Axis Dance Explores New Frontiers With Mobility Technology
What are crutches for? To help an injured or disabled person get from Point A to Point B?
Like most mobility devices, crutches are often designed and viewed in a matter-of-fact medical framework. There is a problem to be fixed; the device is the solution.
Performances by Axis Dance Company routinely explode that idea. For Axis — an Oakland, Calif., ensemble of both disabled and non-disabled dancers — a crutch brims with creative possibilities: It might be a partnering support, a third leg, an elongated arm.
But what happens when that expansive way of thinking is applied to the design of the device itself? What kinds of movement might be possible if, for example, a crutch could extend and retract?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
17 minutes ago
- Forbes
The Second Coming Of Personal Health Records
Trellis Health Co-Founder and CEO Estelle Giraud Two decades ago, some of the biggest names in tech attempted to transform how individuals manage their health data. Microsoft's HealthVault and Google Health both launched with bold ambitions: to create centralized platforms where patients could control and curate their personal health records (PHRs). Yet, despite vast resources and early hype, both efforts fizzled. The world wasn't ready. But now the dream is back, resurrected by a new wave of startups and, surprisingly, by the very institutions that had arguably stood in its way. From consumer-focused companies like Trellis Health to institutional giants like Epic Systems, people seem to believe again in the promise of personalized, portable health data. And this time, they might be right. What Went Wrong the First Time When Microsoft HealthVault launched in 2007 and Google Health in 2008, the concept of a digital personal health hub was revolutionary. It would unite all of your health data in one place, under your full control. Unfortunately, the infrastructure of healthcare was simply not prepared to support it. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) were barely digitized. Meaningful Use, the government policy that nudged providers into the digital era, had only just begun. Consumer devices like wearables were rare, and systems to connect disparate data sources were nearly nonexistent. Even more critically, these platforms demanded far too much from users. 'They required so much work from the consumer,' explains Estelle Giraud, co-founder and CEO of Trellis Health. 'You had to upload your medical records manually, scan documents, log information constantly. The average healthy person just isn't going to do that.' And so, despite the vision, the user base never followed. Google Health shut down in 2012; HealthVault was sunsetted in 2019. The personal health record was consigned to the graveyard of overambitious tech dreams. Why Today May Be Different So what's changed? First, the digital plumbing of healthcare is finally in place. 'Everything is digitized today,' Giraud says. 'We have global interfaces for wearables, insurance claims, and health systems. Technologically, it's a completely different environment.' The transition from paper to pixels is no longer aspirational. Second, the rise of consumer health consciousness has created a more engaged public. Wearables like the Apple Watch and Oura Ring have made health data personal. We now expect visibility into our steps, sleep, and heart rate. Why not our labs, diagnoses, or prescriptions? Finally, AI offers a bridge between data and action. Where early PHRs were glorified filing cabinets, today's tools can interpret, surface, and contextualize insights. This shift from data collection to decision support makes the work people put into their PHRs worth the effort. Sharpening Focus Trellis Health is an example of this new era. Giraud's company is far more than a digital file cabinet. It's a consumer-focused, AI-native health platform designed specifically for women in the pregnancy and postpartum periods—an intentionally sharp wedge into the broader market. 'Pregnancy is often the first time a healthy woman engages deeply with the healthcare system,' she notes. 'It's a moment of heightened awareness and motivation.' Trellis aggregates up to a decade of a woman's health history from 50,000+ provider sites, re-architecting it around chronology rather than billing codes, then overlays intelligent support. By doing so, it strives to be not just a logbook but a personalized guide through a transformative life experience. A PHR opens a range of related service offerings, as in the case of Trellis Health The use case is timely and targeted. Trellis focuses on postpartum lab testing, for instance, which is often a glaring gap in care. Women with gestational diabetes or hypertension often receive little follow-up, despite significantly higher risks of future heart disease or Type 2 diabetes. By sending at-home test kits before a six-week checkup, Trellis empowers women with data they can take to their doctors. It doesn't provide diagnosis, focusing instead on information and empowerment. This consumer-first model sidesteps the bureaucracy of U.S. healthcare. At $96/year, paid out-of-pocket or via HSA/FSA, it's an impulse buy for a motivated consumer—'almost chemical,' as Giraud puts it. What the Incumbents Are Doing Interestingly, EHR vendors are trying to build what they once broadly de-prioritized. Epic's MyChart, for example, now includes interoperability features that allow patients to access records from various health systems. The 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 has played a role here, forcing providers to open interfaces and enable data portability. Yet these systems remain fragmented. 