For The Girls Only

[AudreyGrace]

Hey! I have a similar problem: pale skin, VERY sensitive, and I used to have bad acne so I can feel your pain. I have a few suggestions. One, there is a lotion you can get by prescription, called Desonide Lotion. It's very inexpensive (a couple dollars a bottle without insurance). It's a great moisturizer and helps the redness over time. I still use mine every day. If you can't get that, it's okay. Second, use covergirl clean make-up, or anything hypoallergenic. (fragrance free, etc, but i'm sure you know all about that stuff lol). Finally, there's a ton of natural wear pressed powders from drug stores like rite aid. Surprisingly, wet n wild has a nice one that's completely hypoallergenic and not "mineral" like you said you were allergic to. Does have vitamins, though. Works wonders. Other than that, I'm not sure what else. Also, when you're home, wash everything off and let your skin breathe!

Edited June 1, 2011 by AudreyGrace

[IcePrincessKRS]

[quote name='she_who_is_not' timestamp='1306860433' post='2248193']
You can make your own tinted moisturizer by mixing a tidge of your foundation with your moisturizer. Just mix it really well before applying. I used to do this in the summer before I started using mineral makeup.
[/quote]

I was going to suggest that. I did that for quite awhile before I switched to mineral makeup. I also go on stints where I don't wear foundation at all unless I'm having a breakout and feel self-conscious about redness and bumps. (although to be quite honest I only apply foundation, usually, if I am leaving my house.)

[quote name='AudreyGrace' timestamp='1306892117' post='2248463']
Hey! I have a similar problem: pale skin, VERY sensitive, and I used to have bad acne so I can feel your pain. I have a few suggestions. One, there is a lotion you can get by prescription, called Desonide Lotion. It's very inexpensive (a couple dollars a bottle without insurance). It's a great moisturizer and helps the redness over time. I still use mine every day. If you can't get that, it's okay. Second, use covergirl clean make-up, or anything hypoallergenic. (fragrance free, etc, but i'm sure you know all about that stuff lol). Finally, there's a ton of natural wear pressed powders from drug stores like rite aid. Surprisingly, wet n wild has a nice one that's completely hypoallergenic and not "mineral" like you said you were allergic to. Does have vitamins, though. Works wonders. Other than that, I'm not sure what else. Also, when you're home, wash everything off and let your skin breathe!
[/quote]

Desonide/Desowen (one is name brand, the other is generic) is actually a very mild steroid. My daughter has eczema and that's one of three steroids prescribed to her, along with a prescription lotion called Mimyx (we went to a dermatologist because her skin was so bad, but any doctor could prescribe it if they decided it would benefit your condition). It's gentle enough for daily use on your face---that was a big concern of mine since she used to get eczema up her neck and occasionally have dry areas around her mouth and chin. The other two were so strong I couldn't put them on her face at all, and could only use the first for 2 weeks, and the other for a max of 3 days. Those two freaked me out so I only used them when absolutely necessary. (I don't think I ever went beyond a day with the super strong one.) In any event, I just wanted to make a note of what category Desonide falls under since it's not just a lotion.

Before I switched to mineral makeup I used Almay Smart Shade makeup (it's one of the ones that starts out whiteish and blends to your skin tone, it's really cool). I really liked it and would still use it on occasion except my darling son climbed up on my dresser and squeezed it out all over my bedroom so I don't have any left right now. That was my "quick application" makeup since the mineral makeup has a couple more steps that I follow. I was afraid I was allergic to the minerals at first, but then I decided it was the pollen in the air because it was also messing with my eyes (my eyes are really sensitive to allergens), and ever since the high pollen season has pretty much passed my skin hasn't itched at all. I don't think I have especially sensitive skin (except my lips, for some weird reason) so I was really concerned about the bizarre itching I had this spring--which coincided with my switch to mineral make up and high pollen. Mineral make up isn't particularly cheap and I'd have hated to just throw that money away. I am glad it was just the pollen! lol

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='AudreyGrace' timestamp='1306892117' post='2248463']
Hey! I have a similar problem: pale skin, VERY sensitive, and I used to have bad acne so I can feel your pain. I have a few suggestions. One, there is a lotion you can get by prescription, called Desonide Lotion. It's very inexpensive (a couple dollars a bottle without insurance). It's a great moisturizer and helps the redness over time. I still use mine every day. If you can't get that, it's okay. Second, use covergirl clean make-up, or anything hypoallergenic. (fragrance free, etc, but i'm sure you know all about that stuff lol). Finally, there's a ton of natural wear pressed powders from drug stores like rite aid. Surprisingly, wet n wild has a nice one that's completely hypoallergenic and not "mineral" like you said you were allergic to. Does have vitamins, though. Works wonders. Other than that, I'm not sure what else. Also, when you're home, wash everything off and let your skin breathe!
[/quote]

