5 Easy Skin Care Swaps for Sensitive Skin

The organic movement has decidedly impacted everything from your dinner plans (farm-to-table eateries only, thank you very much), to your skin care routine. It’s easy enough to maintain an organic diet, but when it comes to treating your skin with the same level of mindful TLC, things can get a little tricky. Especially if you have sensitive skin, natural skin care swaps can make all the difference.

When you have super-sensitive skin, you know you’re only one subscription box sample or drugstore drop-in away from catastrophe. Redness, irritation, dryness, breakouts — the list of potential horrors goes on and on. Bottom line: not every product can be categorized as one size fits all. That moisturizer your coworker swears by may render you less than workplace-ready if things go badly. Even your friend's drugstore SPF may not work for your delicate complexion.

To avoid uncomfortable flare-ups, we’ve collaborated with Australian Gold to bring you some simple swaps that’ll keep sensitive skin happy and healthy.

1. Use A Gentle Exfoliator

Just because your skin is sensitive doesn't mean you can't exfoliate. In fact, a deeper clean keeps dirt and oil buildup under control, leading to fewer breakouts. Just steer clear from harsh exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic acid, and switch to a gentler alternative like a sugar-based scrub.

2. Reach For A Hydrating Cleanser Instead Of A Foaming Wash

People with sensitive skin should ditch the foamy stuff. “Be wary of using ingredients with added alcohol and harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, and parabens, a commonly used preservative which can cause contact allergy,” warns Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Manhattan-based Schweiger Dermatology Group.

3. Consider Switching To A Mineral Sunscreen

When it comes to sun protection, you may want to try out a mineral sunscreen. Dr. Nazarian recommends looking for sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are less likely to irritate your skin (because who needs to pile on to the threat of sunburn, amirite?). If you're looking for a great one, Australian Gold's formula is perfect for sensitive skin. It's hypoallergenic, rich in antioxidants, and just feels great on your skin. And unlike most mineral sunscreens, this formula absorbs into skin quickly and leaves no white residue.

4. Flip Your Pillow To The Other Side

Skin irritants aren't exclusive to your arsenal of beauty products. If you’re snoozing on a cotton pillowcase, consider the argument for silk instead. It eliminates the amount of friction against your face and head, thereby reducing irritation. Bonus? The fabric will work double time to keep your locks frizz-free.

5. Look For Calming Ingredients In Your Moisturizer

Synthetic ingredients can be particularly irritating for sensitive skin sufferers, notes Dr. Neal Schultz, a New York City-based dermatologist. So the next time you head to the drugstore, look for products that feature calming ingredients, like aloe vera or eucalyptus. It'll be better for your face (and your wallet).

This article is sponsored by Australian Gold.