Makeup for Dry Sensitive Skin

By Donna Sundblad

Donna Sundblad

Donna's an accomplished writer with multiple fiction and non-fiction publications under her belt.

Makeup for dry sensitive skin is usually free of fragrances and contain fewer chemicals and preservatives than other cosmetics.

Symptoms of Dry Sensitive Skin

Women with sensitive skin often have dry skin. If you are one of them you are not alone. Twenty percent of women have sensitive skin and this sensitivity often leads to dry skin. Some women are more sensitive than others and react more aggressively to external irritants like sun, wind or heat. Additional triggers that irritate sensitive skin include skincare products, makeup, some foods and even cigarette smoke. The following list includes symptoms commonly found in people with sensitive dry skin. Not every person experiences every symptom, but don't be surprised if you have several:

Blotchiness
Broken capillaries
Burns easily
Dry
Flaky patches
Frequent breakouts
Frequently allergic to skincare products, makeup, laundry soaps, softeners, etc.
Redness
Reacts to hot or cold
Tends to wrinkle easily
Tight feeling after washing
Thin epidermis (skin has a thin translucent look)
Prone to skin infections

Caring for Dry Sensitive Skin

Recognizing you have dry sensitive skin is the easy part. Learning to care for sensitive dry skin is a little more difficult because each person's sensitivities are unique to them. You have to find what works for you.When choosing a facial cleanser, be sure to purchase a line that does not contain alcohol. Look for hypoallergenic brands designed for sensitive dry skin. The ideal cleanser should include moisturizers and ingredients that bring about pH balance. If your skin has a dry, tight feeling (or worse) after using the product, it is not right for your skin. Try another product until you find one that leaves your sensitive skin feeling hydrated and smooth.

Toner

Toners tend to dry skin, so people with dry sensitive skin have to be very selective when buying a toner product. In many cases it is best not to use one. If you feel it is a must look for toner products that are:

Alcohol-free
Hypoallergenic
Recommended for dry sensitive skin.

Moisturizers for Dry Sensitive Skin

Dry skin should be moisturized every day to try and keep your skin hydrated. Again, it is a little more challenging to find products that work with dry sensitive skin but not impossible. Look for products that are fragrant-free and created with sensitive skin in mind. Ingredients that are most tolerated by sensitive dry skin include:

Almond Oil
Aloe Vera
Chamomile
Essential oils
Jojoba Oil
Olive Oil

A hydrating mask is another way to help moisturize and sooth your sensitive face.

Exfoliate

People with dry sensitive skin often feel they should not exfoliate. This is not true. The trick is to find a gentle exfoliant and use it once or twice a week.

Makeup for Dry Sensitive Skin

Once you've cleaned and moisturized your skin, it's important to apply makeup for dry sensitive skin if you want to prevent symptoms from returning. When shopping for your makeup search the labels for words like hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic or wording that tells you the product is appropriate for dry sensitive skin.

Foundation

A silicone-based, hypoallergenic liquid foundation that contains sunscreen protection of at least SPF 15 is ideal. Use a makeup sponge to apply and don't rub it into the skin. Not all people with sensitive skin can tolerate facial powder. If you do plan to wear it, be sure to buy a line that is fragrant-free. Micabella's mineral makeup is one option. This line is made up of pressed natural minerals and contains no preservatives, dyes, oils, or irritating fillers. It is extremely gentle but still doesn't work for everyone with sensitive skin (and can be a bit pricey, too).

Eye Makeup

Eye makeup doesn't always bother sensitive skin as long as it is fragrance free. However, for those who do need to be cautious, Physicians Formula carries a whole line of makeup including eye makeup appropriate for sensitive skin.