If you have sensitive/oily skin, you'll know exactly the predicament I'm in.
A pretty frustrating combination I'll have you know, oily skin sometimes needs strong products and those products can very often set sensitive skin off.
However, after numerous bad reactions and a little despair, I have found three must-haves.
The first I use on a daily basis and the other two are lifesavers on days when my skin reacts/misbehaves/freaks out or you know, all of the above.
Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel, €65
Described as optimal for sensitive skin, this is a brilliant product to have on hand when your skin needs hydration but can't handle heavy, rich moisturisers, it me. With anti-inflammatory cucumber and anti-bacterial thyme, this has all of the good stuff and soothes irritated skin from the very first application. A little goes a long way so the bottle should last you months, I've been pleasantly surprised.
The ultimate hydrator for problematic skin, I can't get enough of it. Oily skin can react negatively to thick creams...hello breakout central but when lack of moisture occurs, dehydration creeps in. A catch 22 and one reason why finding the right product really is key. Like a drink for the skin, the liquid formula feels refreshing and in terms of an everyday skin routine, it has fast become one of my holy grail must-haves.
Cicaplast Baume B5, €12.99 for 100ml
I can't say enough good things about this little tube. I often get irritated red patches around my nose, what happens when you wear glasses every day for work and have extremely reactive skin. However, after a couple of days using this wonder cream (yes really) my skin had all but cleared.
I have tried all sorts of products, some very expensive, but this is the one that made a very noticeable difference. In fact, some made the effects a lot worse in terms of peeling, flaking and downright red patches. The repairing balm is suitable for children so you know it's kind to skin and the absorbent formula acts as a barrier between the irritation and your skin, speeding up the healing process.
MooGoo Irritable Skin Balm, €15.95
Another product I reach for when my skin is playing up...which happens more often than I'd like. This particular pick is ideal for anyone prone to eczema and/or psoriasis. Made with sweet almond and olive oil, it's full of the good stuff and immediately calms the skin on first application thanks to a combination of aloe vera and Centella Asiatica, a herbaceous plant rich in amino acids, fatty acids and beta carotene. Free of parabens and phenoxyethanol, recommended for both babies and adults, it's extremely gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. An affordable must-have that immediately calms red, dry and itchy patches.
