One of the most important parts of building a skincare routine is finding a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, here’s how to identify a moisturizer that will support healthy and strong skin – without causing any irritation.
Characteristics of Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin refers to a skin type that is especially prone to being aggravated by irritants. This may lead to visible and physical signs of aggravation, including redness, dryness, itching, flakiness, and stinging.
The exact triggers that can cause this aggravation can differ from person to person. However, some common causes include environmental aggressors (such as wind or extreme temperatures), harsh skincare products, poor skincare habits (such as overwashing the face or failing to wash off makeup), stress, and certain foods.
Finding the best moisturizer for sensitive skin is essential for keeping reactive complexions calm and healthy. A moisturizer will improve moisture levels and support barrier health, keeping the skin as resilient as possible against irritants. A high-quality formula that is suitable for sensitive skin will also help quell signs of irritation for a comfortable complexion.
Skincare Ingredients to Look for Sensitive Skin
As you look for a new face moisturizer, it’s crucial that you pay close attention to the ingredients label. Here are the top sensitive skin moisturizer ingredients you’ll want to look for.
Hydrating Ingredients
Sensitive skin can be prone to dehydration, so it’s important to find a moisturizer that replenishes water levels for soft, supple skin. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are excellent for hydrating sensitive skin. They are super gentle on the skin, and work to hydrate by drawing water to the skin and locking it in.
Soothing Ingredients
Anyone with sensitive skin should make sure their moisturizer is chock-full of soothing ingredients that can keep irritation at bay. Aloe juice is especially beneficial, as it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it works as a lightweight hydrator. Another great calming ingredient to look out for is sesame seed extract. The fatty acid-rich natural ingredient offers anti-inflammatory benefits, and is also known for its ability to hydrate and enhance skin barrier health.
Antioxidant Ingredients
It’s important to look for skincare formulas made with antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against the negative effects of free radicals, which can damage the skin and trigger premature signs of aging.
Plant oils and extracts are especially helpful for providing antioxidant protection to the skin – and they are often found in some of the best moisturizers. Jojoba seed oil, for example, is particularly beneficial for all skin types. It is loaded with vitamin E (an antioxidant), and has anti-inflammatory properties. Another example is coriander seed oil, a soothing and moisturizing oil that is a great source of the antioxidant vitamin C. Cranberry seed oil is also rich in both vitamins C and E.
Ingredients to Avoid
Knowing what ingredients to avoid is equally important – especially when it comes to sensitive skin. Pass on moisturizers (and other skincare formulas) made with the following ingredients.
Harsh Chemicals
Many skincare formulas are made with harsh chemicals that can dry out and aggravate the skin. As you look through different ingredient labels, make sure you avoid formulas made with phthalates, alcohols, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, and triclocarban.
Fragrances and Dyes
Fragrances (often listed as “fragrance”, “perfume”, or “parfum”) and dyes are commonly used as additives in moisturizers and other topical products. However, they unfortunately can trigger a negative reaction in sensitive skin.
Certain Preservatives
Preservatives are necessary for maintaining the integrity of skincare formulas. However, not all are created equal, and some can be harmful to the skin. In particular, it is best to pass on moisturizers made with parabens. They are known to be irritating, especially for those with more reactive skin. Some commonly used parabens to keep an eye out for are butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben
Tips for Choosing and Using Moisturizers
When looking for a moisturizer that is suitable for your sensitive skin, stick with clean formulas. These will be free of preservatives and harsh chemicals (like those mentioned above) that can aggravate sensitive skin. Once you’ve chosen a formula, support your skin by using your moisturizer twice a day on a consistent basis.
One of the top moisturizers for promoting healthily moisturized and comfortable skin is the Freedom Day & Night Moisturizer. Made to be suitable for all skin types, this gentle anti-aging moisturizer is crafted with nutrient-dense calming and hydrating ingredients, including antioxidant-rich plant oils and extracts, aloe, and glycerin.
It also has a clean, plant-based formula that is made without fragrances – so no need to worry about it triggering a negative reaction. With daily use, this moisturizer will help you achieve and maintain a healthy, calm complexion that looks radiant and feels its best.
