January 1st, 2024
Rosacea, dermatitis, acne, allergies….having issues with your skin? Don’t worry, I feel you. I spent my entire adult life in and out of Dermatologist appointments fighting hormonal cystic acne, dealing with sensitivities to fragrance and ingredients that were not ideal for my very reactive skin.
Whether you have acne, sensitivities, rosacea or allergies…the struggle is the same. Finding products that can work and give you what you need to keep your skin happy is a serious problem and back then and I was feeling that pain point in a serious way.
Living in the Toronto, Canada area my entire adult life, I am faced with multiple seasons and weather that goes from one extreme to the other in a nanosecond.
When it was dry and cold, I lacked the ability to hydrate my skin properly as so many products contain oils and fragrances that my skin would just not allow. The other issue with oil is that I found that if they were not used quickly enough, they could take on a rancid smell as they went off.
In the warmer months I had trouble controlling my oily skin. I could not wear primers, oil control lotions or “mattifiers” to help hold the makeup on because my skin would break out from the congestion of the pores these products would cause. If only I could not wear anything right?? That did not work either, because I looked like a skating rink within the hour of leaving the house. Can anyone relate here?? I also had so many scars on my face around my chin area, especially because of the acne I dealt with that I did not feel comfortable without wearing any makeup at all. It was a real struggle for me daily without reprieve.
I struggled with hydrating my very oily prone skin with anything on the shelves. I tried so very many products over those years but so few products I ever tried were effective in any way. For the most part, I could not use anything other than prescribed products from the Dermatologist for the better part of my adult life and even they were not what my skin really needed.
Even oily skin needs hydration, exfoliation and cell turnover to look its best and there was just nothing my skin was happy with.
Working in the beauty industry as a salon owner, clients looked up to me for trendsetting and I certainly felt the pressure of having to look good all the time. This certainly did not help the stress I felt but perhaps pushed me to come up with the solution.
So eventually I took matters into my own hands and learned to find new ways to take care of my skin. I create products that are completely oil free with formulations that contain active skin care ingredients like Matrixyl 3000™, Niacinamide and Dermaxyl™ that have powerful healing abilities to bring your skin health to life.
This oil free brand I have created is the holy grail of products for me and so many others who have faced serious skin issues from young to old, acne to rosacea and everything in between. I am 49 years old and so elated to share that my skin has never looked better. My scars are gone, my oil is controlled through quality ingredients that don’t congest my pores, my skin is hydrated and nourished with the formulation balance of science and nature that our brand embraced and I am proud to say that this is a problem that I used to have… but not anymore!
In the meantime..
I urge you to start reading the ingredients in your skin care and body products. Skin care formulations can vary widely, and what causes irritation can depend on an individual’s skin type and sensitivities. However, some common ingredients that may cause irritation for some people include:
- Fragrances: Synthetic or even some natural fragrances can be irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin. Fragrance-free products are often recommended for individuals prone to irritation.
- Alcohol: Some formulations use alcohol as a solvent or astringent. While not all alcohols are harmful, certain types, like denatured alcohol, can be drying and irritating.
- Harsh Cleansing Agents: Strong detergents or surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
- Preservatives: Some preservatives, like parabens, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Many skin care products now use alternative preservatives to minimize this risk.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): While these exfoliating ingredients can be beneficial for many, they may cause irritation, redness, or peeling, especially for those with sensitive skin or if used in high concentrations.
- Retinoids: Retinoids, including retinol and prescription retinoids like tretinoin, can cause dryness, redness, and peeling, particularly when first introduced to a skincare routine.
- Essential Oils: While some people tolerate essential oils well, they can be irritating for others, especially when used in high concentrations. Citrus oils, peppermint oil, and lavender oil are examples that may cause sensitivity.
- Sulfates: Sulfates are common in cleansers and can be harsh on the skin, causing dryness and irritation. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are common sulfates found in skincare products.
- Artificial Colors: Some synthetic dyes and colorants may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Products with minimal or no added color are often recommended for sensitive skin.
- Silicones: While generally well-tolerated, some people may find certain silicones to be occlusive and potentially pore-clogging, leading to breakouts or irritation.
It’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different, and what causes irritation in one person may not affect another. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, patch testing new products and consulting with a dermatologist can help identify potential irritants and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
If you are someone that has related to my story in any way with skin issues that have not been resolved, feel free to reach out and I will do everything I can to help. Perhaps converting your skin care routine to an oil free skin regime will help you too.
~Sandra Milligan