Do you have skin that seems to suck up all the pollutants in the atmosphere? That takes in all the smoke, smog, and smothering the world has to offer? That requires a lot of TLC, cash, and time, trying to figure out what peels, burns, dries, or simply doesn’t work? Been there, done that, and for someone with skin that leans more towards the sensitive side, I’ve put my skin through heck and back. Though my skin doesn’t burst into a flaming red rash as soon as I touch it, it doesn’t really care for many of the acne solutions that are available at the local drugstore. And while it would be nice to go to Sephora every week and buy that expensive bottle of acne cream I managed to get a sample-size of, like many, paying fifty dollars for a small tube of spot-treatment miracle is just not worth the price (bargain-hunters, you know what I’m saying). So what is there for those who just want something nice and gentle, yet effective? Well, after years of searching, I’ve finally found a few products that work great for my own terrible skin. I’ve listed my top five recommendations below:

1. For My Witches: Witch Hazel

Any brand will really do, as long as it’s all-natural, and does not contain anything that you may be allergic to. A natural astringent, it cleans deeply without stripping away layers of skin. It also works as a toner and softens skin while helping decrease redness and irritation. Simply squirt some onto a cotton ball or cotton face pad and wipe across your face. Make sure your skin can handle it first; find a small spot that isn’t too noticeable and wipe a small amount there. I know that sometimes my cheeks burn a little if I put too much on or rub a little too hard, so keep that in mind as well when considering which brand to pick. I use T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel, which has a small amount of grain alcohol in it, however, there are brands that do not use grain alcohol at all, and may be a better option for those whose skin may be more sensitive.

2. Dry and Patchy Isn’t My Style: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer

At first, I was a little skeptical. I have used Neutrogena products in the past, and while they worked for many of my friends, even those with sensitive skin, I found that after a while, some products simply left my face dry and a little stretched. However, after using Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer, I was a little surprised. Just like the bottle promised, the lotion was light, did not clog my pores as other moisturizers had done, and actually did what it was supposed to do: moisturize. For those of you whose skin can handle fragrance, I’d highly recommend this product.It gives off a light, pleasant grapefruit scent that doesn't make the head spin.

3. Scrubbin' Away the Pain: St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

This product is more for those whose skin can handle a scrub. I use this very sparingly, since my skin has had a little bad luck with other scrubs, and generally doesn’t do well with things that are scratchy, or ‘exfoliating.’ Yet, this scrub cleans. It gets deep down into your pores, so that right after rinsing, you can feel how much dirt has left your skin. It’s an awesome little treat that you can find anywhere, even at the grocery store, and doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.

4. Where's the Fire?: Charcoal-Based Cleansers

Be careful when trying to find a charcoal facial cleanser. There’s a ton of new products bearing the word ‘charcoal’ on their labels and they range from nose strips to scrubs. Here’s my advice: try to avoid the scrubs. While they do clean, they dry sensitive skin to a rather uncomfortable point and what’s the use of cleaning out your pores, when they’re going to create more pore-clogging oil in response to the dryness? Try to pick out a charcoal cleanser that is all natural and made for more sensitive skin. I found a great bar of lavender-charcoal face soap at Nezinscot Farm in Turner, ME for $6, but for those of you who don’t live nearby, may I make another suggestion? (Look down.)

5. Soft, Gentle, and Oh So Moisturizing: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I actually really like this cleanser for three reasons: 1.) It doesn’t dry my skin out, 2.) it leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized and 3.) It’s just so gentle! It cleans without making skin feel stretched, pinched, or burning with rage, which is a nice change from all the other over-the-counter acne solutions and it’s not outrageously priced. It’s a great daily cleanser that I would definitely recommend to anyone and everyone.

Now, before you go out on a skin care shopping spree, please remember that everyone is different. What works for me may not work for you, your friend, or your friend’s friend, so please keep that in mind while reading my little list. Also, you should always read the ingredients list on the backs of bottles and boxes, especially if you’ve had bad luck with skin products in the past and/or you have allergies. Remember to think wisely before trying out a product too; don’t slather a whole bunch of product onto your face before you know how you will react to it. You don’t want to have a red rash on your entire face, now do you? Put a small amount of product onto a discreet spot near your face and see how your skin reacts, before deciding that the product is totally safe for you to use. Lastly, please note that I am not a doctor. I am simply someone who’s tried out some skin creams and cleansers, so before you try something, discuss any concerns you may have with your physician. I hope that my suggestions are helpful and you find a product that works wonders on your skin! While everyone may not be able to buy jars of special mud from Fiji or magical serums from the springs of Sweden, there are still beauty treasures that can be found for a fraction of the cost in the beauty aisles of drugstores, mini-marts, and supermarkets. So have a little faith and love your skin no matter its troubles!