Sensitive skin triggers 101 - identifying and avoiding common skin irritants.

Did you know people with sensitive skin spend more money on skincare products and treatments? Investing money is only part of the challenge - you must dedicate time and energy to finding suitable skin care products for your delicate skin. Trying something new is always a gamble, like playing Russian roulette - you cannot know what may cause an adverse reaction. The only answer - is understanding how to read these complex ingredient labels. This is your essential guide to protecting your sensitive skin!

When reading an ingredient list, it is essential to understand what each ingredient does and its potential side effects.

Look out for these common irritants:

Fragrance (perfume): Many people with sensitive skin react negatively to perfumes found in beauty products. The FDA does not regulate perfumes, so their ingredients can range from natural plant extracts to synthetic chemicals with unknown effects on

human health. Also, some people may be allergic or photosensitive to perfume ingredients such as linalool, limonene, and benzyl acetate.

Alcohol: Alcohol is a very common ingredient in many skincare products.
Alcohols such as ethanol, SD alcohol 40, propylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol can irritate the skin and dry it out by stripping away moisture from the epidermis's surface layers, compromising the skin barrier. This can cause redness, flaking, and irritation.

Alpha-hydroxy acids: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring acids used in various skincare products for their exfoliating and skin-renewing properties. Common AHAs include glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acids. While AHAs can be beneficial for many people, they can be irritating for individuals with sensitive skin. The main concern with AHAs is that they can cause irritation and inflammation in some people. AHAs' most common side effect is redness or burning sensation on the skin. This is caused by increased blood flow to the skin's surface due to increased cell turnover. In addition to this temporary side effect, some studies show that AHAs may increase UV sensitivity.

Chemical sunscreens: People with sensitive skin may need to be cautious when using chemical sunscreens because some of the active ingredients in these sunscreens can potentially cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that work by absorbing and dissipating UV radiation. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone can trigger allergic responses in some people, leading to redness, itching, and rashes. Chemical sunscreens, by their nature, need to be absorbed into the skin to be effective. This absorption process can disrupt the skin's natural barrier and increase sensitivity.

With knowledge of common sensitive skin triggers, you can now approach skincare with a discerning eye. When navigating the minefield of potential irritants, you can make informed choices for your sensitive skin. Remember that investing time and energy in understanding the skincare ingredients is a commitment to your skin's well-being. Knowledge is your greatest ally in the battle for healthy and glowing skin. And we're here for you every step of the way! Let's glow together!