What Products Should I Recommend for Clients with Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin can be difficult to treat.

If you are an aesthetician, chances are you have some clients with sensitive skin. Those with sensitive skin are more likely to experience irritation with some skin care products.

Most times, skin irritation is caused by contact with chemicals or allergens. By learning what kinds of products are best for those with sensitive skin, you can help your clients establish an optimal skin care routine. One clear option to identifying allergens or skin sensitivity is to conduct a patch test.

Ingredients and More to Avoid

Having sensitive skin means being more careful about exposure to just about everything. Some of the biggest irritants are sun exposure, alcohol and fragrances in skin care products, as well as some AHA products. Products and conditions that don't bother people with normal skin can cause redness, breakouts, and rashes for those with sensitive skin. Different irritants can affect people differently, so it's important to communicate with clients about products they have used that have caused problems in the past.

Using products that are safe for sensitive skin is a must.

Best Options for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can limit sufferers' options for skin care products, but there are some products that can benefit those with even the most sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free products are good choices, as well as products that contain oils and moisturizers. Even certain AHA products can work for those with sensitive skin if they are introduced slowly.

Vivant Skin Care's Cleansing Milk Gentle Non-Drying Cleanser contains grapeseed oil to soothe irritated skin and keep it moisturized as it cleanses. Best for dry skin types, this cleanser also works on post-surgical or other healing skin.

Green tea is another recommended ingredient for sensitive skin types. Vivant Skin Care's Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser is a good alternative to cleanse irritated skin of all types. In addition to green tea extract, this cleanser contains kiwi, honey and grape seed extracts.

The AHA for Sensitive Skin

Many AHAs will be too harsh for those with sensitive or irritated skin. AHAs function by removing the top, dead layer of the epidermis, so redness and irritation often result, at least initially, as new skin is exposed. However, many Vivant Skin Care products use mandelic acid extracted from bitter almonds. Mandelic acid is a gentler AHA because its carbon chain is longer than those found in glycolic or malic acids. The longer the carbon chain, the less irritating to the skin.

Vivant Skin Care has mandelic acid products that cleanse, tone, and correct blemished skin. Opting for lower concentrations of mandelic acid and starting the regimen by using products every 2 or 3 days for the first few weeks make it possible to get the benefits of an AHA without excessive irritation.

Some irritation may occur when starting a new skin care regimen. Clients should discontinue use if irritation occurs, wait until skin heals, then try the product again more gradually. Even the most sensitive skin can usually adjust to mandelic acid products over time.

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