Harsh Ingredients and Sensitive Skin
We’re guessing it’ll come as no surprise when we say that harsh ingredients can be bad for us. But when it comes to the ways they can affect our skin, and the main culprits to watch out for, are we quite so clued up? Time to turn the spotlight on the harsh ingredients and skin signs to look out for, to help you fend off the onset of sensitive skin.
Soap
Soap often contains harsh chemicals and can be a much higher pH than our skin. This can lead to dehydrated, dry, and irritated skin, so keep face wash soap-free for a gentler cleanse.
Denatured alcohol
Denatured alcohol can have a dehydrating effect, stripping the skin of its natural oils and damaging skin cells. This weakens the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving our skin exposed to (and less able to defend against) external factors like the weather, pollution, and irritants. Hello dry, red, inflamed, rough, and sensitive skin. The alternative? Some alcohols (called fatty alcohols or stearyl) are non-irritating and quite ok in skincare. They help the product’s texture and help them to stay stable on your bathroom shelf.
Artificial colours and fragrances
Artificial colours and fragrances sometimes contain a cocktail of irritating chemicals, and can lead to rashes, heightened sensitivity, inflammation, and redness. Interesting fact: artificial colours and fragrances have zero benefit for our skin. Swap them out for skin-loving Ingredients for a quick and easy way to help keep your skin calm.
Household cleaners
Harsh chemicals found in some household cleaning products can irritate our skin, causing it to become red, inflamed, irritated and dry. Try to wear gloves when using these products to prevent these cleaners from coming into contact with your skin.
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