Parenting Pointers: Hair, Nail and Makeup Solutions for Moms with Sensitive Skin

 Finding the right hair, nail and cosmetic products as a busy mom can be difficult when you have sensitive skin. You may find that common formulas can cause a sensitivity reaction. Trying product after product with no success may leave you frustrated and your sensitive skin screaming out for a little TLC. Sensitive skin needs gentle products that are effective and non-irritating. Following best practices and carefully selecting products can help reduce the risk of a sensitivity reaction.

Healthy Hair Solutions for Sensitive Skin

The products you use in your hair come into close contact with your skin. Your scalp may experience the same sensitivity reactions and dryness as the rest of your skin when exposed to certain ingredients. Sensitive scalps may experience burning, itching, redness, and tingling. Here are some ingredients to avoid:

·       Synthetic fragrance can cause irritation to sensitive skin. While it may seem next to impossible to find a fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner on the market, they do exist. A little fragrance may be tolerable, but for those with very sensitive scalps, fragrance-free versions may be optimal.

·       Denatured alcohol can cause dryness. Try to avoid this ingredient, which is found in many hairsprays and some styling products. Look for the term “alcohol free” on labels.

·       Certain types of sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, may cause dryness and irritation in certain individuals. Look for sulfate-free formulas that are gentler on the scalp and skin.

There are a few ingredients that may help calm an itchy, irritated scalp. These include shea butter, willow bark extract, and tea tree oil. Oat extract and chamomile can also be helpful for soothing and calming redness and itchy skin.

Shampooing and heat styling can contribute to irritation and dryness, so consider limiting shampooing to twice a week and either letting hair dry naturally or using the low setting on the hair dryer.

Nail Know-How for Sensitive Skin

Anyone with kids knows that constant hand-washing is a part of everyday life. But sensitive hands can become dry and irritated after multiple washings, and constantly immersing your hands in water can lead to irritation, affecting the skin around the nailbeds. When washing dishes, wear gloves to keep your hands protected. Also, being mindful of the products you put on your nails can go a long way in reducing sensitivity reactions. Try these tips:

·       Cuticle oils are often formulated with natural oils from sources like coconut and marula. They can help heal dry cuticles and the skin around the nails. Apply the product before you go to bed so that the oil can be left in place for hours without hand washing.

·       Apply a fragrance-free hand cream throughout the day to help keep your nails healthy and nourished.

·       If you wear nail polish, consider your products carefully. Use a moisturizing, acetone-free nail polish remover to help you avoid irritation and dryness. While acetone is very effective, it can be too strong for sensitive skin.

Makeup Musts for Sensitive Skin

Trying new makeup should be fun and exciting, but if you struggle with sensitive skin, you may find that the fun fades quickly.

You may be familiar with the term, "hypoallergenic," which indicates that a product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. For sensitive skin, hypoallergenic cosmetic products offer an excellent option and a relatively safe way to try makeup without a high risk of a breakout or redness due to a sensitivity reaction. Here are additional makeup tips:

·       Mineral makeup is a great option for sensitive skin, as the ingredients consist of natural minerals and work to create a barrier between your skin and external environmental irritants. Opt for a mineral foundation product that includes SPF. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are both physical sunscreens, are usually considered safe for sensitive skin as they are less likely to cause sensitivity reactions than chemical sunscreens.

·       Avoiding fragrance in your makeup products is also a good way to keep the risk of irritation at bay. Sensitive skin can also benefit from non-comedogenic products that don’t clog the pores.

·       Be sure to wash your makeup brushes regularly to prevent the transfer of excess dirt and bacteria. Consider synthetic brushes that are more resistant to bacteria growth and less likely to cause an allergic reaction than natural animal hair brushes.

·       Be sure to wash all makeup off your face every day. Going to bed with a dirty face can aggravate sensitive skin.

Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself with hair, skin and nail products. Learn which ingredients are the gentlest on your skin, and enjoy the results.

Pamela Miller is a dual licensed cosmetologist and esthetician, and she enjoys sharing tips on hair care and makeup hacks as a writer for Walgreens, where you can find an array of skincare products.

Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Walgreens does not recommend or endorse any products, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in the article. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.