Skincare Secrets: Ingredient Combinations Sensitive Skin Should Totally Avoid

Thursday, July 20, 2023, 15:24

The woe of sensitive skin is never-ending. Everything becomes a challenge when you have sensitive skin - especially finding the right skincare products. That's because, certain ingredient combinations can be harsh and irritating for the skin, leaving your skin inflamed and irritated.

Hence it is really important that you spend time and some effort in choosing the right ingredients - and also, avoiding certain ingredients.

Sensitive Skin: Avoid These Ingredient Combinations

Here are some common ingredient combinations that you should avoid if you have sensitive skin.

1. Alcohol and fragrance: Alcohol is known for its drying properties, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. When combined with fragrance, it can be a recipe for disaster for sensitive skin, leading to redness and rashes [1].

2. Retinol and glycolic acid: Retinol, retinol, retinol - it is everywhere now. However, retinol and glycolic acid are both potent ingredients that can be great for many skin types. However, when used together, they can be too harsh for sensitive skin [2].

These ingredients can cause dryness, peeling, and even inflammation.

3. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide: While both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are effective in treating acne, combining them can be too harsh for sensitive skin. These ingredients can cause excessive dryness, redness, and irritation [3].

If you have sensitive skin, opt for milder alternatives or consult a skin care professional for suitable acne treatments.

4. Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, while AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid exfoliate and promote cell production [4]. However, the combination of vitamin C and AHAs can lead to irritation and sensitivity, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Use them separately or choose products that already contain a balanced combination.

5. Essential oils and citrus extracts: While essential oils and citrus extracts may have natural benefits, they can be very problematic for sensitive skin [5]. These ingredients contain high levels of fragrant compounds that can cause irritation, redness, and even allergic reactions.