Sensitive skin care means caring for skin which is usually quite fine in texture with a tendency to be rosier than normal skin and easily irritated by skincare products and environmental factors. So, how do you care for it?
Sensitive skin care needs extra gentle skin care products
Contrary to what you may or may not have heard, sensitive skin isn’t considered a medical condition.
When someone says he or she has sensitive skin, it typically means the skin has become irritated, red, swollen and or itchy as a result of either an environmental condition or use of a certain product.
The term is also used to describe changes to your skin in response to allergic reactions.
Why can skin be sensitive?
Although there are several reasons why skin can be sensitive, the most common is that skin is reacting negatively to a certain product or possibly some combination of skincare products.
You probably use products that are made by a number of different manufacturers too. While your intentions are good, someone with sensitive skin cannot tolerate this type of assault.
Special Sensitive Skin Care Treatment …
Before sensitive skin can be treated, it’s important to figure out the underlying cause of the problem.
It may be necessary to seek the advice of a dermatologist as you may have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.
Your sensitive skin needs extra special skincare products to keep it healthy.
Choose hypo-allergenic sensitive skincare products that are specifically formulated to protect sensitive skin. Good quality products will be screened to ensure they do not contain common irritants.
Here are 9 tips to help with sensitive skin care.
- Start reading skin care product labels – the fewer ingredients, the better. Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, botanicals, antibacterial, ethanol and propylene glycol.
- Make sure the makeup you use is hypo-allergenic and always remove it thoroughly by first using a soothing, eye makeup remover. Apply with a lint free cotton ball then remove every trace of makeup with a cotton bud.
- Spot test any new facial products before applying to your entire face. Apply a few dabs behind ears for 5 days, and if there’s no reaction, apply beside near your eyes for another 5 days. If all goes well, full facial coverage should be safe.
- Always choose natural fabrics for pillowcases and washcloths like 100% cotton or silk instead of synthetic materials. Check your cotton balls, too. Some look like cotton but are actually polyester.
- Try to eat a balanced diet to ensure your sensitive skin gets the nutrients it needs to remain healthy.
- Keep your skin moist and always apply sun protection. Steer clear of facial washes and soaps as they can strip your skin of essential oils and moisture, which may increase the level of sensitivity. Choose light hypo-allergenic cleansing lotions instead.
- Dryness can make sensitive skin even more uncomfortable and irritated, so always choose an unperfumed moisturizer in your sensitive skincare.
- Only ever gently clean sensitive skin. Avoid harsh products like scrubbing mitts, excessively hot water and abrasive exfoliating products.
- Even the mildest skin freshener can break down the natural protection your skin needs against the elements. So freshen sensitive skin by simply splashing with warm, not hot, water. This should also remove any lasting traces of cleanser and eye makeup as a finale to your sensitive skincare regime.
The Possible Causes of Sensitive skin …
Trying to pinpoint the cause of your sensitive skin is not as simple as discontinuing your use of a certain product or products. Because of the nature of sensitive skin, it can take hours or even days before the signs of sensitivity are visible.
And the sensitivity may not be caused by a product. Exposure to the sun can create skin problems, as can extremely hot water. Your laundry detergent, fabric softeners, shampoo, perfume, hair spray, and even the household cleaning products you use can be the culprit. Certain foods and even some plants can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction as well.
Healthy skin is less sensitive because it’s able to act as an effective barrier
Sunburned skin, or skin that’s excessively dry and skin that is generally damaged tends to be more sensitive.
That’s one reason why people who don’t normally have sensitive skin can develop skin sensitivity during winter months.
When dry cold air strips your skin of its protective moisture layer, that’s when you really need to think about sensitive skin care.