Has this ever happened to you? You
go out and buy what's reputed to be the best sensitive skin
moisturizer, only to start itching or breaking out in rashes a
few minutes after you use it. Many people experience this
despite the product label's proclamation that the moisturizer is
"light" or even "dermatologist-approved." What you may not know
is that many moisturizing creams and lotions contain substances
that can harm your skin -- regardless of its sensitivity level.
Take a look at your face
moisturizer and scan the ingredients on the label. Beware if it
contains any of the following substances:
Fragrance or parfum.
While it may be nice to have your skin smelling of lilacs or
roses, be warned that many of the chemicals used to make
fragrances in moisturizers and other skin- and hair care
products can have a negative effect on your central nervous
system. They may cause symptoms of depression, irritability, and
hyperactivity.
Mineral oils
like paraffin wax and petrolatum block the skin's pores, which
can lead to acne. Plus, instead of moisturizing your skin, they
dry it up by stripping away our natural oils. This leads to skin
dryness and premature aging of the skin.
Triethanolamine
(TEA) is used to control pH balance. It has been known to cause
dryness and allergic reactions. Moreover, TEA caused skin
eruptions and abnormal darkening of the skin even when applied
in small amounts on mice in animal tests.
Parabens are
chemical preservatives commonly used to prolong the life of many
skin care products. Approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration for use in makeup, skin creams and lotions, and
even food, they have nevertheless caused allergic breakouts in
people, especially those with sensitive skin. Moreover, their
potential role in disrupting our body's endocrinal processes is
being explored, as well as the significance of their presence in
instances of breast cancer.
What Are Some of the
Ingredients You Can Find in a Safe Moisturizer for Sensitive
Skin?
Phytessence Wakame.
Derived from Japanese kelp or algae, it is known as a
traditional beauty preserver. It contains minerals like
potassium and calcium, which are vital for maintaining the
skin's moisture balance. Moreover, it helps relieve skin
inflammation because of its rich vitamin B content.
Shea butter.
Extracted from the seeds of shea trees, it is a natural
moisturizer whose properties closely resemble the oils that our
skin produce. In clinical studies, regular use of shea butter
was shown to make skin look and feel younger and smoother in as
little as four weeks.
Jojoba oil.
Taken from the seeds of the jojoba plant, this substance enjoys
a reputation as a miracle oil because not only does it
moisturize dry skin, it is also capable of reducing oil
production in people with oily skin. In addition to softening
the skin, it helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and
stretch marks. And because its chemical composition is nearly
like our own body oils, there's no need to be afraid of having
an allergic reaction to it.
You might find these beneficial
natural ingredients in your facial cream or body moisturizer,
but if they are accompanied by other substances or chemicals
like the ones mentioned earlier in this article, then don't be
surprised if your sensitive skin becomes irritated.
Please do yourself a favor and
look closely at the ingredients of any sensitive skin
moisturizer. It might surprise you to find out that even the
ones you think are safe for your skin, actually aren't.