'Even as a patient, you're with Epic 60% of the time, and with Cerner or others the rest,' says Giraud. 'They still don't get everything that happens in between visits.' Factors like wearables, environment, diet, and social determinants of health fall through the cracks. MyChart is a useful tool, but it still fundamentally lives within the four walls of the health system. Why Health Plans and Providers Haven't Solved This Many wonder: why haven't health insurers or large providers solved this problem? The answer lies partly in healthcare's misaligned incentives. 'Healthcare is a black hole,' Giraud argues. 'If you get too close, you get sucked in. The incentives, contracts, and bureaucracy are just too strong.' Payers struggle with member churn—why invest in long-term health when patients change plans annually? Providers, meanwhile, face tech stacks and billing structures optimized for volume, not value. Still, the tide is shifting. Companies like Flexpa are giving consumers access to insurance claims. A current legal standoff between Epic and Particle Health reflects the growing pressure for openness, as well as continuing concerns about data security and privacy. Lessons for Healthcare Entrepreneurs Building a business in healthcare is not for the faint of heart. Giraud, a former population genetics researcher and Illumina executive, is both optimistic and cautious. 'You can't just be a Silicon Valley entrepreneur in healthcare,' she warns. 'You have to understand the rules of the game, and which ones can be broken.' She urges founders to study history. 'So many companies failed not because their ideas were bad, but because they didn't understand the playing field.' At the same time, insiders often become too entrenched to innovate. The trick is to hold both perspectives: respect for the system and the courage to challenge it. Will It Work This Time? The promise of personal health records has returned. Companies like Trellis Health are betting that a targeted entry point, consumer-grade design, and modern infrastructure can finally realize the long-held dream of patient-centered data. This is not the same game as 20 years ago. The players are different. The tools are better. This time, it just might work.
Fox News
30 minutes ago
- Fox News
Blistering report calls for investigation into 5 'woke' hospitals pushing 'radical' agenda with taxpayer money
FIRST ON FOX: After years of advertising campaigns targeting "woke" hospitals for putting politics before patients, a prominent nonprofit consumer advocacy group has compiled a comprehensive report on what it says are the worst offenders and urges President Donald Trump and lawmakers nationwide to take action. The new report, titled "Woke hospitals: Embracing Political Priorities Ahead of Patient Care," was released by Consumers' Research on Tuesday and took aim at five hospital systems across the country: Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt University Medical, Henry Ford Health, Memorial Hermann and Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. "U.S. consumers should be aware that many nonprofit hospital systems have leveraged taxpayer dollars and federal funding to advance controversial political and social causes," the report states. "Instead of lowering costs and passing savings onto patients, hospitals have spent considerable money, time, and manpower pursuing a partisan agenda pertaining to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), radical gender ideology, and climate activism. This report examines five of these 'woke' hospital systems and the specific ways in which they have opted to engage in various forms of political activism unrelated to – and in some cases at odds with – their core missions as healthcare providers," the report continues. "Each of them is a tax-exempt beneficiary receiving numerous funding streams and benefits from the federal government." The report's accusations against Cleveland Clinic, which Fox News Digital previously reported on, highlight a comment from CEO Tom Mihaljevic when he stated that "healthcare is only part of our mission." That mission, according to Consumers' Research, includes promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) which the hospital's chief of diversity of inclusion said in 2023, "has to be embedded in everything we do." In addition to several examples of the hospital system pushing DEI, the report outlines ways that Cleveland Clinic has engaged in "climate activism" while pouring millions into "green initiatives" as well as administering transgender care to children. Vanderbilt University Medical, a hospital system that Fox News Digital previously reported was found to be deleting some of its references to DEI commitments and resources while also keeping some and hiding them from public view, is said in the report to have received $468 million in NIH grants for medical research. While receiving substantial funding from the federal government, the hospital system is also pushing a "woke" agenda, according to the report. "VUMC's Emergency Medicine Department featured a Diversity, Inclusion & Wellness Office co-led by two directors of 'Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism,'" the