Peri, I too have developed crazy skin sensitivities. I see a medical estetician in my dermatologist's office. Two things I've learned:
1. silicone ingredients are in *everything* these days. They play havoc with my skin. My estetician says silicone creates what amounts to a watertight layer over the skin so it can't breathe -- the waterproofing sprays for shoes, etc., are silicone. Look out for anything ending in -"cone" on a product label (eg dimethicone).
2. What I thought was marketing hype by companies to get us to buy more is actually true: It really is best to use all our skincare products from the same line (cleanser, toner, moisturiser, serum, etc.). Apparently skin care lines are created around the same pH balance and it can cause disruption to the skin if we mix and match different companies' lines. I have had more success when I stick to one product line.
Personally I have to watch out for ingredients like vitamin C and retinols as they are too harsh for me and activate itchy red areas on my skin. I feel like I've tried every natural brand out there! I have had luck with some of the products in the Naturopathica line, but my new favourite is a Hungarian line called Eminence: /eminenceorganics.com. I bought their 'calm skin' starter set to try 6 weeks ago. I just finished it with no irritation and I'm sold. I also use Jane Iredale makeup. It's a bit spendy, but I don't use much makeup and a little goes a long way.
