Pamper Sensitive Skin

Specially formulated cleansers and moisturizers can help soothe redness and irritation.

Do You Have Sensitive Skin?

Many people think they have sensitive skin,” says Renée Rouleau, an aesthetician and spa owner in Dallas, Texas. “But the true definition of sensitive skin is skin that gets red and irritated easily.” If that sounds familiar, the key is to find gentle products that are free of irritating ingredients and to treat your skin with extra TLC.

Wash Sensitive Skin Gently

Don’t go overboard with cleansing or exfoliating. “ ‘Tight and dry’ doesn’t equal ‘clean,’ ” Rouleau says. Try a mild, fragrance-free product, such as Dove® Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar , Gentle Exfoliating or Sensitive Skin Body Wash. (Link opens in new window.)

Moisturize Sensitive Skin Daily

Sensitive skin is often so dry that it has tiny cracks in its surface, through which moisture escapes. “You want to keep the skin’s protective barrier healthy,” Rouleau says. Using a humidifier in your bedroom at night may help, as can moisturizing after you shower or bathe. For your body, Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair (Link opens in new window.) gets to work right away to leave skin soft and soothed.