Combination Sensitive skin

[HarperScarlett]

I have combination skin that's also pretty sensitive. I do break out a little bit naturally so I like to wash my face and use masks but the more i do the more I break out so I'm looking for a way to reduce breakouts without irritating my face

[Anonymous]

I have eczema on my face and body so I know what you're talking about. Use a light oil cleanser or a gentle non-foaming cleansing milk. Look for ingredients like allantoin or oatmeal that are soothing and avoid sodium laurel sulfate like crazy. It's a foaming agent that really really dries out your skin. Use a moisturizing toner and a hydrating replenishing serum or essence and follow with a noncomedogenic cream which means it won't stick in your pores. At night I use an oil cleanser to thoroughly clean my pores without aggravating my skin. Always always always massage gently and don't pull or scrub at the skin. You could use a spot treatment or a gentle acne mask but not a clay one because that'll only make your skin tighter and drier.

[diamauthe5]

My skin is pretty similar to yours... but when mine freaks out it's is BAD!!! One of my good friends gave me an advice after I spent over a year in and out of the dermatologist office... she said skin has a taste. Some skin really like natural products and others like chemicals. In my case the more natural and moisturizing I am to it the better it looks. I'd never thought of using oil on my skin but it seems like my skin loves Tamanu oil... I use moisturizing cleanser and toner. And gel oil free Clinique moisturizer. Hope this helps

[greeneyedgirl107]

@HarperScarlett It sounds like the products you are currently using make be irritating your skin.  I rec looking them up on beautypedia.com...

I also suggest using a liquid cleanser, BHA (I only like Paula's Choice) and Persagel for spot treatment on pimples.  Differin is OTC in the lower concentration, and that may help you a lot.  I also recommend looking into a script for Retin-A.

Good luck!

[carybear]

NO.  If you have sensitive  skin do not touch retinoids. I am so tired of people pushing retinoids on everybody. They're not for the everybody. When dealing with sensitive skin regardless if it's combination, dry or acne prone,  less is more. The more you do to your skin the worse it will get. Is this not

what you're experiencing now?  Gentle, chemical exfoliation at the most three times a week and a gentle cleanser the rest of the time and a non-comedogenic moisturizer I recommend sebamed clear face gel  is all you need.  Unless you have cystic acne… You don't need different. Unless you've got some real skin issues like melasma or serious post inflammatory hyperpigmentation you don't need retinoids!!! LESS IS MORE!!!!

[carybear]

I would suggest PTR Glycolic cleanser 3x a week and a different, gentler cleanser the rest of the time. I personally use a gel moisturizer (sebamed clear face gel) over silver gel (my Doctor Suggests) Silver gel is antimicrobial and anti bacterial. Less is better. If you have active acne stay away from anything more active than the Peter Thomas Roth cleanser..you dont need a freaking serum.

[mvm211]

I would suggest a face serum or oil with retinol, an exfoliator, and/or a toner. Retinol is used to peel off dead skin and any bacteria on your skin that causes pimples. Benzoyl Peroxide is a drugstore chemical that does a similar job but isn't as harsh as Retinol. An exfoliator pulls off dead skin in a more gentler fashion. Tarte has a great stick exfoliator with charcoal; charcoal prevents dry skin. And a toner dries your skin to slow oil production. Slowing oil production prevents clogging of the pores and the spreading of acne causing bacteria. But if your skin starts getting dry, try using a night time moisturizer such as the Laniege Water Mask.