I never had a problem with sensitive skin. In my younger years I could eat, wear, and apply anything I wanted on my body with no consequences whatsoever. My friends would break out in hives and sneeze up a storm, and I was completely oblivious. Fast forward to now and sadly things have changed drastically. As thankful as I am for my son, carrying him for 9 months took a toll on me! Not just in the usual ways, but my skin has completely given up on me. Perhaps it’s because I was pregnant in my 30’s and not the typical 20 something? Or maybe it wasn’t my pregnancy at all, maybe it’s that I’m just not in my ‘younger’ years anymore! Regardless, sensitive skin is here and I am always looking for ways to care for it. While the kids haven’t shown signs of having it yet, in my opinion it’s better to care for the entire family’s skin as if it were sensitive. In the long run it’s better for them, and may help them maintain healthy skin for years to come. Among other things, I started to test all skin products before I buy, choose my make up more carefully, and I switched my typical laundry detergent to all free clear.
Caring for Sensitive Skin can be Easy!
#1 Test new products before you buy:
Always apply lotion, creams, perfumes, cosmetics, etc. in a small inconspicuous area, such as the back of your wrist before making a purchase. It may be kind of a pain to have to wait, but I do recommend that you give it a few hours to test out the product for any possible reaction. If all is clear, then by all means, go back and get your lotion! This may be easier to do with drug store products, since we are likely to visit those stores more often than deparment stores.
#2 Careful when purchasing make-up:
Oh goodness, there is nothing uglier than a bad reaction to cosmetics. The very thing that is meant to beautify you, can make give you an unsightly reaction (the irony). Always be sure to toss out old make-up. Just because there is still some foundation in the bottle, doesn’t mean it’s safe to use 2 years later. Mascaras, powders, and more, it can all go bad. Clean your make up brushes often, those are germ lovers. Try mineral powder–most is free from dyes and preservatives (just throw it out in a few months).
#3 Choose laundry detergent carefully:
I recently started using all free clear, it is the #1-recommended laundry detergent by pediatricians, dermatologists, allergists and, most importantly, smart mamas (like you and I)! They’ve come up with a collection of products to simplify your laundry routine, helping your family live free of sensitive-skin issues while fighting stains.
I have been using it all around the house actually. If you combine it with warm water it’s a great way to remove rug stains. all free clear is also effective to clean my delicate granite counter tops, and even stove tops.
I’m comfortable using all free clear all over the house, its free of perfumes and dyes, and perfect for my fam-bam.
#4 Be extra-cautious in the sun
Sensitive skin can get uber stung by the sun. For that reason and so many more, it’s important that sensitive skin peeps like us wear sunscreen all year long. A minimum SPF 30 is necessary to protect easily irritable skin from the blazing sun. I’ve read that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are less likely to cause a skin reaction, than other ingredients. And for those of us no longer in our ‘younger’ years, ahem, it’s a great way to keep wrinkles at bay. Also, a fantastic habit to instill in our kids, it’s a win all around!
#5 Don’t over cleanse
Guilty: I am an over-exfoliator. Dry skin makes you look older, so since age 19 I have exfoliated my skin almost raw (I exaggerate a wee bit). I won’t lie, it did keep my skin dewy and young looking well into my 20’s. Also, I actually was young well into my 20’s. As I’ve ‘matured’, I still exfoliate, but gently. I want clean skin, but I don’t want the irritation and redness that comes with over cleansing. I’ve found that as the years go by, I need to preserve my skin’s natural oils more and more. Making sure to use perfume and dye free moisturizer is also a great idea to keep your skin in tip top shape!
Caring for sensitive skin really can be easy, making subtle changes in your routine can make a huge difference.
I love that all free clear lets my family “live free” from sensitive skin worries, because its 100% hypoallergenic. Be #Freetobe with all free clear.
Becky says
I love the tips for using it for unconventional things that you wouldn’t think to use it for. Like carpets spots! Who knew?!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Yup, it worked really well for me Becky!
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
This is the only detergent I use (for the past year or so). I have a HE machine, and I find it does a great job.
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Oh awesome!
Kelley @Miss Information Blog says
I’ve always had sensitive skin, have never tried this brand but will have to now!
Kat@Home. Made. Interest. says
Thanks for the tips! I have to be very careful about what detergent I use and I’m always looking for new suggestions!