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Using moisturizers. Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when
skin’s moisture barrier is intact, it helps
skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry
skin, moisturizers may improve
skin’s barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with
least amount of ingredients.
Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.
Acne patients should also stick with products containing
least amount of ingredients.
Using noncomedogenic sunscreens. Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.
Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.
Preservatives. The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.
The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring
integrity of your stratum corneum,
skin’s primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com) Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004 Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002. E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.

Naweko San-Joyz writes health and beauty articles from her home in San Diego. She recently published “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204). Naweko is presently working on title called “Skinny Fat Girls, Why we’re still not getting this diet thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in May of 2005. To challenge and verify her research, San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.