What Is the Best Makeup for Sensitive Skin?

Every individual has different skincare needs, which can be influenced by skin type, genetics, environment, hormone changes, and more. The more we know and understand our skin type, the easier it is to find the right products to support healthy, clear skin. This is especially true when it comes to sensitive skin types. 

With Journ’s personalized skincare quiz, you can learn more about your specific skin type and the best ways to care for it. Here’s a look at sensitive skin and how to pick the best makeup products for your needs today. 


What Is Sensitive Skin? 

There are five main skin types: Normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. When we understand our skin type's specific behaviors and needs, we can find skincare products that help reduce irritation and soothe breakouts. When it comes to caring for sensitive skin, this can be particularly important. 

Sensitive skin is prone to irritation. It’s important to note that each skin type may experience breakouts, redness, or dryness. That said, sensitive skin is mostly characterized by how quickly it can become irritated after using triggering products. 

You may notice that your skin is prone to burning with excess sun exposure, that you experience redness or dryness often, or that products with fragrances irritate the surface of the skin. These are all indications that you have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin may also result from skin conditions like rosacea or eczema. 

While skin type is largely determined by genetics, it can change or evolve, like during a shift in hormones. That is why acne is so often associated with puberty and teenagers and why you may experience breakouts during pregnancy. 

If you are experiencing high levels of stress or taking a new medication that affects the hormones, you may notice that your skin type is changing. The good news is that sensitive skin can become more manageable by identifying its triggers and finding the perfect products for your routine. 


The Best Ways To Care for Sensitive Skin 

Sensitive skin primarily entails regular irritation and reaction to products or environmental factors. It can be helpful to reduce exposure and use the right products for the job to keep your skin smooth and healthy. 

Here are a few things to consider when it comes to caring for your sensitive skin type. 


Learn Your Triggers

Everyone will be different, no matter what their skin type might be. If you have sensitive skin, it’s crucial to pay attention to what triggers breakouts or rashes. Look at ingredients, environmental factors, allergies, or even the foods you eat. Keeping a log may help with process of elimination and identifiying the cause.

Once you have a sense of what causes the irritations to your sensitive skin, you can avoid products with those ingredients or environmental factors in the future. 


Skip Fragrances and Perfumes 

One of the most common triggers for sensitive skin is fragrance products. It’s a good idea to skip perfumes entirely, as they often consist of chemicals or ingredients that can irritate the skin. 

In addition to perfume, you’ll want to skip products that feature synthetic fragrances. Always check your product’s ingredient list for scents or perfumes, and if you find them featured, move on to the next option. 


Prep Your Skin With Gentle Cleanser and Moisturizer 

Washing your face is essential when you have sensitive skin, especially if you wear makeup. That’s because the skin can collect dirt and debris that can cause irritation during the day. You’ll also want to remove any buildup of bacteria that can further bother sensitive skin

Always make sure you’re picking out the proper cleansers for the job. Use very gentle soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers, and skip any products that feature fragrances or perfumes. Definitely make sure that your skin is cleansed and prepped with moisturizer before going in with any makeup.

While exfoliating can be helpful for specific skin types, avoid exfoliating sensitive skin as much as possible. It can be irritating and may lead to redness or rashes. Instead, wash with gentle products carefully to protect your sensitive skin


Test a Little at a Time 

Finding new products for your sensitive skin can be challenging because you don’t always know how your skin will react. This uncertainty is why you want to test out a little bit of the product at a time. 

Apply the product to the back of your hand or a small patch on the face and allow it to sit. If you don’t notice any severe reactions after a few days, you may be safe to continue using the product on a larger surface. If the skin gets red, itchy, or dry, the product may include triggering ingredients and is best to avoid. A patch test is one of the best ways to prevent irritation and keep your skin safe. 


Best Makeup for Sensitive Skin 

When developing a makeup routine for your sensitive skin, you want to make sure you’re picking the right products for the job. When looking for makeup for your sensitive skin, follow these simple steps. 


Avoid Perfumed Products

Perfume and fragrances are standard in skincare products, but you may find them in your makeup products, as well. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to pick out makeup products that are either scented with natural ingredients or have no scent at all. 


Look for Mineral-Based Products 

Mineral-based makeup is a type of makeup that employs Mother Nature's best ingredients. It focuses on naturally-occurring ingredients rather than synthetic ones, which are sometimes more prone to irritating sensitive skin

There are many different types of mineral-based makeup, so do your research to find the best products for your needs. 


Start With Low Coverage Products

If you’re looking to begin your makeup application journey and you’re prone to irritation, it’s a good idea to start with low coverage products first. This method will allow you to test out the different makeup products to see how much coverage your skin can comfortably handle. 

Always watch for signs of irritation when trying out a new makeup product. If you find that low coverage makeup is effective for your sensitive skin, you can add more products a little at a time. Going slow will help you develop the perfect makeup routine to fit your skin type needs. 

If low coverage foundation isn’t doing what you’d like in terms of covering dark spots, redness, or other skin concerns, consider using a color corrector — more on that below.


Try a Color Corrector From Journ 

If you’re concerned that a thick layer of makeup might irritate your skin, color correctors are a wonderful solution. Here at Journ, our products are designed to correct the appearance of your skin concerns and potentially help minimize them over time. Whether you’re concerned about redness from irritation , inflammation from acne or you struggle with dark circles, these high-quality, low-impact products cater to everyone’s skin. Not only will they conceal any skin concerns but the active ingredients in the formulations will help improve those very skin concerns over time. 

Conclusion 

Sensitive skin is one of the most common skin types. While it can be frustrating to manage at times, a little care and the right products can help keep your skin smooth, soft, and healthy for a long time to come. 

You can take some simple steps to support your sensitive skin today. Try to cleanse gently and reach for products that don’t feature perfumes or fragrances.Also, don’t skip the SPF. When you’re ready to test out new products, always use a little at a time so you know it’s a good fit for your skincare needs. 

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to find makeup options for your sensitive skin, like the products available here at Journ. In addition to our collection of skincare essentials, we’re also sharing everything we know about caring for your different skin types. It starts with our personalized skincare quiz right here at Journ. Take the first step with the support of our team and find the best products for your sensitive skin needs. 

Sources

Know Your Skin Type Before Choosing Skin Care Products | Cleveland Clinic

Dry Skin | Mayo Clinic 

Patch testing can find what's causing your rash | AAD