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 in the know? 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 have a much higher pH than our skin. This can lead to dehydrated, dry and irritated skin, so keep your 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 or stearyl alcohols) are non-irritating and quite okay for skincare. They help the product's texture and help them to stay stable on your bathroom shelf.

Artificial colors and fragrances

Artificial colors and fragrances sometimes contain a cocktail of irritating chemicals, and can lead to rashes, heightened sensitivity, inflammation and redness. Interesting fact: artificial colors and fragrances have zero benefits 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 the cleaners from coming into contact with your skin.