report states. "In January 2025, VUMC's Psychiatry Department hosted a webinar addressing 'The War on DEI,' identifying racism, sexism, caste systems, and nationalism as significant barriers to DEI objectives." The report also outlines what it says are examples of VUMC promoting climate activism and providing "gender-affirming care" to minors. "According to the nonprofit organization Do No Harm, VUMC has provided sex-change treatments to 33 minors since 2019, with 22 patients receiving irreversible body-altering surgery," the report states. "VUMC even awarded grants to a reproductive clinic in Memphis that assists LGBTQ+ youth in acquiring gender-change hormone therapy. Following the implementation of Tennessee's new law, the clinic announced on its website that it now refers minors seeking such services to its affiliated clinic in Carbondale, IL, pending parental consent," the report continued. Henry Ford Health has also been a previous target of Consumers' Research, Fox News Digital reported in April, and is mentioned in the report as a place where the "racist DEI agenda is so egregious that America First Legal, a pro-Trump legal nonprofit, filed an official complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) calling for an investigation." The report outlines several examples of the hospital allegedly pushing "gender ideology" and cites Do No Harm's database, which found that Henry Ford Health "treated at least 63 sex-change patients who were minors, including eight patients who underwent surgery." Memorial Hermann Health System in Texas was also highlighted by the report as an organization rife with examples of DEI, which critics for years have argued puts politics before patients. "Memorial Hermann maintains that 'health equity' is paramount," the report states. "The system has stated its intention of embedding EDI practices at the core of its mission and vision and believes overcoming 'historical and contemporary injustices' is critical." The report adds that "Memorial Hermann publicly claims not to offer gender-transition services to individuals under 18" but, according to Do No Harm, "has reportedly performed 15 sex-change surgeries on minors and prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy to three children." The fifth hospital in the report, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, has said that it considers DEI to be part of its founding values and declared racism to be a "public health issue" after the death of George Floyd. The report states that the hospital "was the first hospital in the U.S. to offer transgender surgeries, doing so as early as 1966" and pointed to a 2022 statement from a spokesperson that stated children should have access to transgender care to "improve their mental health." "The Johns Hopkins All Children's website formerly included a page about children's gender and sexual development," the report says. " It referred to the 'emotional and physical foundation for sexuality"' among 'infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-aged kids.'" Fox News Digital reached out to all five hospitals in the report for comment. "Henry Ford Health respects and fully complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws," a Henry Ford Health spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement. "For more than a century, Henry Ford Health has been fully committed to serving Michigan's richly diverse communities, providing health care services and employment opportunities to everyone. Our commitment to non-discrimination remains steadfast." In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Cleveland Clinic spokesperson said, "For more than a century, Cleveland Clinic's mission has been to care for life, research for health, and educate those who serve. Cleveland Clinic is a nonpartisan organization and we neither have nor promote any political agenda. We are in full compliance with all state and federal laws and strongly refute the false and misleading assertions made in this report. The report intentionally shares information that is outdated." A VUMC spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "Vanderbilt University Medical Center fully complies with the current federal and state mandates and directives, and any accusations otherwise are simply false." A spokesperson for Memorial Hermann told Fox News Digital the report "reflects information that is outdated, factually inaccurate and intentionally misleading." "As one example of factually inaccurate information, Memorial Hermann does not provide and has never provided any form of pediatric gender transitioning treatment to patients younger than 18 years of age at any of our facilities. Secondly, we are compliant with all state and federal price transparency regulations. As the largest nonprofit health system in Southeast Texas, we are committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care that provides high-quality outcomes to all we serve. We do not discriminate based on race, gender or any other characteristics, and we abide by ethical and legal standards of care. We are equally committed to ensuring our policies comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations." One of the top concerns outlined in the report is what Consumers' Research describes as "insult to injury" when it comes to federal tax dollars propping up these hospitals that are pushing "woke" ideologies and shelling out