Sensitive Skincare
One of the most consistent and tedious battles for me, personally, has been figuring out just how to care for my sensitive skin on a budget. I have tried the lowest of low quality products from the drugstore, prescription medications, higher end washes and creams, and natural/organic products for which other bloggers or beauty professionals have professed their love. Some have worked, most have not. Each time it's frustrating and can quickly get discouraging. I'm happy to report I finally found what seem to be my best combination of products, both for my skin and for my budget.
To provide some context, I have combination/dry, sensitive skin. I inherited my mother's Norwegian skin and I burn easily, freckle sometimes, and peel always. Not to mention, my Senior year of high school I began breaking out in hives regularly. I found out years later that they are heat hives. For someone who lives at the beach, this is not ideal. Not remotely ideal. This means that, basically, any time my skin gets hot I'm guaranteed a good week of red, uncomfortable hives. I have learned a few tricks to manage this phenomenon, though, which I will also share below.
Without further ado, I'll walk you through my current skincare routine.
Evening:
I typically shower and blow dry my hair before bed. Not only am I neither a morning person nor a high energy individual, but I have found through the years that my skin fares better when I do this.
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash: I wash my face, neck, chest, and shoulders (the most sensitive areas for me) with Purpose. My husband has used this since he was a teenager and it is great for both his oily skin and my sensitive skin, not to mention very convenient to share on a budget. I have also used many baby washes in the past with no skin problems since they are created specifically to be very gentle on skin. These can be especially great for your travel bag, as they double as both body wash and facial cleanser, often more conveniently sized and securely packaged.
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish: This new product has been a real answer to prayer for me. I absolutely love a good body scrub since I do deal with some dry, flaky skin, but scrubs I've used in the past have been far too harsh and leave me with the angriest of hives. I use the pomegranate seeds & shea butter version and not only does this smell ah-mazing, but it is under $6 at Walmart and so far has given me no problems, even when used on my face. I am still very gentle, lightly working in small circles and diluting with water, especially for facial use. I do not use this every night. I do like to exfoliate fairly regularly, but I started with once a week and have only recently increased to twice a week, making sure to layer on the Simple cream (shared below) afterward.
Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum: I have heard so many good things about face serums in general the past few years, but specifically vitamin c serums as we've transitioned into Spring and everyone is tired of dull, Winter skin. Knowing how touchy my skin can be, I wanted to jump on this bandwagon so bad, but was not about to pay for some of the better known brands, only to find that the product aggravated my skin. So I literally searched Amazon for a "natural vitamin c serum" and this was one of the first results with some of the best reviews. I've probably been using it regularly for a month now and can honestly, 100% agree with the best of those reviews. This has been such a game changer for me. I can see a difference almost immediately after use, and while I paid about $10 for it, I saw the price was recently reduced to about $8. So if you, too, are hesitant to purchase a pricey serum with unknown side effects, you may agree that this one is worth a shot.
Simple Water Boost Skin Quench, Sleeping Cream: I have used this every night and noticed a real calming effect on my skin as I sleep, with just the right amount of moisture. In the past I have used night creams specifically for dry skin and they have been too heavy and actually lend to a more clogged and oily appearance the next day. The entire Simple line has been a new discovery for me this year and I've yet to meet a product of theirs with which I've not fallen in love.
Morning routine:
Since I really cleanse and care for my skin the night before, my morning routine is relatively quick.
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water: This was another bandwagon I wanted on. I was just splashing my face with warm water in the mornings, but since this product also adds a bit of lasting hydration, I've enjoyed adding it into the mix. I simply wet a round cotton pad and run it over my entire face and neck. I usually brush my teeth while I let that dry before the next step.
Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum: I follow with another dose of this excellent serum. I should also mention that I've increased from 2-3 to about 5-6 drops every use and it is still lasting me a good while.
Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15: Every. Single. Day. This does smell like sunscreen, but the smell does not linger and it is not at all heavy like your typical sun protection. I am not a fan of sunscreen. My skin is even less fond of goopy, thick sun formulas and simply cannot handle those aerosol options. But my skin has loved this light formula and a little goes a long way.
Other products I keep on hand:
Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes: I've had success with many Pond's products in the past, and these are the only facial wipes I've found that agree with my skin.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: This was recommended by a dermatologist years ago when I first started experiencing really uncomfortable hives. She told me that when I had been outside in the heat or sweating the best thing was to take a cooler shower (never hot, but super cold water isn't necessary) with a very gentle cleanser (in the past I've used Cetaphil and we both now use Dove bar soap), pat dry, and slather on this moisturizing cream. This has been very helpful in preventing extreme outbreaks and really speeds up healing time.
At a higher price point, but a great natural skincare option that I have tried in the past and really loved, is the Annmarie organic and natural line. You can order a sample kit for $10, which is what I initially did, and that can also be great for your travel bag. If you are passionate about organic skincare this is truly the best I've ever tried.
Some keywords I keep an eye out for when shopping for products for my skin are oil free, non comedogenic, non greasy, gentle, light, or packaging that states it is specifically geared toward sensitive skin. This is not necessarily a surefire way to find a winner, but it certainly helps narrow the contenders.
