Since all good skin care starts with cleansing, here are a few tips to help you avoid further drying and sensitizing your skin.

Never use a soap bar! Soap is drying, plain and simple. It strips your skin of natural oils and creates an imbalanced state, further drying your skin.

Choose your cleanser carefully. This is the most important step in cleansing compromised skin. The wrong cleanser will cause irritation and dryness, no matter how gently you wash. Many contain harsh chemicals that actually damage skin, and others may contain ingredients that you’re allergic to. Compromised skin is much more sensitive to dyes and fragrances than normal skin, so take my Ingredients to Avoid list with you when you shop for skin care and don’t buy anything that contains any of these ingredients. Avoid the foaming types of cleansers as well, as the agents used to boost foaming are typically irritating. Instead, look for safe, mild, and hypoallergenic cream and liquid cleansers. (If your skin is dry, use creams.) Above all, avoid antibacterial formulas. Start with organic brands, then read the labels to be sure they don’t contain any irritating ingredients. Try Petite Marie Organic Cleansing Oil with Argan and Acai, or Miessence Soothing Cleanser.

Use lukewarm, not hot water. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and flaking. Protect your sensitive skin with lukewarm water.

Wash only once a day. Unless you have oily skin, try washing your face only once a day. At night is best. In the morning, apply a chemical-free sunscreen everyday.

Gently remove eye makeup. If you need to remove eye makeup at night, follow the same precautions in finding a makeup remover as you would for finding a cleanser. Many standard removers contain alcohols, sulfates and fragrances. Look for safe products that contain few ingredients and no chemical irritants. You might even want to try straight extra virgin olive oil on a cotton ball. Another good option is  Dr. Alkaitis’ Organic Eye Makeup Remover.

Use your fingers. Washcloths, sponges, and other cleansing brushes can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Rub your cleanser into your fingertips, then work over your face in gentle circles until fully lathered for one minute. Use light, upward strokes and avoid puling or tugging on your skin.

Dry with a gentle, soft towel. If you’re allergic to certain detergents, your compromised skin could be made worse when you dry. Choose soft, cotton towels that you wash only with non-toxic detergents, then pat—don’t rub—dry.

Are you gentle with your daily cleansing? Let us know if these tips help ease your skin irritation.

Photo courtesy Gerard Fritz via Flickr.com.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, as many as 15–24 percent of Americans will experience hives at some point in their lives, while allergic dermatitis affects between 10–20 percent of children and 1–3 percent of adults.

¹ What causes these allergic reactions? Often it’s hard to nail down exactly what any one person may be allergic to, as the possible culprits are many. But there are a few that seem to be common irritants—including those listed below:

1. Latex. Found in rubber gloves and balloons, this is a common skin allergen that may cause dermatitis or even life-threatening anaphylaxis.

2. Dyes. These are the chemical colorants added to personal care products, which may commonly cause skin irritation.

3. Fragrances. Synthetic fragrances found in most personal care products, perfumes, and colognes are common skin irritants.

4. Preservatives. Chemicals used to prevent contamination in products are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. These include parabens, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and methylisothiazolinone.

5. Lanolin. Once a popular moisturizer, lanolin is processed in a number of ways, and some of these processing methods involve other chemicals and by-products that can irritate sensitive skin.

6. Chemicals that release formaldehyde: These chemicals are added to products for other reasons, such as to moisturize or keep the product at a certain consistency, but they may release formaldehyde and cause allergic reactions. Examples include quaternium 15, MDM hydantoin, DMDM hydantoin, and ureas.

This list only skims the surface. People with sensitive skin may also be allergic to dairy, gluten, PABA, alcohols, and nut ingredients, among others. The important thing is if you have a skin condition, particularly any of those listed above, an allergy is probably to blame. If you can pinpoint those items you’re allergic to, you may be able to reduce your flare-ups and enjoy more comfortable, attractive skin.

Your first step should be to contact your allergy doctor (or dermatologist) and ask for what is called a “patch test.” This is a common test used to identify substances that may create an allergic reaction for you. You can help your doctor by telling him/her of any substances you came into contact with before experiencing the reaction. He/she will then determine which substances you should be tested for, and place these in direct contact with your skin, usually on the upper back or on the forearm. After 48 hours the doctor will remove the patches and take an initial reading of any reactions, and then take another reading again 48 hours later. If your skin becomes red, swollen, or blistered as a result of contact with any of the substances, your doctor may conclude that you are allergic to that substance.

Once you have the results of your tests, you will probably have better luck avoiding the items that caused problems for you—and enjoy more comfortable, healthy skin in the future!

