Top 13 products for sensitive skin

So you have sensitive skin and you’ve all but given up on experimenting with those ‘must-have’ new brands – and trying to find products that actually work. It’s safe to say that each of us have experienced patches of very dry skin or a rash at least once in our lifetime. But spare a thought for those that battle red or dry patches of skin, blemishes, itching or even stinging or burning all the time – sufferers of what is commonly referred to as “sensitive skin.” Caring for sensitive skin can be a tricky business as the condition is easily aggravated by certain skincare products, make-up, fluctuations in hormone levels and environmental conditions – including air conditioning!

With so many pricey ranges that are specifically designed to prevent and protect sensitive skin on the market, it’s hard to pick the right one. We got BeautySouthAfrica readers who live with skin issues to include some of these products in their beauty routines for over a month and report back. Here are their top 13 picks for every budget.

Cleansers

Lipidol Cleansing Face Oil, R89,95

I was a bit nervous to use this as my skin is prone to breakouts and this product is an oil, which just seemed like tempting fate. I used it as instructed with dry hands on a dry face, just basically massaging all the grime away from the day. It didn’t clog my pores and the fact that it removes make-up effectively was a bonus. I have hormonal pigmentation on my face and I definitely noticed a difference in that after a month. The texture of my skin has improved and looks more nourished. ­– Zee Pillay

Almay Sensitive Care Cleansing Lotion, R195

I suffer from Telangiectasias and breakouts and since I started using the range the broken capillaries and blemishes on my face are less visible and there are no pimples in sight. It gently cleanses without drying skin out and a little goes a long way. My skin is squeaky clean and moisturised without a greasy after feel. – Arlene Beukes

Nuxe Melting Cleansing Gel with Rose Petals, R195

The fact that I didn’t have to grab my moisturiser straight away after using this product is a bonus and using it regularly has had a great effect on my skin not being so dry. It cleanses thoroughly, especially around the eye area. I just wish it came with a pump action bottle as opposed to in a tube. – Laylaa Edwards

RVB SKINLAB diego dalla palma Micellar Cleansing Milk, R435

My skin has undergone a major change due to hormonal changes, and sun damage has contributed to the problem. I have overcome the worst phase where my skin was very reactive but my skin is still fairly sensitive, and this product deeply cleansed my skin without causing any reactions. I am impressed by the unique technology used in the product which seems to create a visible barrier between skin and impurities. I like the milky texture which made my skin feel soft after cleansing but a little dry. So do use this in conjunction with an RVB SKINLAB diego dalla palma Moisturiser. – Zaheera Packery

Moisturisers, body lotion, serum and toner

NIVEA Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream, R69,99

My dad suffers from eczema and occasionally I will break out in small patches around my neck area and I also have dry skin. I liked the fact that the moisturiser contains an SPF 15. The texture is rich and creamy and the fragrance is pleasant. I used it together with the NIVEA Daily Essentials Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash, R59.99, and the NIVEA Daily Essentials Soothing Toner, R59,99 which left my skin feeling fresh and clean! My skin feels softer, more supple and appears smoother. ­– Danielle Cateley

Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Clarifying Toner, R139

My skin is very sensitive, so it’s hard to find a good brand I can trust. After trying other products to cleanse my skin after wearing make-up all day, I found the Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Clarifying Toner works really well. It’s fragrance and alcohol-free, and mild. My acne-prone skin is cleansed, toned and actually looks radiant. – Belinda Jones

Afriderm Day Cream Day Cream With SPF20, R159 and Afriderm Serum, R185

I need to use a product for sensitive skin because my skin is quick to react. I’ve suffered from acne from the age of 12. The combination of Afriderm Day Cream and Serum made my face look clear. I applied it twice a day with my other skin products for a month and I do not have breakouts the way I used to. I loved the fact that the products are made for African skin. – Neo Magaka

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+, R280

I have been an eczema sufferer my entire life. I have been on every cream, every pill, I have even gone for UV treatment. I started using this as an all over body cream and was blown away. It’s the best winter cream ever in my opinion. So thick and creamy and your skin really does not need more than one application a day. It creates a thick barrier which is essential for keeping flare ups under control. I would have preferred if it had been non-fragranced – it’s a natural fragrance though and contains no perfume. Other than that, I would recommend this product to all dry skin sufferers. – Bianca Helberg

The best of the rest

Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water, R149

I suffer from atopic dermatitis and my skin is exceedingly sensitive and prone to eczema. Trying to find a moisturiser that actually makes my skin feel soft and doesn’t cause more flare-ups has always been a struggle. I can’t use anything that’s too strong or containing perfume, so the Avène Thermal Spring Water has been like a magic potion. I spray it on my eczema and it soothes it, which means I scratch less and it has even reduced the symptoms significantly. My skin feels softer and I use it as an all-around moisturiser and spritzer after shaving and removing my make-up. – Tatum Whiting

Eau Thermale Avène Soothing Moisture Mask, R249,95

I stopped cleansing and using masks because they always caused terrible breakouts and left my skin feeling dry. I recently tried the Avène Soothing Moisture Mask and it’s so lovely and soothing. The creamy texture helps me treat my skin after being exposed to the sun and wearing make-up all day. My skin is softer and feels firmer. It also contains the Avène thermal spring water, which really makes my skin feel and look amazing. – Meecah Jacobs

Almay Sensitive Care Eye Gel, R239

This soothing gel gently hydrates and always helps reduce my skin’s redness around my eye area. It’s has a very light formula as it’s oil-free. It left my eyes refreshed and not irritated. I also like that it’s suitable for us contact lens wearers. –Tina Reddell

Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection SPF50+ Cream, R229,95

I think that sunscreen should be the most important player in your beauty routine in our harsh South African climate. This one is formulated for sensitive skin, which I need as I suffer from eczema. I like the lightweight, non-greasy texture. It’s fragrance-free and contains no parabens. – Neliswa Vuka