Woman applying moisturizer on her shoulders.

Sensitive skin is becoming increasingly common, and, because of the challenges that arise when it comes to taking good care of sensitive skin, those that have it are usually full of questions. To help you to answer them, OROGOLD has put together a sensitive skin FAQ, with the most common sensitive skin questions that people ask us.

Does having sensitive skin mean that I have to stay clear of all retinoids?
While it is true that the potency of most retinoids can cause skin irritations, they are also one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, so it is understandable that those with sensitive skin will want to find a way to incorporate them into their skin care routine. OROGOLD suggests layering your retinol product over an anti-inflammatory moisturizer, as this will mean that less is absorbed into your skin, which reduces its harshness.

Are hypoallergenic products better for sensitive skin?
Since there is no official standard for the term ‘hypoallergenic’, products that are labeled as such could still contain allergens, and would not necessarily be any gentler than a non-hypoallergenic product. The best thing to do is to try to work out which ingredients in particular your skin is sensitive to, and then check ingredient lists before trying a new product.

My sensitive skin reacts to sunscreen. What should I do?
It is possible that your sensitive skin is reacting to sunscreen because you are using a chemical sunscreen, which absorbs the UV rays. Instead, OROGOLD recommends trying a physical sunscreen, with SPF 30 and ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these don’t cause allergic reactions, and deflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them.

My sensitive skin flares up when I wear certain clothes. What should I do?
To begin with, OROGOLD would suggest that you ensure that all of your clothes are relatively loose fitting, with a minimum of folds and creases. Always look for soft, natural fabrics, as these will be much more gentle when touching your skin. Cotton will feel cool against inflamed skin, while silk will keep sensitive skin warm, and both of these fabrics are absorbent, which helps to draw excess moisture away from the skin.

Should I exfoliate my sensitive skin?
If your skin sensitivities are caused by conditions such as rosacea, or even by certain allergies, then exfoliation is a no, as you need that extra layer of dead skin cells to protect your sensitive skin from the environment. However, if you have sensitive skin that is prone to acne, then exfoliation is key to helping to keep your pores clean, but make sure to not over-exfoliate.

When it comes to dealing with sensitive skin, these are some of the most common questions that we are asked. However, it is important to keep in mind that each and every one of you with sensitive skin will have different levels of sensitivity, triggered by a variety of different factors, so it will always take time to develop a skin care routine that works for your specific sensitive skin type.