Tips for Managing Sensitive Skin from Head to Toe

Wear a non-irritating lip balm – Dry, chapped lips are no fun. Wear lip balm to protect lips from losing moisture so they stay hydrated and happy.²

Use non-waterproof makeup – It’s okay to wear makeup even with sensitive skin! Just make sure it’s non-waterproof since waterproof makeup is more difficult to clean and tends to clog pores which can irritate skin.³

Give your hands a hand – Hands are often the first places we notice dry skin. Between washing them often and exposing them to dry air, especially in winter, they can easily become dried out, cracked, and irritated. Wear gloves in the winter and use a lotion or moisturizing cream after washing your hands to keep them protected and hydrated.²

Pay special attention to the problem areas – Moisturize the areas of the body that become especially dried out like hands, feet, face, elbows, around the mouth, and on your legs.⁴

Test out new products – Choose a section of skin to apply a small amount of the product and see if a reaction occurs within 72 hours.³

Skip the fragrance – Whether it’s perfume, soap, or laundry detergent, fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. Look for products labeled fragrance-free.

Choose a sensitive-skin laundry detergent – Your clothes, bedding, and towels are in contact with your skin all day, which means laundry detergent can have a big impact on skin!

Choose a sensitive-skin laundry detergent that is fragrance-free and made with hypoallergenic ingredients. all® free clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for sensitive skin and was the first laundry detergent awarded the seal of acceptance by the National Eczema Association. 

Learn more at about choosing the right laundry detergent for your sensitive skin at Selecting a sensitive skin laundry detergent.

Consider using ointment or cream instead of lotion – these thicker, more moisturizing options often contain skin-soothing ingredients like petrolatum and shea butter.²

Keep it short and warm – Try to keep showers or baths between 5-10 minutes and use warm, not hot water since long hot showers can have a drying effect on skin.²

Save the soap for the parts of your body that need it the most - The rest of skin will get clean with water only. Use gentle soaps without dye, fragrance, deodorant, or antibacterial ingredients. And use just enough soap to get you clean – you don’t need a thick lather.

Don’t scrub or rub – avoid products that have grit and promise to buff away dead skin. You don’t need to exfoliate to clean skin. And when using a towel, be sure to pat dry, not rub to avoid irritating skin.³

Shave at the end of your shower or bath – Warm water opens up pores and softens hair follicles for a gentler shave.

Close the bathroom door – This increases the humidity in the bathroom while you shower, which helps lock in moisture.²

Apply moisturizer within 5 minutes of showering, bathing, or washing hands – Or whenever your skin feels dry. This traps and seals in moisture on your skin.⁵

Bust out the rubber gloves – Wear rubber gloves when using household cleaners so the harsh chemicals don’t touch your skin.³

Wear gloves and a scarf when it’s cold outside – And not just because your mom told you to! Cold, dry air can cause skin to dry out and crack. Protect yourself with gloves, scarves, winter coats, and other warm, insulating items of clothing.⁶

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes – There’s nothing worse than tight-fitting clothes on sensitive skin. Feel more comfortable in looser clothes while avoiding rubbing against skin and irritating it further.⁷

Choose soft, natural options like cotton or silk – Avoid wool which is rough and can cause allergic reactions in some people³ and fabrics like polyester, acrylics, and nylon which don’t allow skin to breathe⁷.

Say no to nickel – It is one of the most common metal allergens and can show up in jewelry as well as clothing fasteners and eyeglasses. Go for hypoallergenic options instead.³

Get cozy without the heat – When it’s wintertime and you’re looking for ways to warm up, avoid sitting in front of heaters, fireplaces, and other heating elements that dry out skin.

Use a humidifier – Dry skin needs moisture. One way to get moisture to skin is by using a humidifier which boosts the humidity levels in your home.²

When it’s hot, stay indoors or in air-conditioned spaces – Summer heat and humidity can irritate skin and cause certain skin diseases to flare.⁸

Use sunscreen with an SPF 30+ and avoid being in the sun when the UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm. That goes for summer AND winter!⁹

Stay hydrated in summer – Sweating can cause dehydration which can contribute to eczema flares.¹⁰