Caution: sensitive!

[IzFace]

Hi y’all! I’m seventeen and have been working on maintaining a good skincare routine, but find that most products that work for me are highly expensive. Since birth Ive had highly sensitive skin to the point that even hypoallergenic products would cause my skin to break out in hives. Brands like Clinique, ulta beauty brand, and drugstore makeup have all caused serious issues for me. I am also a high school student saving money for college and therefore cannot spend 200$ on a basilica skin care set. If y’all have any recommendations please send! 

[JoSometimes]

Hi @IzFace! I have sensitive skin too. It took me a long time to figure out the triggers. Now that I know what things can set off irritation in my skin, I do plenty of research and ask for trials or at least swatch in store before buying anything. If possible, speak with your doctor about allergy testing. That would help you start figuring out what you can and cannot be in contact with.

In the meantime, try restarting your routine from the ground up. A simple of skincare routine of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen that you know works decently well for you. From there, you can start to add products into the routine. Try each product one at a time and give your skin a few days to a week between each addition. If something causes your skin to break out or get itchy, remove it from the routine and check over the active ingredients to see what’s in it that isn’t in the rest of your routine. Do it for both skincare and makeup if you wear any regularly. I did this recently and narrowed it down to Niacinamide, which does make its way into plenty of amazing skincare and makeup products that I just can’t touch without having a reaction. 

If you do have a reaction to something, OTC allergy meds can help calm your skin. Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid 4 oz/ 120 mL  is also great for calming irritated skin. 

I hope this helps and you’re able to find a routine that works for you!

[Westcoasty]

@IzFace    I'm going to come at this from a slightly heretical angle. I've known women with lovely skin who wash their face with water alone. Or moisturize with petroleum jelly (like original Vaseline). I think cleansing your skin is essential in some way, because we all get pollution, sweat, bacteria, etc., on our faces. And if you're outside a lot, sunscreen will save your skin from a lot of damage over time. That said, I would strip your skincare routine back to the barest minimum. If your skin doesn't feel dry after you cleanse, it may not need moisturizer. I find that if I use the right cleanser, I only need moisturizer in very dry weather, like if it snows out here.

Yes, you should exfoliate gently from time to time. If your skin tolerates a physical exfoliant, like a light rubbing with a damp facecloth, you could do that instead.

We all have our favourite products, for sure. But none of us can know for sure what will work with your skin. So I suggest saving your money for the products you truly need, and never mind the whole multi-step routine, at least not until you're making enough money. Something to think about, perhaps?

I'll let others with truly sensitive skin offer their product suggestions, that said. My fingers are crossed for you! 😊