How To Care For Reactive Skin
Reactive skin wants *gentle* attention – here’s how to calm it down.
Researched, written by 
Amber & The Team
Updated on July 9, 2023
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How to care for reactive skin is a question many people try to answer.
This is because they are not sure if they really need to use certain skincare products, and they do not want to experiment with a new product on their skin too often.
However, there is usually no reason for you to be scared to try skincare products if you want to learn how to care for reactive skin properly.
The truth is that these products can help you to achieve great results – but the only way is to find the ones that fit your reactive skin type.
Here’s how to care for reactive skin safely, and choose the products that are soothing.
What Is Reactive Skin?
Reactive skin occurs in about 15 percent of the population, and it affects a lot of women.
If your skin tends to break out, get dry, red, or itchy every time you use a new skincare product (or eat a new meal!), you might have reactive skin.
The final verdict should be your dermatologist’s word.
How To Pick Skincare Products For Reactive Skin
There are so many different kinds of skincare products out there, and it can be difficult to pick the one that will work best for your reactive skin.
However, this is something that you cannot avoid entirely.
If you are serious about caring for your reactive skin, you should not leave your skincare problems untouched.
There are a few helpful ways to pick the right product for reactive skin and use it on a daily basis to get the calmer, happier skin.
1. Always look at the list of ingredients
This is especially true when looking for skincare products that will stay on your face longer (think creams, sleeping masks, serums, and lotions).
It is best to choose products that are free of harsh chemicals and acids (like parabens, sulfates, silicones, glycolic acid) and have moderate concentrations of antioxidants.
Antioxidants can help to prevent the development of free radicals in your skin.
Free radicals are harmful substances that can damage your skin and cause it to become hypersensitive – ouch!
2. Avoid products with alcohol
The most common chemical that is used in skincare products is alcohol.
While this ingredient is widely used because it is effective in removing dead skin cells, it can also lead to further problems for reactive skin.
For example, acne and other skin conditions are the most common skin reactions caused by excessive alcohol use in skincare.
You want to completely avoid products that contain when taking care of reactive skin.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that while alcohol is completely ineffective at keeping your skin hydrated and in good condition.
It can actually dehydrate your skin, leading to more irritation and inflammation.
To ensure that your reactive skin stays properly hydrated, it is best to find skincare products that contain gentle and soothing, natural moisturizing ingredients, like aloe vera, urea, hyaluronic acid, panthenol or glycerin.
These ingredients are excellent at moisturizing the skin and have low irritation scores.
3. Reactive skin loves a good diet
It is also important to make sure that your skin is getting all the nutrients it needs – from within.
Reactive skin is extremely sensitive to changes in the foods that we eat.
By avoiding processed foods, and using more natural ingredients in your diet you can ensure that your reactive skin is getting everything it needs to stay healthy.
Reactive skin can also be “fed” from the outside.
One of the best ways to get reactive skin back on track is to use a high-quality, gentle, and nourishing day cream with ceramides.
It may feel scary to try thicker creams on reactive skin, but it’s important to provide proper nourishment, especially for reactive skin.
Many times, skin’s reactivity is caused by a damaged protective barrier and it may be hard to calm your reactive skin until it’s rebuilt.
Look for creams with ceramides and Omega 3 fatty acids to help your reactive skin rebuild its protective barrier.
Soon, you’ll notice that your skin is stronger, happier, and less reactive thanks to the powerful rebuilding properties of ceramides.
If you don’t know where to start, you can never go wrong with the legendary Dr.
Jart Ceramidin cream which is praised by thousands of women and skincare lovers worldwide:
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Note – if you suspect that your skin is acting up because of possible fungal acne, it’s best to stay away from ceramides and anything occlusive.
A better option could be gentle Azelaic acid gel (it sounds harsh, but it’s a very gentle acid that is even used in treating rosacea).
Reactive Skin Wants Gentle Attention
There are many ingredients that can help you take better care of your reactive skin – until it calms down.
Choose safer products without harsh chemicals, and focus on rebuilding the strength, protective barrier and acid mantle of your skin (repeat: antioxidants, ceramides, gentle moisturizers, no alcohol, less chemicals…).
Look for products that are labeled as “hypoallergenic” or “sterile”.
Once you learn how to care for reactive skin products properly, you will be on your way to healthy, less sensitive and radiant skin.
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