millions in salaries for top leadership. "Nonprofit hospitals highlighted in this report and across the U.S. receive millions of dollars in federal funding, government-mandated savings programs, and tax exemptions," the report states. "This means taxpayers are often left footing the bill for hospitals' political activism. Hospitals receive nonprofit, tax-exempt status on the basis that they provide a broader benefit to the community. These health systems are able to couple their billions of dollars in tax savings with significant federal funding sources and government-mandated savings programs. These avenues for federal funding include Medicare payments, Medicaid payments, and federal grant funding." The report alleges that these hospitals often "leverage their position" to receive "multiple special designations through Medicare and Medicaid that allow them access to more taxpayer dollars while arguing against federal cuts to current revenue streams." "As outlined in this report, hospitals are taking advantage of their billions of dollars in tax breaks, federal funding, and mandated discount programs to fund frivolous projects outside the scope of patient care," the report alleges. "Instead of passing benefits along to patients and lowering costs – as these programs intended – hospitals use these programs to fund political priorities outside of their core mission of providing high-quality care and benefiting their communities." In addition to the report, Consumers' Research has sent letters to President Trump, Senate and House leadership, and governors of the states where the hospitals are located calling for an investigation into the federal dollar funding streams to the organizations that could be violating anti-DEI rules and running counter to state values. "The content of this Consumer Warning should provide your administration with more than enough justification for initiating a formal investigation into these federally supported hospitals' internal activities and a subsequent review of their tax-exempt privileges and the specific government funding streams which support them," the letter to Trump and officials in his administration states. Additionally, Consumers' Research is running a mobile billboard in Washington, D.C., and launching the website to highlight their warning to consumers. "Consumers need to be aware that hospitals in their own backyards have found ways to use taxpayer dollars to advance a woke agenda, which takes away vital resources that should be going to patient care," Consumers' Research Executive Director Will Hild said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Our Consumer Warning spotlights five nonprofit hospitals that are prioritizing radical causes like DEI, child sex-change procedures, and climate activism, all while receiving millions in taxpayer dollars. Every hospital CEO should read this Consumer Warning and promptly end woke policies in their organizations and refocus on their core mission, which is providing the best quality patient care at affordable prices. Until every hospital in America stops pushing discriminatory DEI policies, mutilating kids' bodies, and promoting climate politics, their federal funding streams and other government benefits like tax-exemptions should be investigated to ensure taxpayers are not supporting any hospital's reckless ideological activism. It is time to stop funding woke hospitals."
CNN
34 minutes ago
- CNN
The best face washes for sensitive skin, according to dermatologists
As a makeup-loving gym-goer who has dealt with eczema, rosacea and a whole host of skin flare-ups, my quest to find the best face washes for sensitive skin has been long and winding. But I've learned a lot along the way: what skin care is worth investing in and what you can skip, the importance of a skin care routine that's catered to your specific skin type and why protecting your skin barrier is actually really important. Ahead, I've consulted six dermatologists on everything you need to know about finding the right face wash for your sensitive skin, whether it's dry, oily, combination or acne-prone, along with their top picks. And if you're looking for the best moisturizers for dry skin or sunscreens for sensitive skin, we (and a whole range of skin experts) have got you covered there too. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser An extremely popular recommendation selected by nearly all the dermatologists we spoke with, this gentle cleanser boasts a 'no-frills formula, free from fragrance, dyes, parabens and sulfates,' said Dr. Hallie McDonald, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Erly. 'It's a top choice for ultra-sensitive or allergy-prone skin, and well suited for conditions like eczema and rosacea.' The cleanser also contains glycerin, making it both gentle and hydrating for the skin, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Kim. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Dr. Edward Chen, a board-certified dermatologist and GoPure dermatology advisor, called this gentle and popular pick an 'excellent, nonirritating cleanser for eczema-prone skin.' Dr. Tiffany Libby, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, also said it's a great choice for sensitive or dry skin and is formulated to remove dirt, makeup and impurities 'while maintaining the skin's natural pH balance.' It even works without water, McDonald said, 'making it a versatile and calming option, particularly for dry or normal skin in colder months." La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser Another derm-favorite, this cleanser features niacinamide and ceramides to keep skin hydrated and soothed. Dr. Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, said its creamy texture is ideal for sensitive skin. While it's free from parabens, fragrances and sulfates, it does include the brand's proprietary thermal spring water, which Dr. Maxine Warren, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology of the Rockies, said boasts antioxidant and soothing properties ideal for rosacea-prone skin. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 'This pH-balanced cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier while hydrating,' Westbay said. Also recommended by Warren and McDonald, ceramides are a popular ingredient that work to hydrate your skin while cleansing it and without compromising your natural skin barrier. The creamy, foaming texture of the cleanser doesn't lather, which reduces the potential for irritation, according to Westbay. Aestura Atobarrier365 Foaming Cleanser After cleansing, 'your skin should feel fresh and refreshed without feeling overly dry or squeaky,' Kim said. One of his favorite options is this gentle, pH-balancing foaming cleanser from Aestura. 'It's packed with glycerin to lightly cleanse the skin without damaging the skin barrier,' he said and 'has a mildly acidic pH to keep the skin barrier intact.' Derma E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser According to Libby, this cleanser is 'the perfect choice for keeping sensitive skin hydrated and comfortable.' Specifically, the formulation includes hyaluronic acid, a popular humectant found in tons of skin care. "[Hyaluronic acid] attracts and retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water, ensuring deep hydration while helping to calm and soothe, alongside chamomile, throughout the cleaning process," Libby said. Alastin Skincare Gentle Cleanser Warren recommends this luxurious foaming gel face wash, which thoroughly cleanses your skin while keeping it soft and hydrated. In addition to being noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, the formulation includes oat kernel extract, which aims to soothe irritated skin. GoPure Gentle Gel Cleanser Chen recommends this gel cleanser, which is formulated with niacinamide, a popular skin care ingredient that boasts a host of benefits from improving skin barrier function to reducing inflammation and boosting skin elasticity. It also features vitamin C, which is particularly beneficial for those with hyperpigmentation. Eau Thermale Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser This cleanser is 'specifically formulated for hypersensitive and irritable skin, offering an ultra-gentle cleansing solution that effectively removes impurities without causing irritation,' Libby said. 'Its minimalist formula ensures skin comfort and preserves the integrity of even the most sensitive skin types.' Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser 'This cleanser is packed with oat extracts for a calming effect and will lightly cleanse your skin without irritating it," Kim said. The hypoallergenic formula is made with oat to soothe and nourish. Skinfix Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser 'I am quite literally obsessed with this cleanser,' Westbay said. According to the dermatologist, it boasts a hydrating triple-lipid complex, which restores ceramide and fatty acid levels, as well as aloe, which supports water retention and is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids. 'Despite being so luscious, it's oil-free and does not cause breakouts,' she said. It can even help remove stubborn makeup. Erly Face Foam McDonald describes this face wash from her skin care line as a 'hypoallergenic, fragrance-free foaming cleanser designed for all skin types,' including those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. 'It cleans without disrupting the barrier, making it a particularly good option for those with combination or oily sensitive skin," she said. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water 'This no-rinse, cult-favorite cleanser uses micellar technology to gently remove dirt, makeup and impurities without irritating the skin,' Westbay said. 'It's alcohol-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal option for those with sensitive skin." Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser 'This cleanser is formulated to remove makeup and mineral sunscreen in a single step with no need to double cleanse,' Westbay said. 'It's a multibenefit, skin barrier-boosting solution that's pH balancing and supports the skin's microbiome, as well as promotes gentle exfoliation.' Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide and Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser For those with dry skin, Warren suggests a cleanser with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides. This gentle option, one of her top picks, is all about protecting your skin's barrier and natural lipids while thoroughly cleansing your skin of makeup, pollutants and more. 'When choosing a face wash for sensitive skin, it's important to keep the formula simple and soothing,' McDonald said. Our experts recommend opting for cleansers that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and pH balanced, all of which work to reduce the likelihood of irritation. Libby recommends considering your specific type of sensitive skin. 