Most women simply feel more comfortable with a discreet make-up. However, those who have very dry skin or are prone to allergies quickly react to cosmetic products with annoying irritations. The skin tightens and itches, forms red spots or small blisters – about every third woman knows such skin reactions from her own experience. The culprits in many cases are fragrances and preservatives contained in most conventional makeup products. However, those who are sensitive to them do not have to do without decorative makeup.
Face
Modern complexion primers contain not only powder and pigments, but also care substances. Nevertheless, especially for sensitive skin, makeup should be applied only after care. A cream that provides oil and moisture is important as a base so that the skin does not dry out during the day and there is no unpleasant feeling of tension. Makeup can also be applied more evenly and lasts longer. Creams that contain moisturizing factors such as urea as well as soothing ingredients such as thermal water are ideal. Extracts with witch hazel, for example, have an anti-inflammatory effect, while dexpanthenol and vitamin E support the regeneration of the skin and make it resistant. If you have sensitive skin, it is better to avoid products with fragrances and preservatives, or at least not to use them every day. Along with nickel, they are among the most common allergy triggers for the skin. Creams in tubes need fewer preservatives than products in jars because the contents hardly come into contact with germs. They are therefore also generally better tolerated. And: Every skin reacts differently – what is good for your best friend’s skin may not be good for yours at all. Therefore: Try out what suits your skin and stick to it if possible. Rather, refrain from experimenting.
Eyes
The skin around the eyes is particularly sensitive, and the eyes themselves also react quickly to certain ingredients of cosmetics with redness. Black eyeliner and black mascara are usually better tolerated by sensitive skin than cosmetics with blue or green dyes. Blue and green tones in eye shadow also cause skin irritation more quickly because of the copper oxides or chromium dioxide particles they contain. However, those who suffer from a nickel allergy often also react to black mascara with itching and eczema. This is because nickel may be present in the black color.
Lips
The lips have only a few sebaceous glands at the edges, the skin is very thin and becomes rough particularly quickly. Lip balms and sticks with vegetable oils and waxes prevent painful cracks and make the sensitive skin smooth and supple. For sensitive lips in particular, it is important to avoid products with fragrances and preservatives. Those who like to set colored accents are well advised to use lipsticks to which caring active ingredients have been added. Jojoba oil, for example, contains natural fatty acids that support cell cohesion and strengthen the barrier function of the lips. If the lips are already chapped and brittle, Caranauba, a natural wax that nourishes the lips particularly intensively, can help. Panthenol and allantoin have a skin-soothing effect and relieve skin irritation and redness.
Nail polish
Color on the nails set fashionable accents. Conventional nail polish should only be brushed on from time to time, as the polish dries out the nails in the long term and can trigger eczema when touched on the face, especially on the eyes. Products are also offered for nail cosmetics that have been specially developed for sensitive skin. They do not contain irritants such as formaldehyde, acrylics, fragrances and preservatives. Some varnishes additionally contain silicon, which strengthens the nails and makes them shock-resistant.
Correct makeup removal
Over the course of the day, skin flakes, makeup and environmental dirt form a cardboardy layer that clogs pores and can promote inflammation. To help skin regenerate at night, removing makeup from the face in the evening is a must. If you have sensitive skin, do not use conventional soaps and washing lotions – they additionally remove oil and moisture. A cotton pad soaked in thermal water is often sufficient for cleansing. Stronger make-up residues are best removed with a soap-free cleansing milk or a cleansing gel. Products that are adapted to the pH value of the skin protect the natural acid mantle, which protects the skin from harmful environmental influences.Such products contain particularly mild, and in some cases also lipid-replenishing, washing substances that do not impair the skin’s own oily film. This prevents the sensitive skin from drying out even more.
