A Dermatologist's Guide to Cosmetics

Sensitive Skin Causes

• Acne
• Allergies
• Contact dermatitis (allergic or irritant)
• Rosacea
• Hives
• Eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis

Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin

• Bath soap: Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin Bar
• Facial cleanser: Neutrogena Non-Drying Cleansing Lotion
• Shampoo: DHS Clear Dermatological Hair & Scalp Shampoo
• Conditioner: DHS Conditioning Rinse
• Facial/body moisturizer: Cetaphil Cream
• Free & Clear Cleanser, Shampoo, Conditioner
• Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

Makeup: Some Basic Rules

• Don’t wear it if you don’t need it
• Use as little as possible
• Look for “non-comedogenic”, “non-acnegenic”, “hypoallergenic” products—although these terms are not necessarily true

Makeup Rules for Sensitive Skin

• Choose powder-based makeup (loose, not pressed)
• Fewer ingredients and preservatives
• Avoid waterproof formulas
• Removing them strips skin of its protective barrier
• Use black eyeliner & mascara
• Iron oxide without additional dyes is less allergenic
• Use pencil for eyeliner/brows
• Water-washable, wax-based with fewer preservatives & no latex
• Earth-toned eyeshadows for sensitive, itchy, red eyes
• Use cosmetics with 10 ingredients or less
• Use silicone-based foundations for acne-prone skin
• Dimethicone, cyclomethicone

More Makeup Rules

• Throw away old cosmetics — preservatives break down and can lead to bacterial contamination or irritation
• Foundation — 1 year
• Powder/blush/shadows — 2 years
• Lipstick — 1 year
• Mascara — 3-4 months
• Wash makeup brushes regularly
• If you have more sensitive skin or a dermatologic condition — replace all products every 3-4 months

Potential Acnegenic Ingredients