The Best All Natural Skincare for Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin have skin that is easily irritated, itchy, and even burning. Their skin is more likely to break out than normal skin, so many people with sensitive skin also struggle with acne.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s a pretty safe bet to say your skin is sensitive:
swollen and irritated looking
general redness
burning (especially with the application of products)
dryness that leads to cracking or peeling
patches that feel scaley or leathery
prone to breakouts
development of rashes (especially with new products)
Luckily, sensitive skin is very treatable!
If you have sensitive skin, you should reach for gentle products. Many natural products tend to be on the gentler side since synthetic ingredients can cause more damage to an already damaged skin barrier. Many cosmetic products on the market claim to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, and they probably are, but, not all of them are natural. Even though sensitive skin is treatable, it can still be challenging to take care of. This skin type is easily irritated, red, and inflamed. It can be hard to find products that don’t make the skin more irritated. So, be patient. It may take some time to find your perfect routine.
natural skincare
Natural skincare includes products that are free from synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, or any other unnecessary chemicals. These products are made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and just as effective as their synthetic counterparts. Although it sounds official, the term “natural” is not a regulated term within the cosmetic industry which means that there are no standards a product must meet in order to label itself as a “natural” brand.
But no worries, there are plenty of all-natural skincare options available that are perfect for sensitive skin, it may just take some extra effort to find them.
So, if you have sensitive skin and you're looking for the best all-natural skincare options, you’re in the right place.
The big YES for sensitive skin:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a gentle, cooling, and anti-inflammatory natural plant extract commonly used in cosmetic products. Aloe vera has been used for centuries to soothe and moisturize the skin. This wondrous ingredient reduces the redness and irritation the skin is experiencing. It can even help to repair damaged skin cells.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant, which means it is able to lock in moisture. Honey is also an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient working to soothe and calm sensitive skin. These soothing effects can help irritated skin heal. Which means it can work to clear up acne and other skin irritations.
Oats
Oats are great for sensitive skin because of their gentle, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This common day food can help to reduce redness and irritation in the skin through moisturization. Oats are used in a variety of skincare products, including cleansers, masks, and moisturizers. You can also find easy DIY recipes that include oats online.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another all-natural ingredient that's great for sensitive skin. It's a natural moisturizer that's rich in fatty acids. Helping to soothe and calm the skin. Additionally, coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. These properties allow the coconut oil to work to prevent and treat acne.
Green Tea
Green tea is a natural ingredient that is typically drunk as tea. However, this traditional Chinese leaf is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It's great for sensitive skin because it soothes and calms the skin while reducing ay redness or irritation. Green tea can be found in a variety of skincare products, including toners, serums, and moisturizers. And probably in your own cupboard at home.
The big NO for sensitive skin
Alcohol
Alcohol can be drying and irritating to the skin, and it can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its barrier function. The trick to determining if a product contains alcohol is to look for ingredients ending in “-ol” such as “ethanol”, which is rubbing alcohol.
Fragrances
Artificial fragrances are often added to skincare and cosmetic products to make the product smell good. . Fragrances are made up of a complex blend of chemicals. These mixes of chemicals can be extremely irritating to sensitive skin and it is impossible to know for sure which chemicals are being used since cosmetic companies are not required to list their individual ingredients on the product label. As a result, it can be challenging to determine which specific ingredients may be causing irritation since it difficult to know exactly what is in a fragrance.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)
While SLS and SLES can be effective at cleansing the skin, they can also be drying and irritating to sensitive skin. These surfactants (responsible for the bubbling effect of many soaps) can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its barrier function. Leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Surfactants can also increase the skin's sensitivity to other ingredients and the environment, making your skin more prone to irritation and allergic reactions and even more sensitive.
Parabens
Parabens are a class of chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in skincare and cosmetic products. They are used to extend the shelf life of these products by preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. To do this, it must kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Your skin is an ecosystem and by introducing parabens, you can kill off the good bacteria your skin needs to thrive. These parabens are also known to have potential hormone-disrupting effects.
Propylene glycol
While propylene glycol is generally considered safe for use in skincare and cosmetic products, it can be irritating to sensitive skin. This is a type of alcohol, so it should be avoided for the same reasons as listed above. Some people are even allergic to propylene glycol, so it can cause allergic reactions such as hives or eczema for those individuals.
Now that you know some of the best and worst ingredients for sensitive skin, let's take a look at some of the best all-natural skincare products on the market.
Bounce Back Serum
The ingredient list for this wonderful product shows no alcohols or other irritating ingredients. Made with 100% natural ingredients, this serum also has no synthetic additives or fragrances. Its delightful smell comes solely from its fruity and natural ingredients
Mega Mushroom Relief & Resilience
Although on the pricier side, this serum is great for sensitive skin and only includes natural ingredients. Its long ingredient list has loads of plant extracts that give it a herbal and soothing smell.
Vitamin C & E Serum
This serum is an unusual case, it includes the provocative ingredient “fragrance”. However, this company actually lists out what fragrances they use in their products separately with a special note that “No parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances” are used.
