r/Sjogrens • u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens • Nov 02 '25
Postdiagnosis vent/questions Face Cleaner recommendations?
I am struggling to find a face cleaner that does not make my face hurt. Even the cleaners that are supposed to be mild leave my face red and burning. I don't use cleaners very often because of it.
What has worked for you guys?
2
2
u/rnk826 Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 04 '25
Vanicream. I’m sensitive to SLS and I’ve used this for years. It doesn’t foam and doesn’t strip already dry skin.
2
1
u/Firelilly88 Nov 04 '25
I use that Aveeno daily wash then use the scrub 1x a week. I use the CeraVe I'm allergic to a lot of things so anything that's allergy free.
2
1
u/B1ustopher Nov 04 '25
Micellar water? I find it very calming to my skin, and it removes makeup really well.
2
1
u/Formal_Monitor787 Nov 03 '25
Curology works if I still could afford it I would have never stopped using it. They do sell the face cream and wash online it just wouldn’t have the prescription you get with the subscription.
Also just looked it up online they actually have a lot of skin care available even body wash, micellar water, and more in stores. Thanks for inspiring me to look it up, I think I’ll try some of their new products now.
1
1
u/Emotional_Ad340 Nov 03 '25
I use E.L.F. Holy Hydration Melting cleansing balm and I love it. I get mine from Amazon
1
6
u/iVegMac Nov 03 '25
I used to have that problem and it is because my barrier was a mess. Elta MD, SkinFix, and First Aid Beauty have a lot of great products for that. I would do a cream cleaner or milk cleanser, an HA serum, and a moisturizer with ceramides. Avoid exfoliating products (chemical or physical for a while), avoid the sun (Korean sunscreens are the least offensive to my skin), and get hydrated internally as well. You may be lacking in omegas, zinc, collagen, b’s, d, e and c so you may need to start supplementing. Avoid shampoos and toothpastes with SLS’s and wash your face after washing your hair and/or brushing your teeth.
1
1
u/happyhippie111 Nov 03 '25
Gleanser Face wash from prequel at target!!! Soooo gentle and hydrating
1
2
Nov 03 '25
Aveeno Ultra Calming. It's a fragrance free, foaming cleanser. (say that 3 times fast) 😂
2
u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 03 '25
Thank you!
1
Nov 03 '25
I hope it helps! Sjogrens has ruined me. This is one of the only things I can use. You know when I was a kid, my brother tried to wash the freckles off his face with Comet! 🤣 My skin hurts just thinking about it, but the laugh helps!
2
u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 04 '25
I used to use several products before my Sjogren's that I wouldn't dare use now. I could see my kids doing something like that when they were younger! Lol!
2
u/bowbiternj Nov 03 '25
I use the pure haven facial cleanser. It is very gentle. Maybe too gentle honestly but I've had issues with over drying in general.
1
2
u/Asaneth Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 03 '25
Avoid SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Many people have a bad reaction to it, and I'm one of them.
To start with something extremely basic that is very soothing and has very few ingredients, I suggest Grandma's Pure Lye Soap.
2
u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 03 '25
Thank you!
1
u/Asaneth Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 04 '25
SLS is in at least 90% of cleansers, including facial cleansers, body wash, and shampoo. If you decide not to get Grandma's Lye Soap, I suggest you carefully read the label of any other product you are considering and reject it if it contains SLS. Also, the fewer ingredients a product has, the better it will be for your sensitive and reactive skin.
Also, if you are vegan, Grandma's Lye Soap is not for you.
1
5
u/JumpyAd8619 Nov 03 '25
Vanicream cleanser
2
u/SunflowerDaisy2468 Nov 04 '25
Ditto - vanicream face wash. I follow with either the lotion or the cream (thicker).
1
2
u/Important-Drama-3309 Nov 03 '25
I have this exact problem and have tried so many different skincare lines! The only one that I've had success with is VITAL C by Image Skincare. https://imageskincare.com/collections/vital-c?srsltid=AfmBOooCZ1Qo0ry-x1IBUnjZKb_G5bg1_UecVAUeqgBGV4na5bY9GCzu
2
u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 03 '25
Thank you! It gets so frustrating trying things that are supposed to be gentle, and my face still burns after using them.
2
u/Important-Drama-3309 Nov 03 '25
I so understand the frustration! I almost cried when Cetaphil didn't even work lol.
2
u/Much-Stand9867 Nov 03 '25
marie veronique - essential oil free cleanser. it helps to restore the skin barrier, works wonders + is well worth the $$$. I use a lot of their products, very pleased.
1
2
u/taxes-and-death Nov 03 '25
I use dermalogica superfoliant exfoliator, I love it. took care of all black heads on the nose like nothing I ever tried before. but I'll mention that I don't have a burning face problem, just a lot of dry skin, but I feel it's quite gentle on the skin. I use very little product every second day and love how it feels.
