Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin whether it’s just your skin type or is caused due to a certain skin condition such as eczema can often be bothersome. Because you have to be careful with everything, from the water, you are using to wash the skin to the clothes you are wearing. 

It can be hard to find a good face wash for sensitive skin as choosing the wrong one can cause redness, irritation, and rashes on your skin. It may be a difficult task, but not impossible. 

There are many face washes available that contain skin-soothing ingredients and are specially developed for sensitive skin. This blog will help you figure out how to find the best moisturizing face wash for sensitive skin and things to avoid in it. 

Understanding Sensitive Skin

Before we jump on to the face washes for sensitive skin it is essential that you understand what is sensitive skin because many people often confuse it with dry skin. Sensitive skin is when your skin reacts or you can say overreacts towards a certain irritant, that may not be harmful in general.  

As a reaction, you may experience itching and irritation on your skin. Some other common symptoms that can help identify sensitive skin are: 

Img Title: Sensitive Skin Symptoms 

 

• Redness
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Rough patches of skin
• Skin peeling

Sensitive skin is itself a skin type and some people have it genetically. Other times there are other factors that can cause dry, sensitive skin. Some of the most common culprits are: 

• Aging
• Eczema 
• Contact dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Dry skin
• Acne
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes

No matter why you have sensitive skin, one thing that most dermatologists and even your friends would recommend for soothing the skin is to follow a proper sensitive skincare routine. 

The first step in that routine would be for sure to keep the skin clean. So now let’s take a look at how to choose the best face wash for dry sensitive skin. 

Is Simple Face Wash Good for Sensitive Skin?

If you are wondering if can you use any face wash for sensitive skin the answer is a big ‘No’. Why? Because many of these daily cleansers contain ingredients and harsh chemicals that can cause a reaction on your skin and lead to redness, itching, and irritation. 

What is the Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin?

If your sensitive skin is caused by a certain medical or skin condition then a doctor may prescribe a face wash depending on your condition. However, in general, the best face wash for sensitive skin is the one that is:

Fragrance-Free

Fragrance in skincare products is one of the most common factors that can trigger an allergic reaction on the skin. And if you have sensitive skin then even the natural fragrances can cause itching and irritation on the skin. 

This is why it is important that you use fragrance free face wash for sensitive skin to avoid any complications and discomfort.

Moisturizing Ingredients

Look for a face wash that contains skin moisturizing and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, Hyaluronic Acid, licorice root extract, apple fruit extract, or oatmeal extract. 

These ingredients help nourish the skin and support the skin barrier in protecting the skin against outside irritants. 

Hypoallergenic

Use a hypoallergenic face wash to cleanse your sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic means that the product is free from common allergens that may cause a reaction on the skin such as nickel, talc, lanolin, and gluten. 

PH-Balanced

The skin on our face is slightly acidic which is why it is essential that you use a pH-balanced face wash to prevent dryness and natural barrier from becoming damaged. Sensitive skin is more prone to getting infected by outside bacteria, viruses, and irritants. 

However, using a pH-balanced face wash can help protect the skin against those irritants. 

Dermatologist Tested

Choose a face wash that is dermatologist-tested. Look for certification or seals of approval from the dermatologist on the face wash. These products are considered safe to be used on all skin types, especially sensitive skin. 

Non-Comedogenic

Sensitive skin is also prone to acne and clogged pores especially if you have oily sensitive skin. A non-comedogenic face wash is specially formulated to avoid blocking the pores and prevent closed comedones from forming. 

Ingredients to Avoid in Daily Face Wash for Sensitive Skin​

It is important to look for certain ingredients in a face wash for dry sensitive skin, but it is even more crucial to avoid a few chemicals. These chemicals can strip away natural oils from the skin, cause allergic reactions, and make your sensitive skin even worse. 

Alcohol

Alcohol in face wash can be very harmful to sensitive skin. Alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, methanol, and isopropanol can dry out the skin, and cause irritation and if you have a skin condition like eczema or rosacea they can make it even worse. 

So try looking for a face wash that is free from alcohol. 

