THIS CONTENT WAS PRODUCED FOR ULTA BY the Foundry @ MEREDITH CORP. RealSimple EDITORIAL STAFF WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION OR PRODUCTION.
My Sensitive Skin
As someone who suffers from eczema and dermatitis, Real Simple Associate Digital Editor Hana Hong knows firsthand the frustrations of finding gentle skincare products that work for sensitive skin. "I had really severe head-to-toe eczema as a baby," says Hana. "Because I was so sensitive, I grew up afraid of skincare. My safest bet was sticking to gentle, fragrance-free brands like CeraVe that my dermatologist recommended," she says. "It wasn't until I grew older that I started experimenting with more products."
Hana's contact dermatitis occurs when she is exposed to allergens, including dairy, eggs, and nuts. Breakouts of dermatitis coupled with chronic eczema, which is aggravated by a variety of factors like stress and cold air, affected her confidence growing up. "My eczema was at its worst around middle and high school, and it also happened to be on my face," she says. "I was so self-conscious about how it looked that I went through a period where I couldn't look people in the eyes during conversations. Eventually, I got a handle on my breakouts and learned to be comfortable in my own skin."
Understanding her skin and how it reacts to certain ingredients was crucial in helping her get to that point. "I stay away from lactic acid since I'm allergic to dairy," says Hana. "I also try to refrain from excessive peels, such as AHAS, BHAS, and retinol since they tend to be irritating. Hydrating, soothing products are key."
Some of Hana's go-to ingredients include aloe, cica, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. One of her favorite ways to refresh her skin throughout the day is by spritzing it with the Mario Badescu Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater facial spray because it's alcohol-free and the aloe helps soothe eczema flare-ups. "It's the perfect pick-me-up when that 4 p.m. work slump hits; just one spritz makes my tight, dry pores feel instantly hydrated," says Hana. "It also layers well over makeup, leaving a soft, dewy finish to refresh any morning foundation I have on."
This pH is necessary for proper skin cell turnover and barrier function. People like me with conditions like rosacea or eczema are more likely to experience disruptions in pH."
Hana also likes fermented, probiotic, and pH-balanced products. Too often, she says, people overlook their skin's pH level. "The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH," says Hana. "This pH is necessary for proper skin cell turnover and barrier function. People like me with conditions like rosacea or eczema are more likely to experience disruptions in pH." Hana's go-to, pH-balanced cleanser that she's used for years is the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. "It's great at removing all my makeup and leaves my skin clean without feeling stripped. The pH-balanced formula is also good for eczema and infused with soy proteins and cucumber extract that makes my skin texture silky-smooth."
At night, Hana likes to round out her skincare routine with Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex Synchronized Recovery, a hydrating eye cream with strong results. "I noticed my under-eyes were brighter right away," she says. "It also made my bags and dark circles, which can be attributed to late-night TV binging, less noticeable."
These products, coupled with a deeper understanding of her skin, have made all the difference. "I've learned how important it is to listen to your skin," Hana says. "If irritation happens, it means that you need to let your skin breathe," she says. "These products keep my skin balanced, feeling refreshed, and looking alive—all key elements in maintaining that coveted, healthy glow that I strive for daily."
Shop Hana's Selections
Visit Ulta Beauty to shop these must-have skincare products and more.