Choosing the Best Soap for Sensitive Skin and Rosacea

The American Academy of Dermatology makes an interesting point about sensitive skin care products--they don't specify the type of sensitive skin for which they are marketed. There are four basic types of sensitive skin: acne, rosacea, burning and stinging and contact dermatitis. The one element common to all four of these skin types is inflammation.

Acne is caused by oily skin and the presence of high levels of P. acnes, a bacteria.

Rosacea, a condition which as of yet has an undetermined cause, is characterized by flushing of the face, broken blood vessels and pimples.

Stinging and burning skin also has no determined cause and for this reason there are no known products to treat these sensations.

Contact dermatitis may be caused to an allergy to an ingredient in a product or irritation produced by an ingredient in a product.

In understanding that simply choosing a soap marketed as being for sensitive skin, you can see that you need to delve a little further to determine if that soap is useful for your type of sensitive skin.

Soap products containing coconut oil or avocado may cause breakouts if you have acne for some individuals. For others, extra virgin coconut oil is a first line of treatment for speeding the healing of acne.

Tea tree oil is another natural ingredient that is used to treat acne. You may be interested in using a soap product that contains tea tree oil. This website may get you started: www.teatreewonders.com.

Some products contain more one ingredient. If so, if your skin doesn't tolerate the product well, you may be tempted to assume the major ingredient is causing the problem -- but it may be one of the minor additional ingredients. If this happens, try using a product that is a single ingredient. This way you'll know exactly which ingredients work for your skin and which ones don't.

If you have rosacea, you probably already know that keeping it under control is about avoiding contact with irritants. A flare-up in your symptoms may be due to a cosmetic or skin care product ingredient. Other known factors that induce a flare-up in many individuals with rosacea are ingestion of alcohol, strenuous exercise, exposure to the sun, spicy foods and stress.

When choosing a facial soap, you should look for a gentle, soap-free and fragrance-free cleanser. Wash your face gently; too much rubbing can cause the rosacea areas to become sore and red. Avoid cleansers that have granules or abrasives in them. The Rosacea Group, an online group dedicated to helping those living with rosacea provides reviews of skin cleansers, moisturizers and sun screen products here: RosaceaGroup.org.

Skin care products with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea, feverfew and chamomile may be helpful if product use does not irritate the sensitive rosacea areas. Skin care products containing vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids should not be used as their high acidity levels can cause burning and stinging of the affected areas.

Dermatologists also recommend the use of sun screens with an SPF of at least 15 and the use of a moisturizer with both emollient and occlusive ingredients. To learn more about moisturizers: Dry Skin Care: Moisture is the Key.

Because science does not understand the underlying cause of this sensitive skin condition, there are no known products to treat it. Skin care products with ingredients such as vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid and benzoic acid are known to cause stinging of the skin. When choosing a facial soap, avoid products that contain these ingredients.

Not everyone who has burning, stinging skin reacts to any one product the same as another person. Trial and error may be the watch words for your use of skin care products, from soap to moisturizers to cosmetics.

A gentle cleanser, such as is recommended for people with rosacea may produce the most satisfactory results for you. Choosing a cleansing product with as few ingredients as possible may also lessen the likelihood of encountering an ingredient that will irritate your sensitive facial skin.

In contact dermatitis there are two types of reactions: an allergic reaction where your body produces antibodies against the offending substance and irritation where there is a localized skin reaction but no production of antibodies. Patch testing must be done by a dermatologist to determine if there is an allergic reaction, and if so, to what substance or substances.

Irritants in skin care products are generally to fragrance, formaldehyde, color dyes or preservatives.

Organic products offer no assurance of safety over manufactured products because you may be allergic to one or more organic substances or find your skin irritated upon use.

Once you know what ingredient or ingredients cause your irritation or allergy, you will need to closely read labels on skin care products, including soap, to ensure the products don't contain those substances. Again, choosing a basic soap such as Neutrogena or Ivory bar soap may be advisable. Consult your dermatologist for recommendations based on your allergies.

This information is not meant to replace or substitute for medical advice. Consult your health care provider as needed. To find a dermatologist in your area, go here.