Are You Sensitive From Acid Overuse? Here’s What Can Help!
Overusing acids can make your skin red, sensitive, and it’ll even jeopardize the barrier of your skin by stripping the good cells from it that help new ones grow. We’ve become a skincare society that encourages the use of acids at ever turn. I’m constantly reading about new AHAs and BHAs daily. And there’s always someone around every corner recommending using one daily or even twice daily. I can be very old school when it comes to exfoliating my skin and I tend to rely oh a physical method to do so which isn’t the best solution either (it can be very drying). As I’ve gotten older I’ve moved more towards acids but I do use them with as much precaution as possible. In my opinion, acids are something that garner some curiosity for an inexperienced user and some users tend to jump before they look. I always recommend educating yourself before using one. Take time out, Google, read, learn what your skin needs, and always be safe when applying something new. And of course, don’t forget your sunscreen which is essential when using an acid.
If you’ve been in a situation where you’ve compromised the barrier of your skin and you’ve become or are sensitive after using an acid here’s what can help.
Vaseline! It’s cheap, it’s available in the economy size, it seals in moisture and it’ll ease your sensitive skin. All you have to do is apply your normal routine at night including facial oil and seal it all off with some vaseline.
Have I grossed you out yet? I totally understand. For those who aren’t thrilled with the idea of slathering on Vaseline I highly recommend Skinceuticals Hydra Balm ($23). Hydra Balm is still a pure form of petrolatum but this balm is also formulated with rose hip oil which is very rich in fatty acids as well as superstar ingredient, Squalane. It feels like Squalane has become the next HA! It makes an appearance in everything nowadays! It’s an excellent source of moisture and incredibly hydrating. There’s also aloe in this formula which will sooth skin and rise bran oil. Rice bran oil can actually help even out skin tone and texture while providing moisturizing benefits. So, this isn’t your everyday petrolatum jelly here. The texture is just like Vaseline but has a lighter consistency that’s balmy. I actually feel like it’s less heavy than Vaseline and more moisturizing!
Full disclosure. It’s greasy. It’s not heavy but it can look and feel very slick. I’m actually not bothered by that as I use it in the evening prior to bed and typically it absorbs as I watch TV or go about the rest of my nightly routine before heading to sleep.
It’s ideal for dry, sensitive skin and great at providing healing moisture if your skin is sensitive or irritated from acid use. It’ll also heal skin and lock in moisture. It’s perfectly safe to add to a routine that is using an acid! Of course, it needs to be used as the last step in any skincare routine and after your acid or retinol has fully absorbed.
If you’re an acid user I totally stand by picking up a tube of Skinceuticals Hydra Balm.