Beauty mavens of all stripes can agree that having a regular skincare regimen serves as maintenance for a healthy complexion and acts as a form of self-care for the mind, but what if you’re autistic and sensory issues enter the picture? Perhaps certain textures in skincare may trigger them, or dense products on top of each other may be overwhelming. That was my experience growing up. I recall a time where I dreaded it because I had trouble tolerating multiple products that made me feel uncomfortable, and it was only when I learned to approach skincare on my own terms did my relationship with it start to change. Before proceeding to the guide, it is important to understand what autism is, and how its symptoms relate to skincare.
A note on inclusive language
This article uses identity-first language, i.e, ‘autistic’ instead of person-first language (‘person with autism’) as the former indicates that autism is an integral part of the person’s identity and perception of their environment. However, I also acknowledge that not everyone prefers this and that people should use language that best fits them. For consistency’s sake, this guide uses identity-first language throughout.
What is autism?
According to the Institute of Mental Health, autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by heightened sensory sensitivity, repetitive behaviours, and a lack of understanding of social cues and norms. As autism is a spectrum, the specific needs of autistic people differ from person to person, and thus their needs vary greatly.
In the context of skincare, sensory issues can often complicate matters regarding formulations. Dr Dawn-Joy Leong, an autistic researcher and visual artist who studies the condition, says, “Hypersensitivity or sensory differences are hallmark features of autistic lived experience. Many autistic persons face multiple reactivities with skincare products that are unpredictable, not just to the formula but also to texture of products, and this can vary from one individual to another, and also different periods of life.”
Inversely, some autistic individuals experience hyposensitivity, as the occupational therapy team at Ohana Therapy explains in an email interview. “Some who are under-responsive (i.e. don’t receive/“feel” as much sensory stimuli) may not be aware of how much product is on their face and may have difficulties washing it off their skin/rubbing it into their skin completely. Some individuals who have motor planning difficulties (e.g. sequencing and following steps) may miss out certain steps in their skincare regime as well.”
1. Know your triggers
When looking for products or building a regimen, ask yourself a few questions about your triggers. What kind of textures trigger your sensory issues? What is your relationship to fragrances in skincare? Your own questions will differ, but by considering your specific triggers, you have an idea on what to avoid or gravitate towards in a product.
Additionally, you can also think about how your own sensory issues behave, which body parts are more sensitive and method of application. How much of an ingredient can you tolerate? How many products are you comfortable using on your face?
“Consider the sensitivity of different parts of your body and start applying on less sensitive body parts first. Some may find that the whole arm is sensitive to a certain texture, but others may find that their palms are more sensitive and their forearms are less sensitive,” the team at Ohana Therapy says. “If the skincare product feels uncomfortable, try using alternatives such as sprays. Other accommodations could also be using a brush or a lotion applicator to spread the lotion across your body.”
Remember, trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to find another product.
2. Experiment with products
With the diversity of products on the market, no two products of the same type will be the same, and thus finding the right ones requires experimentation.
“Where there are samples or smaller packagings, try them first, and be prepared for changes to happen as you go along. If you have known conditions, always consult your doctor. It may be a struggle, but don’t give up caring for your skin.” Leong says.
For example, when testing out different facial moisturisers, pay attention to how the products make you feel. If it’s helpful, make a note of brands, products, formulations and the relationship between them and your sensory issues. However, if the idea of testing out multiple products overwhelms you, don’t hesitate to take a break.
When asked about her experience with navigating skincare, Leong states, “It has been a long journey of persistent explorations, and a lot of money “wasted”. I try to read up on ingredients as well as functionality, and search for trials and samples as much as possible. Having friends in the medical community also helps for advice.”
Another advantage of samples and testers? In the moment you end up with a product that doesn’t work, you don’t have to feel pressured into finishing it like you would with a full-sized product and you can give away extra samples to friends and family.
3. Find ways to hack your routine
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Ensure you allocate a comfortable period of the day dedicated to skincare and list out the specific products and order of use. You can also incorporate sensory stimuli to make the process easier or switch up application methods to better suit your needs.
According to the occupational therapists at Ohana, an individual may consider using products or devices that could add to their sensory preferences, such as adding vibration to their skin (exfoliating types of machines with small rubber bristles), using a cotton pad to put toner on the face versus just putting it directly on the hands and face, using hot water versus cold water, using your hands to rinse off versys using a handkerchief, or consider the different options available to create a regime that best suits them,”
If you know you may forget to wash your skin, set yourself a reminder. Reminders also help if you want to introduce a new product in your usual regimen.
“If incorporating a new step into your daily routine is difficult, you can add in a visual reminder such as writing it down on your mirror with a whiteboard marker,” Ohana Therapy recommends.
Remember, for every major alteration to established routines, go at a pace you are comfortable with—change and experimentation takes time, so ensure you give yourself enough time to adapt.
4. Seek out autistic content creators for inspiration
In the age of online activism, online communities and activists are fantastic resources for finding inspiration on navigating your environment as an autistic person, such as Chloé Hayden, who spoke about her skincare and makeup routine in a 2023 MammaMia interview. There, she details how most typical skincare advice doesn’t suit her due to her sensory issues, and products that she chooses to use cannot trigger them.
This doesn’t just apply to beauty, because there’s power in seeking out inspiration and advice from like-minded individuals who are killing it with their unique approaches.
How can the beauty industry be more inclusive to autistic and other neurodivergent people?
Even with increasing acceptance about the intricacies of autism, the beauty industry is slow to adapt. Fragrances are common ingredients in skincare products, few brands provide sensory-friendly options and descriptions from online do not describe the texture of the product in detail.
When asked about how the beauty industry can be more inclusive to neurodivergent consumers, Leong answers, “Provide better detailed information on products online. Person-to-person interaction can be daunting to autistic people, so trained beauty consultants/sales representatives should be more willing to explain details clearly and answer questions more patiently, because you do not know if the person you are helping may or may not be autistic.”
Ohana Therapy, on the other hand, feels that rating the products based on a set of factors such as smell, viscosity, and thickness would be beneficial. “Or having skincare products with less scents for individuals who have hyperolfaction,” they add.
If skincare is self-care that everyone should participate in, the beauty industry must ensure that neurodivergent individuals are included not only in token campaigns of inclusion, but in the development of new products. An act of self-care should never be a stressful activity.
If you’re autistic or know someone who is, you can visit the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network, the National Autism Society UK and the #ActuallyAutistic hashtag on Instagram and TikTok. In Singapore, you can also visit the Autism Network Singapore or the WhatsApp Autism Community Singapore. Considering a diagnosis? Contact your GP about a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment.
