Sensitive Skin – Can you be acne free?

February 26, 2021

The Conundrum of Sensitive Skin

Every week, we get emails from potential new clients asking if our acne products will be too strong for their sensitive skin. “All acne products make my skin red and hurt!” they almost always say. So does it have to be that way?

The short answer is no. If you have sensitive skin, you can also have clear skin…. but there are some extra considerations to be aware of while choosing your skin care regime.

First things first: What is sensitive skin and what causes it?

You may not even know you have sensitive skin until you use a product that causes a reaction such as redness or itching.  

There are some conditions like dry skin and eczema which can lead to sensitive skin. In those cases, using creamy moisturizers, sulfate-free cleansers and prescription ointments without irritants are a solution. 

On the other hand, skin issues caused from allergies and sensitivities to products can be frustrating because it’s often more difficult to identify the offending culprit. Using the wrong skincare product may disrupt the protective skin barrier, leading to microscopic cracks, loss of hydration, and inflammation.

When it comes to skin care product sensitivities, it is most likely caused by (Allergic) Contact Dermatitis. This is a reaction to something that is put directly in contact with your skin.

Some symptoms of this sort of reaction include:

• red rash
• itchiness
• dry, cracked, scaly skin
• bumps and blisters, which may ooze fluid and crust over
• swelling
• burning
• tenderness

The good news? Sensitive skin is very rarely a serious condition and can be managed by making sure you have the right skin care routine in place.

How can you treat sensitive skin AND be acne free?

The easiest thing to do if you have sensitive skin and have a reaction is to identify what the cause is and then simply stop using that product.  But when it comes to actually finding something that WON’T aggravate your condition, you might have to be a little more picky about what you use.

Avoid cleansers and moisturizers with fragrances and parabens in them.  And guess what? ALL Ninja Skincare cleansers AND our Multi-Plexion moisturizer fit the bill! In particular, our Revolutionary Cleanser Mild is very gentle and so is our sulfate-free Revolutionary Cleanser Balancing – both restore your skin’s natural PH balance and leave it feeling smooth and fresh.

When it comes to sunscreen, protecting your skin can be tough. Most sunscreens contain chemical sunscreen agents that absorb harmful UV rays, protecting your skin from the sun. In some cases, individuals will be allergic to these agents. The good news is that while our Daily Defender SPF 30 does contain chemical agents, we do offer a chemical-free version by special request.

Finding a Topical Medication to prevent new pimples that won’t cause skin irritation can be more tricky for people with sensitive skin. If you’re one of the roughly 5% of the population with a sensitivity to Benzoyl Peroxide. we offer alternative topical medications that contain sulfur and salicylic acid. And of course, we will always work with you to find the right products that will not aggravate your skin AND also prevent future acne breakouts from forming.

Bottom line: YES, you can have sensitive skin and still have a skincare routine that won’t aggravate your skin and will prevent acne from forming. Call us today so we can help you – we will work together to find the right combination of products for you.

Email: clearskin@ninjaskincare.com

Call/Text: 925.933.8425