Have you had a patch test on your skin? Please share your story and suggestions.

Sources

1. Diseases 101: Skin Allergies. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/gallery/skinallergies.asp.

Photo courtesy tkym via Flickr.com.

But what about your makeup? Again, you want to use gentle, sensitive-skin formulas that are free of toxic chemicals, but as you’re perusing your drawer of products, one more thing you may want to consider is your makeup brushes. Where did you get them? What kind are they? When was the last time you washed them?

The most important thing about your brushes is that they’re soft. And believe it or not, that could mean either natural or synthetic bristles.  Let’s look at the difference.

Natural bristles are made with animal hair that comes from goats, ponies, badgers, or squirrels. (If you’re allergic to animal hair, choose synthetic brushes.) But just because it’s animal hair doesn’t mean it’s quality—it all depends on how it’s treated and connected to the handle. Natural bristles are usually hand-shaped and glued, and range from feeling really soft to rough and scratchy. (Some goats have softer hair than others, and it also depends on how the hair is processed.) They also may shed, but they usually hold powder better than synthetic bristles and distribute it more evenly, which is why they’re often preferred by professionals.

“Squirrel hair has some of the softest bristles,” says makeup writer Teresa Hall. “Good sable makeup brushes, taken care of properly, will last the longest.”

Synthetic brushes are made using man-made materials, and can also range from rough-feeling to silky soft. You can tell their synthetic by their shinier appearance. The biggest advantage is they typically don’t shed, and glide over your face easily, which can be better for dry, flaky skin. High-quality synthetic brushes can be just as nice as natural ones, so if you’re concerned about animal rights and want to avoid natural-hair, you can still find quality brushes. However, watch out for low-quality synthetic brushes, as they can stiffen with use.

“I have very sensitive skin,” says Moo. “The only natural hair brushes that don’t bother my skin are high-quality squirrel and Italian Badger hair brushes. Lumiere’s synthetics are even softer.”

To test for shedding, run your fingers through the hair, flip the bristles back and forth, then brush the brush on your hand like you would when applying makeup. After a few times if the hair is coming off, move along and test another one. If the bristles feel stiff or prickly, don’t buy it, as it will only get worse.

If both natural and synthetic brushes can be quality tools, how do you choose? Look for a trustworthy brand. Jane Iredale has a reputation for making products that are good for sensitive skin, so we’d recommend you try her brushes, which are all hand-tied. Users rave about the softness of Lumeire brushes, and Pristine Planet has some great animal-free options. Taklon makeup brushes (a synthetic material) are reputed to be best for applying cream or liquid makeup, as they hold onto the makeup and distribute it evenly. Some Taklon brushes have anti-bacterial benefits, which can be helpful while you’re going through treatment. (Natural bristles can trap powders and chemicals in makeup.)

Finally, don’t forget to clean your brushes often (at least once a week), particularly while you’re going through treatment. Use warm water and a little toxin-free shampoo, swirl in a cup, use your fingers to clean the hairs gently in the direction of the hair, then run under clean water until the water runs clear. Air dry on a paper towel with the brush hanging over the sink overnight. Do not dry the brushes upright (with the hair pointing upward) as moisture and particles can collect into the base of the brush and cause the hair to eventually fan out or shed, or even loosen the handle.

Do you have a favorite makeup brush for sensitive skin? Let us know!

Photo courtesy of annia316 via Flickr.com.

This includes most (if not all) of the products that may now grace your medicine cabinet, bathtub, and shower. It’s time to put them in a bag and stash them out of sight, at least until you’re finished with treatment. Most contain ingredients that are way too harsh for sensitive skin. And we’re not just talking about skin-care products. Shampoos, body washes, lotions, shave creams, and perfumes can all add to the problem. If you want happier, more comfortable skin, scan your products for these ingredients, and restock your supplies with organic, chemical-free, and sensitive items.

Acids (retinol, salicylic, glycolic): This one may seem self-explanatory. After all, just the word “acid” is enough to make skin shrink away. However, because these ingredients have proven so effective at exfoliation and acne-control, they’re found in all kinds of products, including lotions, creams, body washes, gels, even foundations. Check every product you apply to your skin, and use alternatives for now.

Acne Products: Speaking of salicylic acid, put aside your acne products. They usually contain salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and other harsh ingredients that further dry and irritate skin. Acne lotions are often drying, as they’re formulated to reduce skin oils. Right now, you need those oils! If you have acne during treatment, try more natural solutions like clay pastes—Nature’s Supplements suggests Bentonite, which naturally absorbs toxins. LoveLula.com offers several more suggestions, including Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick and an organic detox face mask.

