TIPS

• Test products on a small part of your face for at least five nights. If you don't notice any irritation, then you can try applying it over your entire face.
• Talk to a dermatologist. They can help you determine what your problems are and give you advice on how to treat reactions, and which products to use – or avoid.
• Don't try several new products at once. Test one at a time, that way if you develop a reaction, you'll know what caused it.
• If you have combination skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer and apply it only on the parts of your face that need it. If you have oily skin, you don't need a moisturizer, but you should apply sunscreen after washing your face.
• Try to choose products with short ingredient lists. The longer the list, the greater the risk of it containing ingredients that can cause irritation.
• Just because a product indicates it's made for sensitive skin, doesn't mean it won't cause a reaction. Read labels and check ingredients before you buy. If you really want to do some serious research, check your local library for a copy of the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (published by The Cosmetic, Fragrance and Toiletry Association) or take a look at the information provided by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (www.cir-safety.org/findings.shtml).
• Keep in mind that skin sensitivities vary from person to person. Try to avoid common irritants, but if you find a product that works well for you, by all means keep using it – even if it has an ingredient or two that might cause a reaction in someone else.
• If you have sensitive skin, physical blockers such as those made with titanium dioxide are the best type of sunscreen to choose, as they tend to provoke fewer reactions than chemical blockers.