How to Choose the Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

Optimal skin care is all about choosing the right products and following a tailored daily regime. This becomes even more crucial if you suffer from sensitive skin, as many common substances found in cosmetics can cause unwanted skin reactions and breakouts. 

Choosing the best moisturizer for sensitive skin is one important element of this. It’s a daily use product (and if it’s not, it should be), as well as offering additional skin support, such as UV sun protection.

Skincare for Sensitive Skin Begins and Ends with One Key Element…

And that is that:

The best moisturizer comes from within.

In other words, avoid dehydration. Anywhere from 50% to 75% of Americans suffer constantly from mild dehydration. The body compensates for this in many subtle ways, such as diverting water from less essential processes, such as hydrating the skin, and towards ones that are more crucial for everyday health and well-being.

Over time, not only can this accelerate premature skin aging, but it can also increase the predisposition towards environmental sensitivity.

Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to this: drink plenty of water. While all fluids count towards your daily intake, nothing is more effective than the humble glass of water. Ask any dermatologist what their recommended moisturization technique is, and they’ll all say the same thing—to stay hydrated.

When it comes to dermatologist-recommended moisturizers, each will have their preferred brands. But you can bet your bottom dollar that they’ll all have certain things in common, including:

• To use the correct moisturizer for your skin type: Your skin might be sensitive, but it will also fall under another umbrella—dry, normal, oily, or combination. To add more confusion, many people find their skin changes with the seasons. For example, you might spend more time in an air-conditioned environment during the summer months, which can cause excessive dryness. Or you might have moved to a new region with a totally different climate from what you’re used to… If so, don’t be surprised if your skin reacts. And remember, your skin type is likely to change over time. Older skin has different needs to younger skin, making it important to regularly reassess whether your time-trusted moisturizing products are still having the desired effect.
• Avoid fragranced products: These often contain elements that will easily trigger sensitivity. Not all skin care products are made equal, with many still containing ingredients that, while they might have an appealing aroma, can spell disaster for anyone with skin that’s even the slightest bit on the sensitive side.
• Avoid those with harsh ingredients: Including parabens, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oils, preservatives, and phthalates. One tip for choosing the best moisturizer for sensitive skin is to pick one with a short list of ingredients and that’s labelled hypoallergenic.
• Use a product that helps nourish the natural skin barrier: This is a protective top layer that has the dual purpose of stopping the moisture within the skin cells from exiting and preventing external stressors from entering. This lipid layer can be supported with carefully chosen moisturizing products. Look for ones that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin B3, all of which will help keep the skin barrier in great condition.

Any dermatologist will tell you that there’s no single product that suits everyone. The right skin care is individual to your requirements, which is why the best way forward for sensitivity issues is to seek professional advice. 

Whether you’re a long-time sufferer of sensitive skin or you’ve found that your skin is changing and becoming more challenging to care for and moisturize, the experts at Bayou City Dermatology can help.

Visit Services | Bayou City Dermatology to discover more about us and call today to book your consultation.