'For dry and sensitive skin, opt for creamy, non-foaming cleansers that don't remove essential oils from your skin,' she said. 'For oily and sensitive skin, you may prefer foaming or gel-based cleansers that are gentle yet effective in removing excess sebum without drying out the skin.' Some ingredients to look for? Humectants like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin work to retain moisture and support your skin's barrier, Westbay said. Emollients like ceramides, petrolatum, lanolin, squalane and mineral oil can help reduce water loss, she added, which is particularly helpful for those with dry skin. Ingredients like licorice, rosehip oil, algae, aloe, chamomile and colloidal oatmeal are popular for calming and soothing sensitive skin. 'Avoid sulfates that can be drying and irritating, alcohols that can dehydrate and irritate the skin, fragrance (a common irritant) and harsh exfoliants,' Westbay said. This also applies to common skin care ingredients like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide — which McDonald said you should avoid unless prescribed — as well as alpha and beta hydroxy acids or witch hazel that 'can excessively exfoliate and dry the skin, especially if you're eczema or rosacea prone,' Chen said. 'When trying a new cleanser, give it at least a week to see how your skin responds,' McDonald said. 'If you experience stinging, redness or peeling, it may not be the right fit.' And if you have particularly reactive skin, she recommends patch testing the cleanser before applying it to your entire face. 'Use lukewarm water — never hot — apply with clean fingertips rather than a washcloth or cleansing tool and limit washing to once or twice daily to avoid overcleansing,' she said. The following FAQs have been answered by dermatologists Dr. Edward Chen, Dr. Tiffany Libby, Dr. Hallie McDonald, Dr. Maxine Warren and Dr. Rachel Westbay. Is Cetaphil or CeraVe cleanser better for sensitive skin? Is Cetaphil or CeraVe cleanser better for sensitive skin? 'Both Cetaphil and CeraVe are excellent options for sensitive skin, and which one is better may depend on individual skin needs,' McDonald said. 'CeraVe tends to offer more in terms of barrier support because it contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help hydrate and protect the skin.' Because of this, she often recommends it to those with extremely dry skin and patients with eczema. 'Cetaphil has a simpler formula, and it is often better tolerated better by those with extremely reactive skin or allergies,' McDonald said. 'It's also very lightweight and noncomedogenic,' she added, making it a great option for people with both sensitive and acne-prone skin. What is the gentlest face wash? What is the gentlest face wash? 'The gentlest types of face washes are typically those that are formulated to maintain the skin's natural balance while effectively cleansing without causing irritation,' Libby said. These are commonly 'non-foaming, cream- or lotion-based cleansers that are fragrance-free, sulfate-free and pH balanced,' McDonald said. Other popular formulations include micellar waters and milk cleansers, which Westbay said tend to be more nourishing and less likely to strip the skin's natural oils. Things to avoid? Fragrances, harsh scrubs and chemical exfoliants like retinol, AHAs and BHAs, Warren said. What face wash do dermatologists suggest for sensitive skin? What face wash do dermatologists suggest for sensitive skin? 'We generally recommend gentle, non-stripping cleansers that are free from fragrance and harsh detergents,' McDonald said. 'For those with dry or reactive skin, cream-based cleansers are often preferred for their hydrating properties,' she said. 'For those with oily but sensitive skin, a mild foaming cleanser can be appropriate as long as it doesn't contain irritants or drying agents.' Warren suggests checking the labels for terms like 'soap-free' or 'non-foaming,' as foaming formulations often include sulfates, which can strip your skin barrier. She also recommends looking for cleansers labeled as 'fragrance-free' as opposed to 'unscented,' which can still contain fragrance. 'I typically suggest noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic cleansers,' Libby said. 'Certifications to look for on labels might include 'dermatologist-recommended' or 'suitable for sensitive skin,' which can be helpful indicators of a product's gentleness and suitability for sensitive skin types,' she said. 'Always prioritize gentle, simple formulations that maintain skin balance and prevent irritation.' Chen recommends looking for the National Eczema Association stamp to ensure your cleanser of choice is an appropriate option for sensitive skin. For this article, we consulted the following skin experts to gain their professional insights. Dr. Edward Chen, board-certified dermatologist and GoPure dermatology advisor Dr. David Kim, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Libby, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Hallie McDonald, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Erly Dr. Maxine Warren, board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology of the Rockies Dr. Rachel Westbay, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, contributing writer Noelle Ike talked to dermatologists about the best face washes for sensitive skin.
