Fragrance Free Products a Must-have for Sensitive Skin
Products with fragrance irritate my skin and I've been dealing with it for 30 years now. It started in high school. It took awhile to figure out what was causing the redness and irritation. At first, I thought it was a patch of dry skin. Nope. It was an allergic reaction to fragrance. In my soaps, lotions and makeups.
Mostly, makeup, soap and lotions are the culprits, but a few years ago, toothpaste proved to cause a rash, too. Tartar control toothpastes and some whitening toothpastes especially, so recently, I've been sticking with Sensodyne since it doesn't cause irritation.
I've tried so many products and surprisingly, things you think would work just don't. Ivory soap burns my skin terribly, for example. Baby soap smells divine, but I can't use it. Even baby oil makes me break out. Makeup sales reps claim their products to be doctor-tested and therefore safe, but they don't understand that people are allergic or sensitive to many perfectly safe, doctor-tested products.
If you have skin allergies, read on for more information and products I've found to work.
Why Allergy Tests Probably Won't Help
Allergy or Sensitivity???
So, if you are having reactions to products you put on your skin, they will test you for these natural allergies, but most causes of skin irritations are "sensitivies" not allergies. That's how doctors distinguish between the two.
To me, the physical reaction is almost the same. A bout of poison ivy is a bit different than a breakout caused by using a scented product on my face, but it is quite similar, too. It is possible (and probably quite common) to have both allergies and sensitivities, by the way. The "sensitivities" are just harder to figure out.
Many things can cause skin rashes, with exzema and allergic reactions being two. Another is the common (catch-all) diagnosis of dermatitis. You can treat a lot of these with OTC or prescription creams, but if you can learn what is causing it, you can prevent a lot of them as well.
Fragrance-Free Sun Protection
It's getting easier to find!
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion, 30 SPF, 4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)
I apply this sunscreen before going swimming or out for a long time, then take along the cooling mist spray for easy reapplying.
Amazon Price: $15.58 (as of 08/21/2008)
Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion, SPF 30, 4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)
I love this product! It's my go-to daily moisturizer now. This affordable face protection can keep you looking younger if you use regularly. Great under makeup or alone.
Amazon Price: $16.21 (as of 08/21/2008)
Eucerin Everyday Protection Body Lotion, UVA + UVB SPF 15 Protection - 13.5 Oz
Moisturize and protect your skin from the sun with one product. Everyone needs this! Use daily all over.
Amazon Price: $9.15 (as of 08/21/2008)
Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer, SPF 15, .15-Ounce Stick (Pack of 8)
I have these lip balms everywhere. This and plain petroleum jelly are about all I can use without breaking out.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock
My new favorite sun protection!
Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock comes in a blue stainless 5.0 ounce aerosol can. It looks like a tiny can of hairspray and it feels quite cool to the touch. It has a small plastic top and is about two inches taller than a soda can. It would fit well into a beach tote, backpack or even a medium-sized fanny pack or waist pack.This sunblock comes in SPF 30 and 45. The front of the can tells you the SPF level and indicates that it contains "helioplex", which is Neutrogena-developed technology that combines a uva sunblock with a uvb sunblock and makes them more stable and effective. This technology makes the sunscreen last longer without reapplying.
And, there is an endorsement from the American Cancer Society which is the American Cancer Society logo with "Help Block out Skin Cancer" in blue letters. Skin cancer is a very real issue, and melanoma is deadly. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, and one that is relatively easy to prevent. You should learn the signs, visit your dermatologist to check for skin cancers, and be vigilant about using sunscreens such as this one.
It is very cool when you apply it. For this reason, I think it would be great to take along to the beach or pool or on a walk, hike or picnic. You can reapply as needed just by spraying it on. Plus, you get a nice cooling blast!
The can does spray at all angles, but mine is still fairly full. It goes on pretty evenly, and it is clear, but visible, so that you can double-check and either rubs it in or re-spray if you missed any spots. So, this is an easy sunscreen to use by yourself. I can get most every area of my body that is exposed covered with the spray.