I must have the most sensitive skin in the world, then, because I cannot use any face makeup by CoverGirl. I can only use their mascara, otherwise I break out in zits all over my face. It is the same with Neutrogena. I think it is because of the salicylic acid in some of them which I cannot use since it causes rashes. But even the ones without do the same thing. I found out today that Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap makes my face really smooth and soothes the redness. I used it to wash the sticky makeup off my skin and it works WAY better than anything that is expensive like the Oil of Olay Warming Cleanser I bought when I was employed last year. That stuff is terrible for my skin because it makes it even more red.

I'll try to look for the powder you mentioned. We don't have a Rite Aid here, but I think either CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart might have it.

Edited June 1, 2011 by MaterMisericordiae

[AudreyGrace]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1306893854' post='2248481']
I must have the most sensitive skin in the world, then, because I cannot use any face makeup by CoverGirl. I can only use their mascara, otherwise I break out in zits all over my face. It is the same with Neutrogena. I think it is because of the salicylic acid which I cannot use since it causes rashes. I found out today that Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap makes my face really smooth and soothes the redness. I used it to wash the sticky makeup off my skin and it works WAY better than anything that is expensive like the Oil of Olay Warming Cleanser I bought when I was employed last year. That stuff is terrible for my skin because it makes it even more red.

I'll try to look for the powder you mentioned. We don't have a Rite Aid here, but I think either CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart might have it.
[/quote]

Ahh. Yeah, salicylic acid is horrible. The Dove Bar Soap for sensitive skin is amazing. That's the only soap I use, body and face. Yep, those stores should have it

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='AudreyGrace' timestamp='1306892117' post='2248463']
Hey! I have a similar problem: pale skin, VERY sensitive, and I used to have bad acne so I can feel your pain. I have a few suggestions. One, there is a lotion you can get by prescription, called Desonide Lotion. It's very inexpensive (a couple dollars a bottle without insurance). It's a great moisturizer and helps the redness over time. I still use mine every day. If you can't get that, it's okay. Second, use covergirl clean make-up, or anything hypoallergenic.[b] (fragrance free, etc, but i'm sure you know all about that stuff lol)[/b]. Finally, there's a ton of natural wear pressed powders from drug stores like rite aid. Surprisingly, wet n wild has a nice one that's completely hypoallergenic and not "mineral" like you said you were allergic to. Does have vitamins, though. Works wonders. Other than that, I'm not sure what else. Also, when you're home, wash everything off and let your skin breathe!
[/quote]

Actually, I think that might have caused my contact dermatitis. I have never used the Revlon foundation that I'm currently using before and it has a scent to it. I bet it caused my face to break out.

Now that I think about it, I think I should probably stay away from anything that has talc or mica in it. I read that those can worsen the redness and cause breakouts for people who have sensitive skin.

I was doing some searching on drugstore.com and they have a natural foundation by Lavera that looks good. I may have to save some money and try it--the only thing is, I wish it didn't have fragrance as an ingredient but it is the very last on the list:

http://www.drugstore.com/lavera-natural-cosmetics-natural-liquid-foundation-ivory-02/qxp346379

Edited June 1, 2011 by MaterMisericordiae

[OnlySunshine]

I just discovered why I'm having an allergic reaction to the Revlon Age Defying Makeup I've been using--it contains salicyclic acid! The label is so small that I didn't even see it on there and I just read the ingredients on drugstore.com.

Looks like I'm going to have to stop using that. Thank goodness I saved my bottle of L'Oreal until I find something lighter.

I'm trying to figure out why my cream moisturizer causes problems, too. I think it has fragrance as well.

Edited June 1, 2011 by MaterMisericordiae

[faithcecelia]

Have you tried corrective bases? Its like a light foundation but in a colour that will even out your skin tone - with red skin you would use green, with sallow skin pink, etc. I had to use it when I was on medication that made me blotchy - i too am extremely fair-skinned.

