I feel I am speaking for most when I say that all Sensitive skin types are practically signed up for a life-time’s worth of Amazing Race action. And the challenge of this particular treasure hunt is to find the most effective facial product that won’t cause more skin flare ups & problems.

Here’s my tip; start shopping smart by doing away with all the unnecessary (& very often expensive) trial and error. How? Read on, this might help:

First, look for these ingredients that prevent flare ups and inflammations:

• Sun Screen: Go for physical blocks (titamium dioixde or zinc oxide) as chemical ones (commonly known as avobenzone) may cause itchiness & burning sensations, not to mention further damage your irritated skin barrier.  A quick read of the label will help you avoid this issue easily.

• Caffeine: I see La Roche Posay’s Rosaliac Anti-Redness Moisturizer as being quite effective with reducing flushing and redness, with the caffeine and niacinamide in this product is the key . I’m now trying Topix Replenix Cream CF as it contains green tea and caffeine, and I like what I see in the mirror.

• Chamomile: Found in many lines these days and I’m beginning to like the ones in several up and coming organic brands, more of this when I reveal our research soon.

• Aloe Vera: Commonly recognised as a good bet for minor cuts and burns, aloe can also help treat chronic redness and inflammation. We like Peter Thomas Roth Aloe Tonic Mist

• Licochalcone: We feel this licorice root extract comes in a good composition in the Eucerin Redness Relief line. Licorice is a natural compound that helps calm redness in skin.

• Niacinamide: A known effective treatment for inflammation and hyperpigmentation, niacinamide is a good option for Sensitive Pigmented types. The Olay Total Effects lines contain niacinamide, a good inexpensive option.

• Sulfur: This can soothe redness associated with rosacea, flushing and acne. Peter Thomas Roth’s Sulfur Cooling Masque is a very good option, it also comes with eucalyptus extracts that helps calm the skin.

• Antioxidants: This you would have heard before but I can’t help repeating, reason being they are still the best option; Vitamin C, E and a good dose of green tea.  I like the way these ingredients are used in a number of Skinceuticals products such as C E Ferulic. Adding antioxidants to your diet also helps, and a general rule of thumb is to consume vegetables and fruits that are colourful. Antioxidants become especially important when a person doesn’t take to retinols and AHA products quite so easily as others.

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