And, you do not have to rub it in. I often spray my forearms and chest before walking and I just spray and go. It takes a couple of seconds, which is much faster than rubbing in a lotion or cream.
I do not use this on my face because I am allergic to so many things that I stick with my Clinique sunblock there, so I cannot address the "running into eyes" issue. It does seem to stay put on my arms, though.
When first spraying the sunblock, there is an aerosol smell and the mist is very fine and gets into the air, so be careful spraying it around children or people with lung conditions. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
There is no coconutty or beachy smell to this product, which I really like. Its smell is just barely noticeable and is a very light, clean smell.
One added benefit of using this is that I notice a slight sheen on my skin, sort of like you get with body oil, but not as shiny. It makes your legs look great!
And, the sunscreen works very well. Since I've been using it, the brown spots on my forearms seem to be fading, and I am pretty sure I've not added any sun damage this year.
Purchase from Amazon.com: Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45 5.0 oz
. Why "Unscented" is not always "Fragrance-free"
So, you can still have a reaction even though it says "unscented" right there on the label. Some people are sensitive to smells--i.e., they have breathing difficulties or other reactions to smells. That's why unscented products are popular. If there's no "fragrance-free" option, I will read the label and if it doesn't say "fragrance", I will try it. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes not.
You may be allergic to other ingredients in lotions, soaps or makeup. Most of these products will probably still work for you.
Clinique Cosmetics
I also love that if you buy something and don't like it or it doesn't work for you, you can return it. That's a good thing for foundation, especially. Just keep the packaging and the receipt.
Here are some of my must-haves.
Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer SPF 25 (Normal to Dry Skin)-- 50ml/1.7oz
In winter when you need a little extra moisture, or for those with very dry skin, this is rich and provides great protection from the elements.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes 01 New Black (Unboxed)
Love these quickliners. Easy to apply. Great for smudging to get the smokey eye look, but also just a good eyeliner.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
CLINIQUE by Clinique For women Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion - Very Dry to Dry Combination ( With Pump )--/4.2OZ (Skincare - women Day Care)
The everyday moisturizer. It's not too greasy, but it does protect.
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 08/21/2008)
Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Palette Quad Mascara Faded Denim Frosted Blossom Victorian Pink Travel Size
If you get rough, itchy skin around your eyes, it could be your eye makeup. These colors work for almost everyone.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 08/21/2008)
Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer1.0fl.oz./30ml
My favorite stuff. This is a miracle in a bottle. Your skin will feel so smooth, you'll be tempted to bathe in Turnaround Concentrate!
Amazon Price: $52.80 (as of 08/21/2008)
Rash and Irritation Treatments
Johnson & Johnson Anti-Itch Cortaid Cream (1/2 oz)
Basic cortisone cream. I use this for bug bites as well as allergic skin reactions.
Amazon Price: $5.03 (as of 08/21/2008)
Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream With Natural Colloidal Oatmeal, 1-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 6)
Aveeno makes great products, and this one is no exception.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Cortizone-10 Plus Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme Plus Moisturizers, 2-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 3)
This has more cortisone than other creams. Use it for really bad rashes.
Amazon Price: $21.81 (as of 08/21/2008)
Clinique CX Redness Relief Cream 15ml 0.5oz Unboxed
Clinique used to have a product that was great for allergic breakouts, but they discontinued it several years ago. I haven't tried this yet, but I'm hoping to soon.
Amazon Price: $19.00 (as of 08/21/2008)
Eczema? Try ditching the fragrance.
Start with using fragrance-free soap and lotion. Fragrance-free makeup is also helpful if you have facial eczema.
You might also need to use fragrance-free detergents and fabric softeners, which are becoming more available now.
Babies often get exzema, too. Try to find fragrance-free baby soaps and shampoos and lotions for a baby that has skin rashes. Some people have ezcema as a result of food allergies, too.
