Care for All Skin Types - Dry, Sensitive, Allergic

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Do you have a question about skincare? Check out the list of questions below that dermatologists are frequently asked.

Skin Types
Skin Conditions
Cosmetic Treatments and Procedures
Sun Protection
Lifestyle
PURPOSE® sensitive skin care products

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Skin Types

How do I know if my skin is sensitive?

Dermatologists define "sensitive" as skin that reacts by burning, stinging, itching, or feeling tight when certain substances are applied to it, or when it is exposed to certain elements in the environment. The way the skin reacts often depends on the condition of the skin. Normally, our skin works as an excellent barrier to almost anything it comes in contact with, however, if the skin becomes overly dry or irritated, it cannot function properly, which leads to skin reactions and inflammation. Caring for dry, sensitive skin can be a challenge. A visit to the dermatologist is the best way to determine if your skin type is sensitive to the products you use or if you have a true allergy or other skin condition. Want to find a dermatologist near you? Click here.

How do I care for dry and sensitive skin?

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should test products prior to using them over your entire face. Here are a few tips in choosing products to care for dry, sensitive skin:

Check the ingredient lists. The fewer ingredients, the less chance for a reaction.
Avoid botanical or antibacterial ingredients. Rosemary, sandalwood, arnica, and chamomile can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Avoid solvents that penetrate the skin, including propylene glycol and ethanol. Instead, look for ingredients such as polyethylene glycol that will not penetrate the skin.

Sensitive skin also reacts to extreme weather conditions. In fact, anything in the environment that damages the skin's natural protective barrier can irritate dry sensitive skin.

PURPOSE^® sensitive skin care products from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company are ideal for even dry sensitive skin. Developed with dermatologists, PURPOSE^® sensitive skin care products were formulated to be especially gentle to keep even sensitive skin healthy and beautiful. PURPOSE^® sensitive skin care products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and dye-free and are ideal for every day use.

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My skin type tends to change with the seasons. What can I do to stay one-step ahead of it?

It's perfectly normal to have skin that reacts differently at different times of the year. It's more common to experience dry sensitive skin during the winter months, when humidity is low, but some people have a genetic or hereditary tendency to develop dry sensitive skin all year round. In the summer months, sweating tends to rob our bodies and our skin of moisture and exacerbates skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Dry skin is also part of the natural aging process. With age, we lose underlying support from fat padding and connective tissues. This makes the skin less elastic and drier as a result.

Dry skin can be minimized by:

Using gentle cleansers
Taking lukewarm (not hot) baths or showers
Limiting baths/showers to 5 to 10 minutes
Applying a moisturizer right after drying off from a shower or bath (you may need to use a heavier cream or lotion during the winter months)
Using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air

Regardless of what time of year it is, make sure your body is well hydrated by drinking lots of water. Your skin is a reflection of your overall health. Keep your body healthy and your skin will be healthy too! Click here for our Seasonal Skincare Tips.

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I find I have reactions to many over-the-counter moisturizers with fragrances. Is PURPOSE^® Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 fragrance-free?

Yes, PURPOSE^® Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 is fragrance-free. Some people experience a condition known as allergic contact dermatitis. Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can lead to skin reactions.

Here are some tips to consider when choosing skin care products:

Read the list of ingredients. Ingredients are listed in decreasing order of amount; the lower on the list, the less of that particular ingredient the product contains. If you find an ingredient that has caused a reaction in the past, don't use that product.
When considering a new product, test it on your inner wrist or elbow and wait 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs.
Keep it simple. Choose products with simple formulas. More ingredients mean more potential allergens. Keep in mind that products labeled "unscented" may still contain fragrances needed to cover the odor of other chemical ingredients.
Look for products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and non-comedogenic.

Dry, oily, normal, or combination skin? Your skin is as individual as you are. But it isn't just what you're born with. Your lifestyle and your environment affect the condition of your skin and how you need to care for it every day.

Finding out more about your skin will help you make choices that keep it healthy and beautiful. So what's your skin type? Take our Skin Profiler Quiz to find out more.

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