How much cream should you use for sensitive skin?

How much and how often?

The amount depends on the area you are moisturizing and the severity of the dryness. Slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night, while very dry skin can need a richer product every couple of hours. For ordinary dry skin, applying moisturizer two to three times a day, or as often as needed, is a practical starting point. Reapply after washing rather than waiting for the next scheduled application.123

Which texture should you choose?

Choose the texture for the area, not just the word "sensitive" on the packaging. An ointment can suit very dry body skin, but heavy, moisture sealing products can aggravate acne or inflamed hair follicles. For a face that also develops breakouts, look for the term "noncomedogenic," meaning formulated not to block pores. Do not use ointments on weeping eczema.124

What should a sensitive skin cream contain?

Look for a fragrance free formula intended for sensitive skin. Ceramides help retain moisture and support the skin's protective barrier. Glycerin attracts and holds water, while hyaluronic acid absorbs moisture. These are useful moisturizing ingredients, not a checklist that every cream must complete. A product labeled "hypoallergenic" can still cause an allergic reaction.1456

Fragrances and perfumes can irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. Salicylic acid can also irritate sensitive skin. Urea and acidic formulas can sting scratched or cracked areas, so those ingredients deserve extra care when the skin surface is damaged. Preservatives can cause contact allergy in people already sensitive to them; that is different from needing to avoid every preserved cream.145

Effective products come in all price ranges, so the receipt is not a measure of how well your cream works. Choose a product within your budget and formulated for your skin type rather than assuming a more expensive cream will produce better results.6

How to apply cream to sensitive skin

1. 1Test a new facial cream on your inner arm for a few days before using it on your face.
2. 2Wash gently with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing, and keep baths or showers to five to ten minutes.
3. 3Pat your skin dry, leaving it damp rather than rubbing it completely dry.
4. 4Apply moisturizer promptly after washing. Smooth it gently in the direction your hair grows rather than rubbing vigorously.
5. 5If the cream comes in a tub, remove it with a clean spoon or spatula to reduce contamination.

If ordinary soap leaves your skin dry or itchy, a moisturizing soap substitute is another option. Moisturizing soap substitutes do not foam like ordinary soap but still clean skin, so a foam audition is unnecessary. If stinging from an emollient wash does not settle after rinsing, ask a pharmacist for a different product.2

What changes in the morning and at night?

Day creams are generally lighter, while night creams are usually thicker and intended to moisturize and soothe. For daytime protection, choose sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher. A moisturizer containing sunscreen is an option if it meets those requirements. When spending time outdoors, choose water resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours.56

A night cream containing retinol needs more caution than a plain moisturizer because retinol can irritate sensitive skin. Start with a very small amount three times a week and increase only as tolerated. Adding several products for signs of aging within a few days or weeks can also irritate skin. Introduce changes cautiously rather than treating every new concern as a reason to add another cream.46

Can you use cream with a prescription treatment?

Leave 20 to 30 minutes between an emollient and a steroid cream or another skin treatment. Ask the prescribing clinician which to apply first. Separating them avoids diluting the treatment or spreading it onto areas that do not need it.2

What if sensitive skin affects your hands?

If you have dyshidrotic eczema on your hands, use a fragrance free cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Apply it after washing and whenever your skin feels dry. Remove rings before washing, moisturizing and sleeping, because trapped moisture and rings can irritate affected skin. Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance free cleanser. Protect your hands during wet work with cotton gloves under waterproof gloves. A dermatologist can recommend a barrier repair cream containing dimethicone.7

What results should you expect?

Moisturizers reduce dryness and support the skin barrier. Their moisturizing benefits are greatest in the first six hours after application, which helps explain the need for regular use. For visible changes in fine lines, give sunscreen and moisturizer a few weeks before judging the result. A moisturizer can soften the look of fine lines, but it cannot deliver a facelift, even if the jar looks like it has its own publicist.16

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using a moisturizer if it causes contact dermatitis, an irritated or allergic skin rash. Persistent burning or stinging, inflamed hair follicles or worsening facial breakouts warrant advice from a pharmacist or clinician. Contact a doctor if dryness and itching disrupt sleep, scratching causes open sores, you itch without a visible rash, or home care does not help. If a particular ingredient is suspected, a dermatologist can investigate contact allergy with patch testing.123

Keep all emollients away from flames and cigarettes. Clothing, dressings and bedding carrying emollient residue can catch fire easily, including with products containing no paraffin. Washing does not completely remove the residue. Moisturizing products can also make bath surfaces slippery.12