Cortisone creams are good for relieving mild exzema and there are other prescription medicines you can get from your doctor.
Fragrance Free Lotions
For the rest of your body.
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Norwegian Formula Body Emulsion Intensive Therapeutic Lotion, Packaging May Vary,10.5-Ounce Pumps (Pack of 2)
Very rich. One of my winter favorites.
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 08/21/2008)
Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion, 16-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)
Cetaphil is great stuff and I'm very happy they come in fragrance-free versions. Try their cleansing lotions, too.
Amazon Price: $20.26 (as of 08/21/2008)
Neutrogena Body Oil, Fragrance Free, 8.5-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)
In the winter, put this on before you dry off after showering. It seals in moisture. And, makes your legs look fantastic.
Amazon Price: $17.56 (as of 08/21/2008)
Lubriderm Skin Therapy Moisturizing Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin, Fragrance Free, 16-Ounce Pump (Pack of 2)
You may have seen lubriderm in hospitals or doctor's offices. Another product I'm happy to see in a fragrance-free version.
Amazon Price: $15.59 (as of 08/21/2008)
Fragrance-free Laundry Products
Seen on Oprah - 32oz. HE Compatible Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent Liquid, Hypoallergenic, Soap
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Dropps Dissolving Laundry Detergent Packets: Clear and Fragrance Free
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Seen on Oprah - Dryer Sheets Fabric Softener Fragrance Free, Recyclable, Biodegradable 80 ct.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Soaps and Bath Washes
Aveeno Fragrance Free Moisturizing Bar for Dry Skin, With Natural Colloidal Oatmeal, 3.5-Ounce Bars (Pack of 8)
I've been using Aveeno for years, too. This is very soothing and is great for kids with chicken pox or poison ivy or any skin irritation.
Amazon Price: $22.60 (as of 08/21/2008)
Kiss My Face Fragrance Free Pure Olive Oil Bar Soap, 8-Ounce Bars (Pack of 8)
Kiss My Face makes great soaps. You'll love this one.
Amazon Price: $19.06 (as of 08/21/2008)
Kiss My Face Fragrance Free Liquid Moisture Soap, 9-Ounce Pumps (Pack of 6)
I like liquid soaps next to the sinks, and these by Kiss My Face are fragrance-free and moisturizing.
Amazon Price: $19.10 (as of 08/21/2008)
Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap - 4 oz
Another stand-by is Basis. It's been around for years and is a great soap.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/21/2008)
Aveeno Fragrance Free Skin Relief Body Wash, 18-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)
Great for showering. You can even splurge and use it for bubble bath!
Amazon Price: $21.76 (as of 08/21/2008)
Fragrance-free Liquid Hand Soap
I once found fragrance-free liquid hand soap by Method at Target, and I loved it, but I can't find it anymore. What's up with that?
And, whenever I am on the other side of town, there is a health food store that sells Kiss My Face fragrance free hand soap.
Dove's fragrance-free (sensitive) bar soap is good, too, but I do love the convenience of the pumps. They are far less messy--soap melts! Which I don't mind in the bathtub soap dish, but on the vanity, it annoys me.
Fortunately, there are alternatives online, but what about folks who don't like to order online? Wake up, retailers!
Fragrance-Free Products on eBay
You can get some great deals on fragrance-free products on eBay sometimes. Be sure to buy from reputable sellers and make sure they are new products!
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Share your Favorite Fragrance-Free Products
Do you have a favorite fragrance-free product? Share it here--I'm always looking for great producs.
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raghuvarun123
I saw all you products which are displayed. very nice lens.. thanks for sharing this info.. Posted July 25, 2008 |
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Gemstones-guy
how can we select the suitable product for our skin? please tell me. Posted July 24, 2008 |
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Squiduser1
Good read, check out the lens I'm working on, buses for sale Posted July 14, 2008 |
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RamyaV
I hate makeup its the worse enemy for skin. Posted July 13, 2008 |
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Ramarojah
Does it mean no smell. Posted July 13, 2008 |
