Sensitive Skin Care

Gentle Skin Care Products

Many over-the-counter products contain preservatives and other chemicals which can cause a skin allergy or irritate the skin. Always use “fragrance-free” products.

Product Recommendations

For Soap:

*Dove Sensitive Bar

*Vanicream Bar

*CeraVe Hydrating Bar

*Aveeno Moisturizing Bar

For Moisturization:

*Plain Vaseline ointment

*Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

*CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

 For Laundry Detergent:

*ALL Free & Clear

*Tide Free & Gentle

Bathing/Grooming

  • Keep showers & baths brief (10 minutes or less). Use lukewarm, not hot, water.

  • If possible, use soap only in areas that need it such as the armpits, groin and feet.

  • Use hands to apply soap. Do NOT use washcloths, loofahs or scrubs.

  • Do NOT use bubble baths, colognes or perfumes.

  • Keep fingernails cut short and smooth. Resist the urge to scratch your skin - try using an ice pack for 10 minutes on your “ichy” area.                                      

Moisturizing

This is the most important part of your skin care to repair the skin’s damaged protective coating and to hydrate the skin.

Choosing a moisturizer

▪       Ointments (like Vaseline®) are the most moisturizing. Thick creams (thick, white, packaged in a jar) are a good alternative. Lotions (thinner, white, packaged in a pump) should be avoided.

▪       Use a cream during the day and an ointment before bedtime if you find ointment too greasy for daytime use.

Timing is important!

▪       Immediately after bathing, apply a thick layer of moisturizer while your skin is still damp to “lock in” the moisture.

▪       Always moisturize twice a day, even if you don’t bathe.

▪       If you are prescribed topical steroids, remember to apply “medicine first, moisturizer last”.

Clothing/Laundry

▪       Wear breathable fabric such as cotton. Avoid wool and spandex clothing.

▪       Do NOT use fabric softener and drier sheets.

▪       Double rinse clothes after washing, if possible.