Advice for Sensitive Skin

If you experience red, dry, irritated skin, it may be because your skin is sensitive. You could have a problematic skin condition such as rosacea, eczema or contact dermatitis. These skin types all have one characteristic in common: inflammation.  

With any of these types of skin conditions, you're more apt to experience redness, irritation and even stinging. You should not use products/ingredients that are too strong for the skin.

Use mild creams or lotions (hypoallergenic) to wash face and body. Use cosmetics for sensitive skin, without preservatives and perfume. Check allergic reaction before using a new cosmetic for the first time.

Use hypoallergenic, naturally colored cosmetics for makeup (the fewer pigments, the less irritating). Jane Iredale is one of the best.

Protect the skin from the sun. Use an SPF for your skin type and wear a wide brim hat and wrap around sunglasses. After bathing in the sea, lake or swimming pool, wash skin carefully and use protective cream.

Check your diet; it may very well be contributing to your sensitivity.

Finally, reducing the level of stress in your life can significantly improve inflammatory conditions. Stress releases hormones within the body that accelerate inflammation and aging. An hour of yoga or tai chi can improve core strength and help you handle stressful triggers in your life—and maybe even help your skin.

Veronica Barton-Schwartz, a longtime Malibu resident, is the owner and an esthetician at . She has been in the health and beauty business for more than three decades, and opened her first Malibu center in 1981. Barton-Schwartz can be reached at veronica@veronicaskincare.com.