The products you need for sensitive skin

Does your skin have a mini freak-out when you choose to use some new products? Do you find that the fragrances in products tend to irritate your skin more than they pamper? Are you a victim of a flaky scalp or dry skin – or even of breakouts and itching? Then it sounds like you're dealing with sensitive skin.
RELATED: Is your soap stripping your skin?
RELATED: 3 ways to combat ingrown hairs
That’s okay –sensitive skin just needs a little extra tender love and care, which is easy if you know what you’re looking for (and there are a few very specific things you really should be looking for). Stay away from products that include any kind of alcohol, fragrance or other ingredients that can cause irritation. Natural products are usually a safe bet, but these days most of your favourite beauty brands offer products specially designed for sensitive skin, so you don’t have to look far for the perfect solution for you.
Check out our picks for treating sensitivity from head to toe.
TREATING A SENSITIVE SCALP:
A dry and flaky scalp can be hard to deal with if you’re not armed with the right products. Along with the itching and flaking, the irritation can be enough to drive you up the wall! What you need are a dream team of sensitive, scalp-friendly products that will work to soothe any irritation and help to restore a healthy scalp, in turn helping to treat dandruff.
We like QV Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner because it’s pH balanced and suitable for everyday use. We also recommend Wella Professionals Balance Calm Treatment for Sensitive Scalp because it contains antibacterial agents that help to cool and revitalise a dry and itchy scalp.
TREATING SENSITIVE TEETH:
If you’d rather jump off a bridge than take a bite out of an ice cream, odds are you suffer from a pretty sensitive set of chompers. Teeth sensitivity affects approximately one in three Australians – meaning there’s a good chance that someone close to you is suffering. To treat sensitive teeth effectively, you have to switch to a toothpaste that is especially formulated to treat the issue.
We recommend: Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™, as it is clinically proven to provide immediate and lasting sensitivity relief after just one application.
TREATING SENSITIVE SKIN:
Do you find that some regular skin care products tend to make your skin break out or become a little itchy or inflamed at times? It may just mean that your skin is on the sensitive side, and it’s important to identify that and then use products that will help to soothe and nurture your skin properly. Sticking to water-based, unfragranced products is the best way to avoid a reaction. Why not try Neutrogena Moisture Sensitive Skin? It contains a lightweight, water-based, formula that provides effective moisturisation for even the most sensitive of skins. If you’re a little more focused on battling the signs of ageing, then there are plenty of suitable sensitive options out there for you too. We recommend Olay Total Effects Sensitive, as it has been designed to fight the signs of ageing, protect, calm, and strengthen skin – all the while staying gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.
TREATING SENSITIVE AREAS ON YOUR BODY:
In the shower
If you tend to develop rashes or itchiness on any area of your body, you may need to switch to products designed for sensitive skin. In the shower, opt for a milder formula that’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, such as Dove Extra Sensitive Beauty Bar.
For your hands
If the skin around your hands tends to become rough and dry, you may need to start using a deeply-nourishing balm that won’t irritate. We recommend Planet Eve Organics Certified Organic Luxe Hand Creme with Antioxidants as it contains nourishing shea butter and the purest organic ingredients.
To prevent odour and perspiration
For underarms that tend to become red and irritated when you use deodorant, look for a product that features nourishing ingredients to help calm and soothe the delicate skin under your arms. We like Nivea Sensitive Protect Roll-on for women, as it contains chamomile extract and avocado oil to help treat and prevent irritation.
Hair removal
When it comes to hair removal, those with sensitive skin should definitely look at using products that are caring without compromising on effectiveness. Waxaway Salon Wax Sensitive contain a hypoallergenic formula that delivers salon-quality results. Not only are they incredibly easy to use, but they’re amazingly gentle on your skin, too.
TREATING SENSITIVITY ‘DOWN THERE’:
The vagina is a sensitive area in itself, but if you ever experience discomfort or irritation down there, you should switch to a body wash specially formulated for that area. We recommend using Summer’s Eve Feminine Wash Sensitive Skin, as it gently cleanses and refreshes the vaginal area without causing irritation. It’s also unscented and contains extra moisturisers to help prevent dryness. If irritation persists, make an appointment with your local general practitioner.
What are your top tips for dealing with sensitive skin?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
76 Member Comments
My hands are very sensitive and as a result get very dry. I'll have to try the hand creme.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My skin can be sensitive but not always - I can use products with alcohol and fragrance without any problem and then have a reaction to something hypoallergenic. I always like to try a sample of a product before I buy if possible
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
good list but I think with sensitive skin everyone has their own pick right?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Try to stay away from products that irritate my skin. Also I will different products to see if it works best. This article helps me understand better.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Interesting I have a flaky scalp but have never considered it to be “sensitive”. I’ve recently switched to a natural organic shampoo. Hoping this does the trick!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm using sensodyne for my sensitive teeth.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Sensodyne seems to help
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have very sensitive teeth but not skin, I use the sensodyne but I think my body is used to it and find it doesn't help like it used to! Maybe I need to switch to colgate and alternate between the 2..
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I get sensitivity on my skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm lucky that I have rather tough skin.
This is a rehashed, old article. Some of the products are no longer available or not bh listed any more.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
It would be better if the products were updated, yes?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Great article BH, for those with sensitive teeth I've tried the Colgate Sensitivity Pro Relief it's really good for that. I might have a look around for another shaving cream but definitely keep this in mind before buying anything new.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My scalp can sometimes get very sensitive
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Being careful of clothes washing products is sensible with sensitive skin. It can make an incredible difference.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I prefer using products for sensitive skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I like using colgate sensitive relief toothpaste especially for when I've been to the orthodontist and had my braces tightened.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I am glad that my skin sensitivies reduced as I got older. I can't use the cheapest of products but I can use most products these days.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I used the Olay cream with SPF30 for Sensitive skin for years. It's such a great affordable and skin-saving moisturiser.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Agree with switching your toothpaste! It definitely helps
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I get sensitivity on my face. Always got to be weary what I put on it. Need to try out more natural products me thinks
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Thanks for sensitive scalp tip. Hubby desperately need help and I haven't bought the QV product yet.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I find with sensitive skin / teeth the best thing is gentle products with less ingredients the better.
Avene is the best for their cleansing milk cleanser. Super duper gentle.
I also use sensodyne for my teeth.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've used the Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief and it worked - don't have this problem with my teeth now.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I get eczema flares if I don't preserve skin moisture properly. Its just the worst with the itch and all.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0