The use of soap for sensitive skin is recommended for people whose skin is easily irritated or sensitive. If you choose facial soap carelessly, sensitive skin owners are prone to experiencing problems on their facial skin, such as itching, burning, dry and scaly skin, and even acne.
The term sensitive skin refers to skin conditions that are easily irritated after exposure to certain substances or chemicals in facial skin care products, including soaps, toner, to cosmetics.
Sometimes, sensitive skin symptoms can also recur when exposed to too hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, dry air, to dust.
The characteristics of sensitive skin are characterized by skin that feels sore, itchy, and red when using unsuitable skin care products. When it recurs, sensitive skin will also become dry, scaly, and grow pimples.
Because sensitive skin can become irritated and inflamed, people with sensitive skin types are advised to be more careful in choosing and using cosmetics or facial care products, including facial soap.
Tips for Choosing Facial SoapuSafe for Sensitive Skin
Some facial soaps are formulated with special ingredients that are gentler and friendly to the face. Usually, soap products that are more suitable for sensitive skin have the following labels or ingredients:
1. Contains moisturizer
Sour hyaluronic, ceramide, and niacinamide are some of the ingredients that can keep the skin moist. With maintained skin moisture, the skin becomes less prone to irritation.
2. Contains emollients
Emollients and moisturizers work similarly. Emollients can coat the skin better, and cover the crust on cracked and irritated skin. It can also make dry and rough sensitive skin softer and smoother.
Examples of emollient ingredients are urea, glycerin, petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin.
3. Have a label mild or hypoallergenic
Labeled soap mild or hypoallergenic It is formulated for sensitive skin. This soap tends to be gentle and does not contain ingredients that can dry out the skin.
Even so, some owners of sensitive facial skin can sometimes still experience irritation even though the facial soap used is labeled hypoallergenic. So, keep an eye on the composition of the soap content, because it may contain ingredients that can cause irritation to your skin.
Ingredients in Facial Soap that Need to be Avoided
Owners of sensitive skin should choose products that are gentle or do not contain chemicals that can trigger irritation. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to avoid using the following harsh chemical soaps:
SLS (surfactant)
SLS or surfactants are widely used in facial cleansing soaps. This material serves to lift dirt and make the soap foam when rubbed on the face.
However, surfactants can also dry out the skin, making it easy to cause skin irritation and damage in people with sensitive skin. Therefore, this soap should not be used by sensitive owners.
Alcohol and fragrance
The alcohol content in certain soap products can trigger skin disorders, such as skin irritation and contact dermatitis. In addition to soap, other facial skin care products made from alcohol, such astoner and astringent, also best avoided if you have sensitive facial skin.
This alcohol is usually found in soaps or facial skin care products that contain fragrance or perfume.
Exfoliating or scrubbing ingredients
Exfoliation aims to remove dead skin cells. However, owners of sensitive skin are advised not to rub the skin with this material because it can irritate the skin.
Exfoliating ingredients are divided into two, namely physical and chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliation is usually in the form of a scrub, while chemical exfoliation is in the form of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and AHAs.
By taking proper care, your sensitive skin will always be healthy and free from problems, such as contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, rosacea, or allergies.
If you have trouble choosing soap for sensitive skin or the care products you use actually cause skin problems, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist.