Foundation/Concealer For VERY Sensitive Skin? Any Recommendations?

Updated on May 08, 2012
N.K. asks from Miami Beach, FL
6 answers

Hello ladies, I am hoping some of you may have the same issue as me and can help me. I have extremely sensitive skin. I have to constantly keep it moisturized because if not, it will crack. I live in sunny, humid Miami, yet even then, my skin will crack. It may be due to my hypothyroidism, but at this point, I'm unsure. I tried the Olay Age Defying Moisturizing Cream, and my face broke out in this red rash, like contact dermatitis (in case you have never seen contact dermatitis on someone's cheeks, it looks somewhat like rosacea). It almost looked like a sunburn but it was flat, no raised edges or oozing like rashes or blisters would, so I stopped using it. I have since been using Aloe or Vitamin D oil as these are natural and chemical-free, yet keep my skin supple. Problem solved when it comes to moisturizers.

Yesterday, I went to the beach with some friends and put on some Dior Forever waterproof foundation (yes, I am THAT insecure). Big mistake, even though I have used it about 3-4 times before in the past with no major issues. My husband asked me if I had gotten a sunburn as he could see some red blotches under the foundation and I told him that's impossible as the makeup has an SPF of 25 and we didn't get to the beach until 5 pm, when the sun was not that strong. We were mostly under some trees on a bench doing a barbeque so I was not exposed to sun much at all. I washed the makeup off immediately when we got home and I looked terrible. My skin was soft and smooth, but red as a tomato. It was awful. I applied some cortisone, which helped with the redness, but obviously, I cannot wear this makeup ever again, even though it was quite pricey and the bottle is almost full.

I wondered why in these two instances (the Olay moisturizer and this foundation), my skin went crazy, and then I noticed a common chemical: octinoxate. This is supposed to be a sunscreen to protect skin from sun damage and aging. Apparently, a lot of people are highly allergic to it, and it can even affect your reproductive system and hormones! I don't know why every single foundation out there must include a metal, whether it's zinc oxide, titanium dioxide...it's kind of scary to think we're putting metal on our skin and leaving it on for hours.

I wish I could do away with foundation, but ever since my mid-20s, I have gotten some blemishes and pimple scars that have never gone away, so it helps to even out my skin tone (so much for having better skin in your 20s-30s...). I am wondering if there are any ladies out there who like me are very sensitive to certain chemicals used in makeup and can recommend some less harsh foundations/concealers to try for sensitive skin. I doubt there are any out there that are 100% metal free, I'm probably asking for too much, but if I can find a TRULY hypoallergenic option (some foundations claim to be but they leave me all red as well), then I could deal with just taking it off daily after getting home, as long as it doesn't leave me looking like I got a chemical peel once the concealer comes off as that would just be masking a bigger issue.

Right now I am using the Maybelline 24 hours Superstay makeup as I exercise and sweat a lot throughout the day so I don't want to have tear marks from where the makeup was sweat away from my face, but I would prefer something with less chemicals in it. I'd like to also have a mild waterproof option for days on the beach or the pool, but if that's not possible because none exist, I'd like to at least have something mild for daily use. Thanks in advance for your help, I am looking forward to your suggestions!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

I've been using the Maybelline BB Cream and so far, no issues. It makes my skin look dewy and moist and the coverage is light, so it doesn't look like I have a ton on foundation on me. Joy!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from St. Cloud on

I'm very pale and have quite sensitive skin and will forever have some sort of acne issue. I really like the Cerave line for washes and moisturizers. My dermatologist recommended it. You can find it at Walmart. Cerave really helped balance out my skin and make it healthier in general. If your skin is super dry, then I'd recommend the cream over the lotion. It'll seem expensive but for how little you use, it'll last forever. I switched to using baby wash on my face about a year ago. It doesn't strip away everything so it causes less of a reaction. As far as makeup I can't really help you. I only do mascara now sometimes. When I did use makeup I kinda liked the powder foundation stuff by Maybelline but I remember getting a burning sensation sometimes too. Now, I'm au natural. If people don't like looking at the spots on my face then they can look away. :P

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Victoria on

every ones skin is different so it is a hit and miss kind of thing. proactive made my skin irritated. clinique products work well for me as well as neutrigina line of cleaners and moisturizers. I highly do not recomend wearing makeup while exercising its very bad for your skin.

I live in the Gulf Coast Reigion of Texas and its very humid here. When I step outside I am soaked with humid / sweat. Up north Tx its not as bad.

The make up base that covers my scars and does not melt off of my face are the powders! Bare minerals type bases, although I have yet too buy the name brand it still works great. The concealler portion of the make up i just use a small paint brush (make up brush ) and dip it in the powder base , for a concentrated cover up. My face is very oily though. Not sure if this will with your dry skin???

I take vitimans, calcium, mega red (or what ever its called the omega oil) fish oil, and try to use extra virgin olive oils on my veggies. it helps oil your body up and makes my skin nice!!!

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I am going to suggest you find a Lush Cosmetics Store - all natural, mostly vegan and vegitarian cleansers, moisturisers and they have MY FAVORITE foundatin - VERY MOIST it is a colour supplement and it works wonders. I have also found success with Aveeno Tinted moisturizer - but when you are done waisting money on stuff that is harmful to your skin find a Lush store. www.lushusa.com

1 mom found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

you might want to try a completely chemical free moisturizer like olive oil or coconut oil to give your skin a nice drench of softness without harshness. but they're too oily to run around in during the day unless you're home alone.
i understand the desire to have something to even out your skin tone, but i really recommend keeping your face free of anything whenever possible. rashes and breakouts look worse than the blemishes most of us have. maybe something like DHC for when you must wear something.
khairete
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Miami on

Hi. Mustela has an excellent SPF 50 for babies that I use. They sell it at specialty or fancy pharmacies. Look it up online. It is made for supersensitive skin and it is perfect for Miami weather. It protects with non chemical stuff.

another option is Clinique City Bloc SPF 25. It is also good for sensitive skin and has no fragrance. It is slitely tinted, so you can add a good powder and you are good to go.

Good Luck.
Jilly

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Tampa on

I love bare minerals. I use the bisque for extra coverage for redness and often use it as all over foundation. If you have not tried it I would recommend going into an ultra or bare minerals store for application info and give it a try. I have sensitive skin as well and this is the only makeup I have used in over 2 years. I can't imagine using foundation ever again

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions