How Can I Treat Acne with Sensitive Skin?

If you have acne with sensitive skin, getting rid of the acne while not irritating your skin can be tricky. Many acne treatments can be harsh and drying to the skin, which can exacerbate redness, tenderness, and other common skin reactions. You can safely and effectively treat acne with sensitive skin by choosing products designed for use with sensitive skin and consulting with a dermatologist. It is also important to not overstimulate or dry your skin with the use of harsh exfoliants or toners.

Many companies that produce acne treatment products also have a sensitive skin line. These products may be characterized by an absence of dyes and fragrances and may contain a lower concentration of acne medication. If your skin is very sensitive, it may still be a good idea to apply a small amount of the product to a patch of skin in order to determine whether it will trigger a rash or reaction. Before buying a product, find out if you can get a free sample or trial size so that you don't have to spend money on a product you may not be able to use.

When you have acne with sensitive skin, resist the urge to use a multitude of treatment products. For one thing, multiple products means multiple ingredients, and you increase your chances of triggering a reaction by using a kitchen sink full of chemicals on your face. Secondly, if you are using multiple acne or oily skin products, you run the risk of drying out your skin, and dry, flaky skin can make your skin look even worse. Try to develop a regimen that includes a mild cleanser and oil-free moisturizer if you need one, as well as whatever acne treatment product you are currently using. Products to avoid when you have acne with sensitive skin include exfoliating cleansers, scrubs, and abrasive washcloths. These can disturb blemishes and potentially result in scarring, and they can also further irritate your skin.

It may be that you will be unable to effectively treat your acne using over-the-counter preparations. A dermatologist may be able to assist you in selecting treatments that do not irritate your skin but do reduce or eliminate your acne. If you cannot afford a dermatologist, your own personal physician may also be able to prescribe treatments that are less likely to negatively affect your sensitive skin.