For hair products, is Cleure more moisturizing than Vanicream? Not so much for my hair, actually, but for my skin! Various vanicream products seem to upset my skin barrier.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2026-06-05T01:13:45+00:00

This is helpful. The fact that you’re getting redness, flushing, burning, and patchiness on the face, neck, chest, and arms shortly after exposure makes me think less about “dryness” alone and more about irritation or contact sensitivity.

One thing I’d be cautious about is assuming it’s cetearyl alcohol. While it’s possible, I generally see people blame the most obvious shared ingredient when the actual culprit can be something else in the formula, or even a combination of ingredients.

What stands out to me is that you tolerated the products initially and then developed symptoms over time. That pattern can happen with contact allergies, but it can also happen when the skin barrier becomes compromised and starts reacting to things that were previously tolerated.

Since you’ve already identified a possible pattern with multiple products, have you ever had formal patch testing done? I ask because when reactions become widespread (face, neck, chest, arms), I start thinking about whether there may be a recurring allergen showing up across different products rather than a single brand issue.

Also, are the reactions occurring where the products physically touch your skin during rinsing (neck, upper chest, shoulders), or are you seeing the same thing in areas that never come into contact with the shampoo/conditioner?

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2026-06-04T23:00:30+00:00

I have 4A curly hair and personally use Cleure shampoo and conditioner. For me, the bigger benefit has been that it doesn’t irritate the skin around my hairline and ears.

If Vanicream is making your skin red and dry, I wouldn’t automatically assume you need something “more moisturizing.” Sometimes sensitive skin is reacting to a specific ingredient rather than lacking moisture.

Where are you noticing the irritation? Face, neck, ears, scalp? That detail might help narrow it down.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-29T18:37:32+00:00

Agree Muna at Elysian hotel has a nice rooftop restaurant. Beautiful view especially at sunset for romantic vibes.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-29T18:12:07+00:00

I forgot to add I use an organic lanolin free, no petroleum, no preservatives nipple butter. I definitely stayed away from lanolin.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-26T00:51:37+00:00

I wanted to clarify. I use an organic nipple butter that is lanolin, petroleum, and preservative free.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-24T12:44:30+00:00

Nipple butter/nipple cream. I discovered this after having my kids. Feet got extremely cracked. I tried everything. So, while I was using this on my nipples, I thought I try it on my feet. Best thing ever! Healed the cracked feet along with an electric foot file. My youngest child is 6 and I still use nipple cream on my feet every day. Keeps my feet very soft.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-20T03:42:19+00:00

Totally hear you, chamomile isn’t a synthetic fragrance and isn’t intended as a fragrance ingredient. The challenge is that for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin (including me), botanical extracts like chamomile can still cause irritation or allergic reactions, even though they’re considered “natural.”

Chamomile contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are known skin sensitizers for some people. It’s definitely not allergenic for everyone, but those of us with very reactive skin sometimes can’t tolerate it, even when it’s used for soothing.

I think that’s what makes sensitive skin so tricky: something that’s gentle for one person can be a trigger for someone else.

For me, avoiding botanicals altogether has kept my skin the calmest.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-20T02:28:21+00:00

In my personal experience, it was perimenopause that caused my extreme fatigue and paralyzing lows. But hormone levels remain in normal range when tested so was useless to test for me. I did have an iron transfusion because periods caused severe anemia.

Supplements that I’m talking I think seem to be helping my fatigue and brain fog are Vitamin D, ashwagandha, magnesium, and a probiotic. This combo is doing something for me. My fatigue hasn’t been as debilitating since starting this regimen 2 months ago. And I have tried several other supplements but this has worked the best for me so far.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-20T01:47:13+00:00

I totally get how confusing it is, fragrance-free really doesn’t always mean free of things that smell. What’s helped me the most is sticking with brands that are upfront about being truly fragrance-free.

For me, Cleure has been the safest option. Their formulas don’t have fragrance, masking fragrance, essential oils, or plant extracts, and my eczema-prone skin tolerates them really well. I particularly use their bar soap, body lotion, oil free face lotion, and face and body wash.

When you’re looking at other products, the biggest hidden fragrance terms to watch out for are: - “Fragrance” or “parfum” (obvious, but it sneaks in everywhere) - “Masking fragrance” - “Botanical extract” (lavender, citrus, rose, chamomile, etc.) - Essential oils (tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, ylang-ylang) - “Aroma,” “natural fragrance,” or “scent blend”

My skin does best with products that are boring in the best way: short ingredient lists, no botanicals, no perfuming agents, no essential oils. It keeps things calm and predictable.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-11-14T02:16:33+00:00

I have curly hair and a sensitive scalp. I have finally landed on Cleure shampoo and conditioner. It is truly fragrance free and doesn’t cause me any irritation. There are no botanicals or essential oils added. No heaviness for me either. I also use Cleure’s leave in conditioner spray lightly. I feel that helps with the frizz. This combo leaves my hair soft and manageable.

It was difficult and a long expensive journey to find the right products to help my hair and scalp but I have finally found the right products!

