Go Organic: The Right Path for Your Sensitive Skin

Struggling with sensitive skin can be difficult. It’s hard to narrow down what products to use, and trying something new can be an anxiety-ridden experience. You’re never sure how your skin will react, right?

I’m here to help you learn what products you need to use for very sensitive skin. The good news is there are wonderful products that can help you achieve the benefits you want to see from your skin care without the reactions.

The answer is: organic.Natural, organic ingredients can do wonders for sensitive skin. And the best part is that they’re so easy to get ahold of! They won’t break the bank, either.

What Causes Skin Sensitivity?

There’s no simple answer. A lot of things can contribute to sensitivity in the skin. Genetics, environment, weather, hormones, hard water, and various household products can all be at the root of reactions in the skin that is prone to sensitivity.

44.6% of Americans claim to have sensitive to extremely sensitive skin according to The International Society of Dermatology. Many people feel they have sensitive or highly sensitive skin and are prone to skin irritations.

Rashes, redness, and inflammation of any kind are very common. While it’s frustrating, however, it can be managed and treated.

Things To Avoid When You Have Sensitive Skin

Products that contain a lot of synthetic fragrance, heavy dyes, or harsh chemicals can inflame and irritate your skin. I recommend choosing natural, scent-free and dye-free ingredients to keep your skin smooth and soothed. Coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter are all deeply moisturizing and can be 100% organic.

If you feel you have sensitive skin, switching up products may cause you concern. If you’re choosing natural, organic products -- some even found right in your own pantry -- you needn’t worry.

Also, remember you can’t control the climate, your genes, or hormones - but you are in control of the products you’re buying. Makeup, lotions, detergents, soaps, and more can all cause flare-ups in sensitive skin. Unscented, natural versions of these products can help ease and soothe your skin.

If you want to buy a new makeup item, soap, or lotion but are worried about the potential effect it can have on your skin, do the “patch test.” Test the new product on a small patch of skin, like the back of your wrist, for 24 hours to “sample” it out.

Organic Products Are Your New BFF

One of the best things about organic products is that they’re generally already free of dyes, perfumes, and any other harsh chemicals often found in popular skincare products.

They’re also just as effective. A common misconception about organic products is that they do not deliver the same results as chemically-infused products. This simply isn’t true.

Using apple cider vinegar as a toner, for example, can naturally help reduce inflammation and calm skin. Using coconut oil as a body moisturizer can infuse your skin with the moisture it needs, without the interference of chemicals or other oils.

If you have sensitive skin, certified organic products are often free of the chemicals, dyes, parabens, fragrances, and irritants that may not mix well with your skin.

My Favorite Organic Ingredients

Coconut Oil - The great thing about coconut oil is that it can protect the skin better than many processed or artificial ingredients found in lotions and creams. It’s pure and safe for sensitive skin, and you probably already have it in the kitchen! I also use coconut oil as a hair mask sometimes, it’s wonderful!
Castor Oil - I admit, this probably sounds a bit odd. But the benefits of castor oil are huge! It’s a natural, plant-based oil that can heal inflamed skin, fight signs of aging, reduce acne, helps ease sunburns, prevents stretch marks, and it acts as a perfectly regular, daily moisturizer to boot.
Green Tea - Green tea is a natural antioxidant, which keeps your skin pure and helps fight those free radicals that age your skin. It’s great for sensitive skin and oily skin and acts as a natural calming ingredient to skin inflammation of any kind.
Apple Cider Vinegar - If you can get past the vinegar smell (and the apple cider kind is a little more pleasing to the nostrils), you’re going to want to incorporate it into your skin regimen -- especially if you have acne-prone skin! It combats the bacteria that contribute to the formation of pimples and also balances the production of sebum. As you might already know, too much sebum = pimples. Plus, apple cider vinegar balances the skin’s pH levels and keeps it from becoming too oily or too dry.
Florals - Natural floral ingredients have been used for centuries in beauty regimens. Rose extract helps calm and balance skin, and remove signs of redness and irritation. Lavender extract is also a wonderful-smelling skin relaxant. Calendula is less known for its smell than its healing powers -- it’s often used to reduce inflammation. Chances are, if you’re looking for a natural floral extract to use, it probably benefits sensitive skin.

Author Bio:

Alana Mitchell is the day spa owner at Skincare by Alana, skincare expert and licensed esthetician, and has been working in the beauty industry her whole life! Alana is honored to host product lines that are truly good for you, and now Alana has just introduced her very own, results-driven skin care line Alana Mitchell Skincare. She doesn’t believe in beauty products that are not tried and researched, rather she is excited about natural organic day spa treatments that work. When she is not busy with her website or her day spa in Dana Pointe she enjoys being with her family and newborn son. She frequently shares organic skin care tips at her Skincare blog.