I hope this helps at least one person out there battling sensitive skin and I so appreciate your reading this far if you made it to the end!
Best,
Emily
To provide some context, I have combination/dry, sensitive skin. I inherited my mother's Norwegian skin and I burn easily, freckle sometimes, and peel always. Not to mention, my Senior year of high school I began breaking out in hives regularly. I found out years later that they are heat hives. For someone who lives at the beach, this is not ideal. Not remotely ideal. This means that, basically, any time my skin gets hot I'm guaranteed a good week of red, uncomfortable hives. I have learned a few tricks to manage this phenomenon, though, which I will also share below.
Without further ado, I'll walk you through my current skincare routine.
Evening:
I typically shower and blow dry my hair before bed. Not only am I neither a morning person nor a high energy individual, but I have found through the years that my skin fares better when I do this.
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash: I wash my face, neck, chest, and shoulders (the most sensitive areas for me) with Purpose. My husband has used this since he was a teenager and it is great for both his oily skin and my sensitive skin, not to mention very convenient to share on a budget. I have also used many baby washes in the past with no skin problems since they are created specifically to be very gentle on skin. These can be especially great for your travel bag, as they double as both body wash and facial cleanser, often more conveniently sized and securely packaged.
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish: This new product has been a real answer to prayer for me. I absolutely love a good body scrub since I do deal with some dry, flaky skin, but scrubs I've used in the past have been far too harsh and leave me with the angriest of hives. I use the pomegranate seeds & shea butter version and not only does this smell ah-mazing, but it is under $6 at Walmart and so far has given me no problems, even when used on my face. I am still very gentle, lightly working in small circles and diluting with water, especially for facial use. I do not use this every night. I do like to exfoliate fairly regularly, but I started with once a week and have only recently increased to twice a week, making sure to layer on the Simple cream (shared below) afterward.
Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum: I have heard so many good things about face serums in general the past few years, but specifically vitamin c serums as we've transitioned into Spring and everyone is tired of dull, Winter skin. Knowing how touchy my skin can be, I wanted to jump on this bandwagon so bad, but was not about to pay for some of the better known brands, only to find that the product aggravated my skin. So I literally searched Amazon for a "natural vitamin c serum" and this was one of the first results with some of the best reviews. I've probably been using it regularly for a month now and can honestly, 100% agree with the best of those reviews. This has been such a game changer for me. I can see a difference almost immediately after use, and while I paid about $10 for it, I saw the price was recently reduced to about $8. So if you, too, are hesitant to purchase a pricey serum with unknown side effects, you may agree that this one is worth a shot.
Simple Water Boost Skin Quench, Sleeping Cream: I have used this every night and noticed a real calming effect on my skin as I sleep, with just the right amount of moisture. In the past I have used night creams specifically for dry skin and they have been too heavy and actually lend to a more clogged and oily appearance the next day. The entire Simple line has been a new discovery for me this year and I've yet to meet a product of theirs with which I've not fallen in love.
Since I really cleanse and care for my skin the night before, my morning routine is relatively quick.
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water: This was another bandwagon I wanted on. I was just splashing my face with warm water in the mornings, but since this product also adds a bit of lasting hydration, I've enjoyed adding it into the mix. I simply wet a round cotton pad and run it over my entire face and neck. I usually brush my teeth while I let that dry before the next step.
Tree of Life Vitamin C Serum: I follow with another dose of this excellent serum. I should also mention that I've increased from 2-3 to about 5-6 drops every use and it is still lasting me a good while.
Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15: Every. Single. Day. This does smell like sunscreen, but the smell does not linger and it is not at all heavy like your typical sun protection. I am not a fan of sunscreen. My skin is even less fond of goopy, thick sun formulas and simply cannot handle those aerosol options. But my skin has loved this light formula and a little goes a long way.
Other products I keep on hand:
Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes: I've had success with many Pond's products in the past, and these are the only facial wipes I've found that agree with my skin.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: This was recommended by a dermatologist years ago when I first started experiencing really uncomfortable hives. She told me that when I had been outside in the heat or sweating the best thing was to take a cooler shower (never hot, but super cold water isn't necessary) with a very gentle cleanser (in the past I've used Cetaphil and we both now use Dove bar soap), pat dry, and slather on this moisturizing cream. This has been very helpful in preventing extreme outbreaks and really speeds up healing time.
At a higher price point, but a great natural skincare option that I have tried in the past and really loved, is the Annmarie organic and natural line. You can order a sample kit for $10, which is what I initially did, and that can also be great for your travel bag. If you are passionate about organic skincare this is truly the best I've ever tried.
Some keywords I keep an eye out for when shopping for products for my skin are oil free, non comedogenic, non greasy, gentle, light, or packaging that states it is specifically geared toward sensitive skin. This is not necessarily a surefire way to find a winner, but it certainly helps narrow the contenders.
I hope this helps at least one person out there battling sensitive skin and I so appreciate your reading this far if you made it to the end!
Best,
Emily
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