Probably the most frustrating of all the different kinds of skin, sensitive skin is difficult to handle because you are never totally sure what to use on it. Sensitive skincare entails a great deal of trial and error to find the correct products that will not further aggravate your skin. This can mean a great deal of money expended over time on unusable products that have to be thrown away .
This type of skin is comparatively new and is growing to be more widespread largely due to the increasing numbers of chemicals used in skincare products. Men and women with this type of skin most probably have a genetic propensity towards sensitivity, although skin could perhaps also end up sensitive as a result of too much exposure to the elements. Harsh acne products, such as Accutane, may also cause healthy skin to end up sensitive.
How can you tell if your skin is sensitive? Sensitive skin is usually dry, reacts negatively to certain skin care products, can react badly to some foods (for example spicy foods) and is prone to itchiness, redness and swelling.
If you have sensitive skin you certainly know how infuriating it is to care for. All those products and cremes that have got to be disposed of due to the fact they reacted badly with your skin causing itching dryness and redness. You may perhaps have already given up the search for reliable sensitive skincare and chosen to simply stay with the products you already know are appropriate for you. The thing is your skin essentially enjoys a bit of variety, so the good news is it really is quite possible to acquire a high-quality sensitive skin care product, if you observe the following.
Select hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free products. Hypo-allergenic does not guarantee that a product won't react badly on your skin but it minimizes the possibility of that occurring. Hypoallergenic products generally leave out known allergens so there is less chance of irritating the skin.
Try not to use many different products on your face. It stands to reason that the more products you apply to your skin, the bigger the chance that at least one of them will have an ingredient which irritates. Choose sensitive skin care products that you know your skin will accept and use these regularly.
You shouldn't cleanse your skin more than twice a day. Yes, cleansing is essential, but over cleansing will play havoc your skin and strip away the protective barrier that preserves water in the skin and keeps bacteria out. Use gentle cleansers or a combination of milk and olive oil to gently remove make up, dirt and bacteria.
Stop using exfoliants. Exfoliating your facial skin using scrubs is meant to remove dead skin cells, but will aggravate sensitive skin. Selecting a product formulated with salicylic acid allows for a more gentle form of exfoliation and successfully clears out the pores. Salicylic acid is actually a beta-hydroxy acid that does not irritate if used occasionally. Pregnant women should not use it as the effects on the unborn infant are not proven.
Avoid using an astringent. It's normally thought that astringent will dry out the natural oils in your skin. Well it will, but more oil will be produced to compensate so it's a continuous cycle. Astringent is really hard on sensitive skin so, main point here, just don't use it.
Use mineral or water based cosmetics. Oil based make up may clog the pores plus it also incorporates many harsh chemicals. A water based cosmetic is non-comedogenic and a far better option. Mineral make up is a more natural choice and a lot of brands are chemical free.
Choose a natural sunscreen. Sensitive skincare requires a sunscreen as the sun's light can irritate and burn the skin. The issue here is almost all sunscreens available commercially contain a variety of unpleasant chemicals. Opt for sunscreen containing zinc or titanium dioxide as these will block UV rays on the skin's surface rather than being absorbed.
Sensitive skin care is an ongoing and often cumbersome process. However the rewards are worthwhile. Go along with the above suggestions and you'll enjoy attractive healthy skin for life.
