Learn How to Treat Your Sensitive Skin

As I get older I’ve noticed that my skin is so much more sensitive than it used to be. I’ve always been acne-prone but my skin was always pretty resilient, now my skin gets irritated easily too. I’m definitely not alone in this. One of the most common questions I receive is what to use on sensitive/ reaction prone skin? 

Skincare can be so frustrating, we feel like we need to be exfoliating and using anti-aging products but then everything that touches your face irritates it! Not all hope is lost. I went to a Dermclass for La Roche-Posay and learned all about their products and why they are so great for sensitive skin. 

La Roche Posay is such a major brand, I’m sure you’ve seen them around (they’re sold at major stores like Target, CVS, ULTA, Dermstore & more!). But there’s so much more to their story. There is actually a town called La Roche-Posay in France. It is well-known in the science community for its soothing thermal spring water. The water has very high amounts of Selenium, which is an extremely powerful antioxidant. The doctors and scientists have used the water to heal even the most sensitive since 1905 at the La Roche-Posay Thermal Center of Dermatology. La Roche-Posay starting selling products with this magic water over 40 years ago!

Let’s get into skincare. Keep reading to see why you have reactions, and how to fix them.

What Causes Skin Reactions?

There are many reasons that you may have a reaction but the most common are your environment (think smog), hormones, and stress levels. Also, as we age, our skin changes- products that worked for years can suddenly cause a reaction.

You may also have an actual allergy to an ingredient. An allergy means you were exposed to an ingredient then re-exposed to that ingredient and your body has a delayed reaction and decides that it doesn’t like that. This is a little tricky because you may have been fine the first time you used it, then had a major breakout the second time.

If Your Skin Reacts

• Write down everything you did the last 72 hours- what you ate, where you were, what you tested.. etc
• Be gentle- less is more so cut back on all of your products and stick to the basics.
• Apply low dose hydrocortisone to the affected area.
• Moisturize with a simple, clean moisturizer.
• Take an Advil or Aspirin.

How to Prevent a Skin Reaction

If your skin tends to be reactive it’s important to use clean, minimalistic products. La Roche-Posay is free of fragrances and parabens. It’s also free of alcohol, which can be drying. Whenever you test a new product be sure to spot test it and wait 4 days before you add it into your routine. Yes, 4 days! It can take that long for a reaction to appear. I suggest spot testing behind your ear, inside your wrist or elbow.

If you are struggling to find skincare that doesn’t aggravate your skin try La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair line! I tested a few of their products and I’m very impressed.

Before I get into which products I tested I need to mention La Roche-Posay’s innovative airtight packaging. If a product doesn’t have parabens or preservatives they won’t have a long shelf life. La Roche-Posay has airtight packaging so no outside contaminants get inside. It has a 100% retractable pouch that ensures there is no product left over so you can actually use the entire bottle! I wish every product used this packaging.

HYDRATING GENTLE SOAP FREE CLEANSER

This cleanser is amazing! It is a cream cleanser that actually makes you feel clean! It is very hydrating so you don’t feel tight after you use it. I love how much product you get for the price.

TOLERIANE ULTRA INTENSE SOOTHING MOISTURIZER

This comforting cream is made with the famous La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. It has Neurosensine to help hydrate and soothe the skin. I love how lightweight so it works well under makeup. It also absorbed quickly and left me feeling hydrated all day.

TOLERIANE ULTRA NIGHT INTENSE SOOTHING MOISTURIZER

This moisturizer is a little thicker than the daytime one so it’s perfect for loading up on hydration as you sleep. This is also formulated with La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water, Neurosensine, and a restorative antioxidant complex – Carnosine + Vitamin E.

TOLERIANE ULTRA EYES INTENSE SOOTHING MOISTURIZER

I love this lightweight eye cream. It uses the Thermal Spring water, Neurosensine and Niacinimide so it’s very soothing for the sensitive skin around your eyes.

Overall, I am very impressed with the Toleriane Ultra line. The products are rich but not heavy. They work well under makeup and made my skin so happy! Have you tried any of their products? Let me know in the comments below!