Sulfate

Sulfates are added in face wash, shampoo, and other skin care products to give them that foamy leathery effect. However, the foam that you love spreading all over your face can be harmful to your sensitive skin.

It can cause dryness, itching, and irritation on the face. Additionally, it can clog the pores, trigger acne, and cause premature aging of the skin. Some of the common sulfates you must avoid are:

• Ammonium lauryl sulfate
• Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

So if you want to have healthy skin then always use a sulfate-free face wash.

Paraben

Parabens are preservatives used in skin care products, that are usually added to enhance the shelf life of products. These are usually mentioned on the product label with the names of:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Butylparaben 

Parabens have been considered harmful to the skin and health. Some research shows that it can cause irritation on the skin, disrupt the reproductive system, and in severe cases lead to issues like cancer. 

So if you have sensitive skin option for a paraben-free face wash to avoid itching, irritation, rashes, and blisters on your skin. 

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a toxic, colorless gas that is added to skin and cosmetic products as a preservative. It is usually added to increase the shelf life of the product by preventing bacteria growth in it. 

Formaldehyde in a face wash for sensitive skin can cause various complications such as skin irritation, burning, redness, swelling, itching, and in severe cases can also form blisters on the skin. 

It is not only harmful to the skin but also your health as it can lead to respiratory issues, burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, gastrointestinal issues, and cancer. 

Phthalates

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals that are often added to face wash and skin products as dissolving agents, and to enhance lathering and fragrance. Some research has shown that it can have a negative effect on the reproductive system and child development.

This is why many parents avoid using products that contain Phthalates. These can be absorbed into the skin and cause allergic reactions, irritation, and rashes on the skin. So next time you go shopping, look for a phthalates-free face wash for your sensitive skin. 

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is often added to products and face washes to treat some condition. However, for sensitive skin, this chemical can be very harmful. This ingredient can dry out your skin, cause redness, irritation, and a burning sensation, and worsen the condition. 

So if you are using Salicylic acid to treat your acne and experiencing an allergic reaction from it then discontinue its use and consult a dermatologist to find a face wash that is suitable for both acne and sensitive skin.  

How to Use a Sensitive Skin Face Wash?

The way to use a face wash is the same no matter what skin type you have, however, if you have eczema-prone or sensitive skin then you have to be extra careful with things while washing your face.

• Use lukewarm or cool water to wet your face.
• Take a small amount of face wash on your fingertips. 
• Gently massage it all over your face.
• Rinse thoroughly without leaving any residue behind. 
• Pat dry your face with a soft towel instead of rubbing it.
• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin to hydrate and moisturize your face.  

How Often Can You Wash Your Face if You Have Sensitive Skin?

We know that keeping your face clean is essential to make your face look healthy and flawless. However, sometimes overwashing can do more harm than good. It can remove essential natural oils from your skin and make it more prone to being affected by irritants and allergens.

Generally, it is advised to wash your face at least twice daily. Once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed, followed by a skin moisturizer for sensitive skin. 

Happy Cppy Moisturizing Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Finding a gentle face wash for sensitive skin can be often difficult because sometimes these products are labeled as free from skin-irritating chemicals yet still contain some. This is why an expert pediatrician Dr. Eddie decided to develop a face wash that is actually safe for sensitive skin.

Happy Cappy Face and Body Wash for sensitive skin is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalates-free. It does not contain harsh chemicals that may further irritate your sensitive skin.

This Daily Face wash for sensitive skin contains ingredients like glycerin, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid, and that help keep the skin healthy and smooth. 

Happy Cappy offers a face wash and moisturizer for sensitive skin that you can include in your daily skincare routine to soothe dry skin, itching, and irritation on the skin. Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream is considered 100% safe to be used on sensitive skin by SkinSAFE.

Key Takeaway

In conclusion, a good face wash for sensitive skin is one that is free from skin-irritating chemicals like fragrances, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, and formaldehyde. And contains skin-soothing and hydrating ingredients like glycerin, licorice root extract, apple fruit extract, and aloe vera. 

however, if you are still not sure which face wash will be best for your skin then consult a dermatologist who may prescribe you the right one according to your skin type and skin sensitivity. 

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