Proper Acne Treatment for Very Sensitive Skin

Dealing with acne isn’t ever easy, and when you add the complication of sensitive skin it only becomes more difficult. Many products may be too harsh for you; in treating the acne they can irritate and inflame skin further, compounding your problems.

Traditional acne treatments contain potentially hazardous, even restricted ingredients. Some have risk factors that should be considered by anyone using them, regardless of skin type.

Benzoyl peroxide, for instance, is linked to allergies, skin/eye/lung irritation, impaired immune function and organ toxicity. Salicylic acid can also be an allergen or affect organs and neural function. It’s thought that Retin A, another common ingredient, can negatively impact endocrine or neural function, organs or nerves.

Even the less overtly dangerous solutions have their drawbacks; glycolic compounds are linked to organ toxicity, antibiotics wipe out good bacteria and create resistance over time, and birth control pills bring their own set of concerns and side effects. So how do you choose a therapy regimen?

Fortunately, there are a number of effective strategies you can employ even before you consider purchasing a treatment system. Take a holistic approach and evaluate your care routines; could you improve your diet or add some exercise to feel better? Do you drink enough water? Always clean skin gently; no scrubbing, no rough washcloths or abrasive products. Add a hypoallergenic cleanser and noncomedogenic makeup to your acne fighting arsenal.

Hypoallergenic product lines with natural ingredients are probably your best chance of finding a compatible treatment. You’ll want to read the ingredient list carefully; “sensitive skin” has become a catch-all category and you don’t want a product for rosacea or contact dermatitis if you’re trying to treat acne.

There are also a variety of under-appreciated natural therapies you can try, most of which are gentle and inexpensive. You might laugh at home remedies, but if a recipe’s been around forever, it’s probably because it works. Science today is reexamining many folk/kitchen remedies and validating their efficacy. To name only a few, honey, oatmeal, lemon, baking soda and egg yolks each have their own healing properties.

With sensitive skin, you will need to take some precautions with whatever products you choose. Before using something new on your face, test for reaction by trying a little on your inner arm.

If a product is to be left on the skin, you might want to rethink that too, and remove it after half an hour or an hour. Products that might otherwise be too intense can still be helpful if approached with care.

Take time for research and expect some trial and error; it can be frustrating but the good news is that solutions do exist - you just have to be motivated to find them.