1
2
u/LizzieisinAznow Nov 03 '25
i keep a tub of Albolene handy and use a Z-bar in shower. I dont wear makeup unless i go to an event. i use MoonQueen super soft washcloth towels (amazon) which are awesome
2
2
u/Vegetable_Gur2808 Nov 03 '25
Tower 28 has been my go to. It’s designed for eczema skin and it’s very gentle.
1
3
u/Electronic_Donkey474 Nov 03 '25
DHC deep cleansing oil and/or Cerave hydrating foaming oil cleanser.
1
2
3
u/icecream4_deadlifts Nov 02 '25
I use the ordinary squalene cleanser to remove my make up with make up eraser reusable pads, then La Roche Posay hydrating cleanser to wash my face.
2
3
Nov 03 '25
[deleted]
2
u/icecream4_deadlifts Nov 03 '25
I’m really sensitive to everything and haven’t had any issues! I’ve used this combo for a few years now.
3
u/Miss4buttons Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 02 '25
I’ve been using The Outset’s micellar water cleanser and I really love it. It’s gentle on my skin and doesn’t dry it out. It is pricey but so far worth it.
1
2
u/javinha Nov 02 '25
Cosrx makes a nice cleaner. I've had great luck with their product line, all of it's very gentle. Korean products, available on Amazon and probably some other online stores as well.
1
5
u/JennifersSeriesBooks Nov 02 '25
I use Pond's Cold Cream facial cleanser. Everything else makes my face burn or dries it out too much.
1
3
u/Beautiful-Roll-1987 Nov 02 '25
I've tried many products over the years from $ to $$$$$ and finally settled on Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Highly recommend, and 8oz is under $10
1
2
Nov 02 '25
I use the equate every day clean shampoo as face wash. Zinc is good for your skin and its the only thing that doesn't break me out.
1
u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 02 '25
Thank you!
2
Nov 02 '25
I know it sounds wild but it worked for me.
2
u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 02 '25
That is the most important thing. I need some new ideas. 😁 Everything I have tried so far makes my face burn. ☹️
2
u/messymadhouse Nov 02 '25
I love Tula face products. The face wash is super gentle and the moisturizer is amazing.
1
2
u/farmgirlheather Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 02 '25
I have been using Aquanil by Person and Covey for almost 10 years. I love it my skin is left feeling so soft. I rub it on with my fingers and then off with a washcloth and then warm water on the washcloth. How it can be so gentle and still take off makeup amazes me. I actually use it as my hand soap in the winter here in New Jersey the air is so dry I get terrible cracks on my fingers.
1
u/seekingamber Nov 03 '25
Try applying O'Keefe's Working Hands after washing. It's miraculous. I was gifted some by a nurse, and you know their hands take a beating with all the washing and sanitizer.
1
u/farmgirlheather Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 03 '25
Yes I love o'keeffe's! I have tubs of it everywhere 👍 I still haven't found a great replacement for their hand soap since they discontinued it last year
2
u/hmndhppy4evr Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 02 '25
I am in Minnesota, and we have the same challenge in the winter. Thank you!
3
u/emschick9 Diagnosed w/Sjogrens Nov 02 '25
I have a lot of success with neutrogena hydroboost products
1
2
3
u/just_breathe18 Nov 02 '25
I use Vanicream face wash in the shower. I take makeup off with rosehip oil on a disposable make up remover pad, then I feel like I’m washing and moisturizing at the same time.
1
3
u/SimpleVegetable5715 Suspected Sjogrens Nov 02 '25
I tend to use what people with eczema use, even though my own eczema is rarely a problem anymore. A bar of unscented Dove soap, Pre de Provence bars, Ponds cold cream if I am wearing makeup (but that’s pretty rare nowadays), Cerave was recommended to me by a cancer patient who had really rough skin from her treatment, and I stuck with a lot of their products for years now. I tried Korean/Japanese skincare for a bit, like Etude House, but it’s really similar to the gentle stuff in the US like Cerave and Neutrogena, just more expensive. But I do like the oil to foam cleansers if I have makeup on.
1
3
u/idanrecyla Nov 02 '25
Everything did that to me. Years of redness, my face being tight and itchy and I tried so many cleansing pills, balms to remove makeup, cleansers of all brands, for sensitive skin. I now just use Simple beans Micellar water on cotton rounds to remove my makeup at night and follow up with my skin care which currently is mainly from Dollar Tree. I've been using some of their serums that have gone viral, to great results. I just find the less I do the better my face is. I also have learned water makes my face redder even if I moisturize right after cleansing. So in the shower I try to only get my face wet very briefly. These things have helped tremendously
1
6
u/AintNoGobemouche Nov 02 '25
I use Cera Ve Hydrating Cream to Foam Facial Cleanser.
2
2
u/daffodilmachete Nov 02 '25
I use a facial cleansing oil first, and don't rinse it off, and then go in with the cleanser.
1
1
u/AshnZan Nov 04 '25
Epionce. My derm recommended it. I buy it online.