High-Potency Vitamin C Products: Studies have shown vitamin C to be very effective against fine lines and wrinkles. However, vitamin C solutions are easily oxidized when exposed to air, and can encourage the formation of free radicals—something your sensitive skin definitely doesn’t need right now. In addition, high-potency vitamin C products are acidic and natural exfoliators. When you’re going through chemo, your skin is too fragile for this type of exfoliation. Wait until it recovers.

Synthetic Perfumes and Fragrances: If a product lists “fragrance” on its ingredient deck, avoid it. Most synthetic fragrances are actually mixtures of many (sometimes over 100) chemicals that can irritate and dry sensitive skin. Choose products that are lightly scented with essential oils and other natural ingredients to create lively scents.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels use powerful acids to remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen. No matter how you may feel about how your skin looks during treatment, do not make an appointment for a peel! Your skin is far too sensitive to withstand the assault—even of so-called “mild” peels—and you could end up with burns and permanent scarring.

Microdermabrasion: Though considered gentler than a peel, microdermabrasion still assaults the skin to exfoliate it, using air-blown, sand-type crystals. It can do wonders to liven up your complexion under normal circumstances, but remember—your skin is not “normal” during treatment. Treat it like a baby’s skin. You wouldn’t blast sand on a baby’s skin, right?

Alcohol, Menthol and Peppermint (or any product with a high content of essential oils): Products with any of these three ingredients can further irritate and dry your skin. Alcohol, because of its fast-evaporation rate, has a reputation for encouraging dryness, so stay away from rubbing alcohol, ethyl alcohol, and SD-alcohol 40.  Menthol is found in a lot of shaving creams and is known to be harsh on sensitive skin. As for peppermint, it’s natural, but it’s also powerful. According to Dr. Baumann of Yahoo Health, peppermint can cause flushing and irritation when used on sensitive skin. As for essential oils, they too can be very irritating. Be sure to use organic products that are made for sensitive skin or choose fragrance–free products to avoid any irritation.

If you’ve got a favorite sensitive-skin product, please let us know about it!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

During cancer treatments, however, suddenly we’re forced to pay attention. The skin is dry, fragile, tender, and easily wounded. Things that never bothered us before now cause us pain. Sometimes we become so sensitized we literally stay away from everything that could possibly feel harsh.

One thing you can do to be gentler with yourself and your skin is to invest in a few common items that feel good. Start with your towels. Typically, you use them 2-3 times a day. Hopefully you’re patting dry and not rubbing. However, even with the gentlest strokes, some materials are too harsh for sensitive skin. Many store-bought towels are cheaply made with synthetic materials, and then processed with harsh chemicals. Choose instead natural fibers such as fine cotton and silk. (Be cautious with wool and linen—depending on how they’re processed, they may feel too rough.)

Fortunately, there are many manufacturers out there creating soft, tender towels. Bamboo Linens offers organically made cotton towels, as well as bamboo towels that are naturally anti-bacterial. Rawganique sells organic cotton bath towels (and sheets) completely free or dyes or chemicals, and Ecolinen has a nice organic cotton hand towel.

Be careful, too, about what detergents you use. You can have the softest, most natural towel there is, but if you wash it in harsh detergent, ingredients like bleach, brighteners, and surfactants can cling to the towel fibers and make their way onto your skin. Read our post about popular detergents, and be sure to care for your towels with gentle, toxin-free cleansers. If you’re going through chemo, change towels daily to lower your risk of infection.

Besides the clothes you wear every day, there is one other material that touches your skin for hours—your sheets. Most of us don’t think about it, but we come into contact with our sheets for years out of our lives! Silk sheets may be more expensive, but they’ll make treatment more tolerable for you. You tend to move with more ease on silk, so you won’t get wrapped up in the sheets, and your hair is less likely to break or fall out. If you have radiation burns or other skin wounds, you’ll be less likely to catch or hurt painful areas. If you’re having trouble sleeping, which many do while going through cancer treatments, silk sheets could really help you, as they’re known to just put the body in a happier place. They typically last longer than regular sheets as well, which can make the cost worth it in the long run. Try KushTush natural silk bedding, or Ultimate Comfort bedding. If you just can’t swing the cost, try organic cotton sheets from Anna Sova Luxury Organics or Eco Bedroom.

One more thing: Remember to change your sheets weekly, if not more often. You can never be too careful while your immune system is compromised.

Do you have recommendations for soothing bed and bath products? Please share!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.