course!) that I have sensitive skin! It’s especially been bad lately when I’ve tried a different product. What?! How did this happen? Great questions, which I can’t answer. But I here are a few ways I found out that I now need the “sensitive” formula of most products.
Soap/Body Wash
When I was 18, I had a bad rash reaction to Irish Spring bar soap. Enough to go to the doctor, bad. I then switched to body wash. Fast forward a few years….
After a report I saw on bar soap actually cleaning skin better and being cheaper, I switched back to a bar. (You didn’t know I was a cheapskate did ya?) This time I chose Dove. I mean, Dove does market itself as moisturizing “good for skin” brand.
Now, my skin is used to my bar soap! A few days ago, I switched to body wash. Sure enough, I broke out on my collar bone and arms! My preferred Dove bar is the Go Fresh Cool Moisture Beauty Bar. The cucumber scent is fresh and not too strong.
Face Wash
The past year I’ve switched from a facial scrub to makeup remove wipes. I prefer, Neutrogena Deep Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes. If I switch back to a scrub or cleanser, my face breaks out the next day. It is an instant result. When I don’t use the cleansing wipes, it is as if I just rub around all the dirt and not actually clean it off. The astringent in the cleansing wipes leaves my skin feeling clean but not dried out.
Hair Removal Cream
I positively can’t use any type of hair removal cream, i.e. Nair or Veet. Even sensitive formulas don’t work. I’ve tried and retried with the same result. Tiny little bumps that itch like crazy pop up all over my legs. My razor has been my best friend for quite a while now. And my savior this summer has been my Gillette Venus Proskin Moisture Rich Razor. Those moisture bars have allowed me shave less often.
Lotion
This has been the most recent sensitive skin development. The transition from winter to spring to summer wastruly rough on my skin. Worse than ever, actually. I’d apply lotion just like usual every time I showered and double after I shaved my legs. But the dryness got so bad that my itching legs kept me awake at night. It was constant. I’d apply lotion then feel greasy AND itchy. After using Bath and Body Works lotion for years, I’ve had to switch to a more specific “dry skin” formula. My new go to is Nivea Body Smooth Sensation. It is moisturizing, has a light weight formula, and absorbs quickly!
Do you have sensitive skin?
What products can you use or NOT use?
photo via bre beauty
If I’m in a rush, I’ll usually stop here but if not, I can take a little more time and make softer waves with a curling iron or a wave iron. This makes a dressy ’do a lot easier. (Like Kate Hudson and Jessica Beil!) It’s such a beautiful style that looks completely effortless and almost is!