I have no idea what brands cost and what products are available over there, but I use Clinique on my face and nothing else, its the only thing I can use and while not cheap, I find everything lasts ages.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='faithcecelia' timestamp='1306897119' post='2248503']
Have you tried corrective bases? Its like a light foundation but in a colour that will even out your skin tone - with red skin you would use green, with sallow skin pink, etc. I had to use it when I was on medication that made me blotchy - i too am extremely fair-skinned.

I have no idea what brands cost and what products are available over there, but I use Clinique on my face and nothing else, its the only thing I can use and while not cheap, I find everything lasts ages.
[/quote]

I've heard of the corrective bases, but I've never tried them. I know L'Oreal makes a primer, but I don't think it is the same thing you are talking about. I am still doing research on drugstore.com and amazon.com to see if I can find a good foundation that is light and irritant-free. I used to use Clinique all the time because my mom bought their products and would get the free bonus kits. I really do like their stuff, but it is definitely on the pricey side.

[AudreyGrace]

keep it fragrance free, non hypoallergenic (sensitive skin), non comedogenic (won't clog pores)

[AudreyGrace]

correction. you want hypoallergenic. lol.

[Luigi]

The French say, "Il faut souffrir pour etre belle."

Just mix a little cornstarch with whatever you're already using. It works for me every time!

[JulianofLdn]

Also, check out this website:

[url="http://www.lushusa.com/shop"]Lush Cosmetics USA[/url]


I've got sensitive skin too, with a tendency to eczema around my eyes. I've also had really nasty dermatitis, and after having all my skin peel off my face once, I'm determined not to let anything cause it again! I react to everything - the sun, my own tears, dust, any change in climate or temperature - so I'm very careful about what I use.

Lush stuff is about the only stuff I can use with total certainty that it won't cause a reaction. I use their Celestial moisturiser, which is full of lovely stuff: almond milk, vanilla, dove orchid, glycerine, cocoa butter. It has a scent from the essential oils within it, but there's none added separately. Most importantly, it doesn't cause any reaction at all, even when my skin is dry and hypersensitive. Their cleansers, toners and face masks are also superb.

I can't help with the make up question, though: I don't wear any. I can't!

[PennyLane]

I have dry, sensitive skin as well. I use Revlon's Photoready. It is like magic!!

I also wash my face with an oatmeal moisturizing bar and that helps a lot.

[Cherie]

BTW if your skin is dry use [url="http://www.cetaphil.com/Products/MoisturizingLotion.aspx"]Cetaphil[/url] lotion!!! My derm recommended it years ago and it's the best lotion I've ever tried. It's a bit expensive but it's completely 100% worth it. Other lotions, even Gold Bond and other ones that purport themselves to be great for dry or sensitive skin, haven't even come CLOSE. And it's not greasy either - but you don't have to use a lot to get the result you need so even though it's a bit more expensive, you should be able to have it for a while.

I have TERRIBLE skin and was also on Desonide lotion for eczema on the face - it cleared up in two weeks and I've never had a problem since. I was on it probably longer than I should have been, but I've been off it for a few years now and it's still not a problem.

[IcePrincessKRS]

[quote name='CherieMadame' timestamp='1306926754' post='2248626']
BTW if your skin is dry use [url="http://www.cetaphil.com/Products/MoisturizingLotion.aspx"]Cetaphil[/url] lotion!!! My derm recommended it years ago and it's the best lotion I've ever tried. It's a bit expensive but it's completely 100% worth it. Other lotions, even Gold Bond and other ones that purport themselves to be great for dry or sensitive skin, haven't even come CLOSE. And it's not greasy either - but you don't have to use a lot to get the result you need so even though it's a bit more expensive, you should be able to have it for a while.

I have TERRIBLE skin and was also on Desonide lotion for eczema on the face - it cleared up in two weeks and I've never had a problem since. I was on it probably longer than I should have been, but I've been off it for a few years now and it's still not a problem.
[/quote]

I've never used the Cetaphyl lotion, but I do use their cleanser (I switch it up frequently, though... I've got a lot of products) because some others dry my skin out too much. And while my skin isn't particularly sensitive no one wants to walk around with a dry flaky face.

That's been our experience with Genevieve's use of the Desonide as well. She used to have horrible giant red patches all up her arms and legs, and we used the Desonide and Mimyx almost exclusively for a few weeks (with an occasional application of the other two steroids) and she hasn't had a bad flare up in the last 2 years. If she starts to get a small spot I use a little Mimyx and Desonide and it's gone in a day. I got all her refills so I have some on backup just in case I need it. But we completely stopped daily use once her skin cleared up (because even though it's safe it's still a steroid).