Many women and men with sensitive skin are drawn to hypoallergenic skin care, assuming that all hypoallergenic products are appropriate for every skin type. Hypoallergenic, however, means low in allergens, not free of all possible irritants. The upside is that hypoallergenic cosmetics are formulated with easily disturbed skin in mind. They are more likely to be gentle and to contain additional ingredients to address damaged or at-risk skin. But there are no guarantees.
Significance
Your skin may respond adversely to allergens, sun exposure and the textures of substances that it contacts. A dry skin condition, such as eczema, may also make skin more sensitive to products. Hypoallergenic cleansers, moisturizers, toners, scrubs, treatments and makeup are intended to cause the least reaction on sensitive skin. They do so effectively by limiting or omitting fragrance, color and preservatives, especially formaldehyde.
Misconceptions
Hypoallergenic ingredients are not subject to standards; there are no strictly defined medical, legal or even industry-wide conditions to meet before a company can call its products hypoallergenic. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve or regulate skin care and cosmeceutical items before they hit the shelves. You are on your own in evaluating the suitability of hypoallergenic products for your skin type.
Features
Cosmetic products do have to list their ingredients on the labels. Common hypoallergenic ingredients include: humectants to add moisture to dry skin; emollients to smooth flakiness; protectants to form a barrier; and various botanicals and essential oils to address inflamed skin. Because you may use half a dozen skin care applications once or twice a day, choosing hypoallergenic ingredients may cause less skin damage over time.
Function
Hypoallergenic products aid in skin care as both preventatives and treatments for skin inflammation. The American Academy of Dermatology cites a study that found pre-treatment with a gentle formula moisturizer prevented allergic reactions in eczema patients. Soothing ingredients found in hypoallergenic products relieve burning, stinging and other symptoms of sensitive skin irritation. Glycerin, allantoin and lanolin function as soothing lubricants. Botanical ingredients, such as chamomile and green tea, serve to calm inflammation.
Warning
Because your skin may react to some ingredients labeled hypoallergenic, you need a clear sense of your skin's type and tendencies when choosing a cleanser, moisturizer or makeup. Avoid "trigger" ingredients such as alcohol and fragrance. If you're sensitive to abrasion, be careful in selecting a hypoallergenic exfoliating scrub. While it may be low in allergen content, the ingredient used for texture may be too harsh for your sensitive skin.
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