This week: Shopping for products for sensitive skin
The cosmetics market can be a maze. If your old favourite brand changes its formulations or you suddenly develop a sensitivity to a brand you have used successfully before, what do you do? With so many products claiming to be for sensitive skin it can be a nightmare knowing where to start.
These quick pointers can help you make a decision without relying on the marketing-spiel of the beauty counter salesperson!
Avoid skincare and make-up products with perfume in them
Products most likely to cause skin irritation are those containing perfume, fragrance or essential oils. It is worth noting that many products claim to be unscented or unperfumed but do contain a masking fragrance which covers the natural smell of the product if this is deemed unpleasant.
Look for products containing the fewest ingredients
The more ingredients contained in a product, the more chance you may experience a reaction and the less chance you have of isolating what may be the problem ingredient(s).
Don’t assume ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ are best
Just as people can be allergic to pollen or nuts (naturally occurring substances), they can also be sensitive to fruit or herbal extracts or oils and other plant derived materials and perfume/oils. Natural and organic products are often preserved with essential oils or perfume blends. As mentioned above, perfume is one of the key causes of irritation.
Where possible, ask questions and ask for samples before you buy!