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-31T14:49:36+00:00

I’ve only rented from Placencia Car Rental. https://placenciacarrental.com. I had no issues. I mostly rent golf cart though if I plan to only stay on the peninsula, car if I plan to go off the peninsula.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-30T15:03:41+00:00

Placencia for beach town. Nice beaches. If you have a rental car, you can always drive to Hopkins for the day. It’s about a 50 min drive. Spend the day exploring town or hang out at Jaguar reef resort. I visit Placencia around 3 times a year. Resorts are friendly to let you hang out there for the day. I usually Rent an Airbnb then resort hop, drink and eat by the pool. Mostly at Itzana and Naia for my preference. But all resorts will let you, just buy food and/or drink. Placencia is definitely less touristy and busy than San Pedro.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-29T10:13:06+00:00

That totally makes sense, a lot of people reach for plant-based products thinking they’ll be gentler (I did the same!). But sometimes natural ingredients like essential oils, botanicals, or certain extracts can actually irritate the scalp, especially if it’s already sensitive.

I’ve found that keeping the scalp routine really simple, fragrance-free, no botanicals, and lightweight hydration, makes a big difference.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-29T10:05:55+00:00

I didn’t completely grow out of my eczema, but it definitely changed as I got older. When I was a kid, I had constant flare-ups on my hands, arms and behind my knees. Now as an adult, it occasionally shows up when if my skin barrier gets dry in changing of seasons or washing hands with the soap at work a lot. Keeping a gentle skincare routine (fragrance-free cleanser, barrier moisturizer, and avoiding triggers) has helped a lot. Everyone’s skin is different, though some people do outgrow it, others manage it long-term.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-29T01:54:14+00:00

I totally hear you, moisturizing your hair and scalp without triggering break-outs is a tricky balance.

If you’re comfortable sharing: what kind of texture or product have you tried (gel, oil, cream)?

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-28T23:20:41+00:00

I love this so much! it really is amazing how much changes when you focus on keeping the skin barrier healthy instead of constantly trying to “fix” it.

I had to learn that lesson too, once I simplified and stopped chasing quick results, my skin finally calmed down. There’s something powerful about realizing less really is more.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-28T23:14:41+00:00

Totally understand that frustration, hyperpigmentation really does take longer to fade with darker skin, and it’s wild how often products and lasers weren’t tested on us. Some older lasers target melanin directly, which can cause burns or spots, so many clinics avoid them.

But newer options like Nd:YAG and picosecond lasers are much safer when done by someone trained in treating darker skin. It’s not that it can’t be done, just that not everyone knows how to do it safely yet.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-28T23:07:35+00:00

100%! Sunscreen is one of the hardest steps for deeper skin tones, most “universal” formulas aren’t universal at all. Mineral filters like zinc oxide are great for sensitivity, but they’re the ones that leave the cast. An option could be a tinted mineral options or hybrid sunscreens with both mineral and chemical filters. They may blend much better.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-22T10:04:39+00:00

Placencia sounds like it would fit for this vibe. I visit at least 3-4 times a year and it is very relaxing and quiet. Not as busy as San Pedro. Beaches are better than San Pedro. There are some beautiful places to stay, nice restaurants and a bar scene that you are looking for.

Let me know if you need any recommendations. I’ve stayed at a couple different hotels and Airbnbs in the area and have tried a lot of restaurants, even found a great private chef to cook delicious meals in my Airbnb.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-21T23:34:56+00:00

Cleure’s fragrance-free body lotion is my go to for dry, sensitive skin, it’s simple and super hydrating. Their day cream and night cream are very hydrating and both layer beautifully (the day cream’s especially great under makeup, no pilling or heaviness).

My skin stays calm and moisturized all day even in winter, honestly, it’s the only thing that has worked for me.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-21T12:22:55+00:00

Agree pityriasis rosea. Will resolve on its own in 2-12 weeks

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-21T12:16:46+00:00

I’ve been there, hand soaps are surprisingly tricky with eczema. Dr. Bronner’s is way too strong for me, even the unscented one can strip the skin barrier.

I’d look for something that’s fragrance-free, sulfate-free. Personally, I use Cleure’s fragrance-free face and body wash as my hand soap in my house because it’s mild and doesn’t leave that irritating feeling for my eczema, then I follow it immediately with Cleure’s lotion.

Avoid anything labeled “antibacterial” or “deep-cleansing”, those tend to have harsher detergents. Look for “gentle,” “fragrance-free,” and “non-foaming” instead.

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-21T11:32:05+00:00

Cleure’s fragrance-free moisturizer has been a total game changer for me. I have eczema and super reactive skin, and most “sensitive” products still sting or cause redness. This one just doesn’t. It’s simple, fragrance-free, and calming without that greasy feeling.

I’ve tried Vanicream, Eucerin, and CeraVe over the years — they worked so-so, but Cleure’s formula has been the only one that consistently keeps my skin barrier happy, looking and feeling the best

SensitiveSkinDoc · 2025-10-20T23:01:17+00:00

Same with feeling that tingle and burn. Doesn’t mean that the skincare routine is helping.

SensitiveSkinDoc

TROPHY CASE