20 percent of the women have sensitive skin. Those with sensitive skin experience dryness, burning, redness and frequent breakouts. Sensitive skin is also prone to skin infections, tends to wrinkle easily and reacts to external stresses. The skin of those with sensitive skin is thinner and more delicate than the other persons and has a less substantial outer barrier of lipids and natural moisturizers.
The problems of sensitive skin can easily be aggravated by exposure to sun, heat and wind. Temperature changes, some cosmetics and skincare products, some foods and cigarette smoke can cause irritation. To keep sensitive skin smooth and free of blotchiness use products that contain as few preservatives, fragrances and chemicals as possible.
The characteristics of sensitive skin are:
sensitive skin burns easily
sensitive skin is frequently allergic
sensitive skin has red veins on nose and cheekbones
sensitive skin reacts to many skincare products
sensitive skin reacts to many cosmetic products
sensitive skin easily goes red when touched
sensitive skin has thin epidermis
sensitive skin feels very tight after cleansing
sensitive skin has a translucent appearance
sensitive skin easily become red
sensitive
skin easily become blotchy
sensitive skin wrinkles prematurely
sensitive skin is prone to dehydration
sensitive skin is prone to flaky patches
sensitive skin is prone to broken capillaries
sensitive skin reacts to both hot and cold
How to take care of your sensitive skin:
If your skin is sensitive you should follow a strict skincare regime and use specific cosmetic products.
Step 1 Cleanse your face
Every day facial cleansing is essential. Select a cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients – it should be mild, hypoallergenic and specifically designed for sensitive skins. Select a cleanser with moisturizing ingredients and pH balance. Never use a facial soap to cleanse your face – it will dry your skin and cause irritation, even though there is a wide range of soaps for sensitive skin. The soaps often dehydrate the skin. If your skin feels very thigh after cleansing you should change the cleanser and find a new one that won’t dry and irritate your sensitive skin.
Step 2 Tone your skin
Toning is not always recommended for those with sensitive or dry skin, but there are some toners that won’t irritate your skin. Select an alcohol-free toner that is hypoallergenic and appropriate for sensitive skin. Tone your skin by delicately patting a cotton pad soaked in the astringent over your face. The toner will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oils that your cleanser may have missed.
Step 3 Moisturize your skin
Daily moisturization is essential. Applying facial moisturizer and body lotion is essential in order to keep your skin well-hydrated and healthy. There is a wide range of moisturizers and face creams that nourish and hydrate your skin in deep. Select lighter and fragrance-free moisturizer designed for sensitive skin – they clam the skin and retain moisture. Most of the moisturizers appropriate for sensitive skin contain Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Olive Oil, Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil, as well as essential oils that revitalize the skin and soften irritated, sensitive skin.
Exfoliation – even though your skin is sensitive you shouldn’t skip to exfoliate it regularly, but always use a mild exfoliator and exfoliate gently, not more than twice a week.
Masks – do a hydrating mask once a week. The hydrating masks calm, soothe and reduce sensitivity. Never apply a clay mask – they often irritate and dry the skin.
Sunscreen – using a sunscreen, especially during the summer months is essential. Applying a sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin. The damage caused by the sun’s UV rays and the free radicals always lead to thinning skin and irritation.
What makeup products you should use if your skin is sensitive:
Those with sensitive skin should always use specific cosmetic products. Your makeup products should be hypoallergenic, non-comedonic and appropriate for sensitive skin.
Choose liquid foundation that is hypoallergenic and with SPF at least 15. Select a silicone based foundation – it has a low incidence of skin irritation. Apply it gently to the whole face but never rub it. Although most of the dermatologists and makeup artists don’t recommend those with sensitive skin to use face powder I recommend you to use it but not every day. Nowadays these powders protect the skin from the environmental pollutant, don’t clod the pores and provide a good protection against the sun. Remember: all your makeup products should be fragrance-free.
To remove the makeup in the evening use a mild makeup remover designed for sensitive or dry skin.
Useful Tips for sensitive skin:
Avoid using skincare products containing alpha hydroxy acids
Always use specific cosmetic products
Never use soap to cleanse your face – it cause irritation, itching and dehydration
Never use skincare products containing alcohol
Never dry your skin with a harsh towel
A healthy diet will help your skin be healthy
Avoid eating spicy foods and fatty foods
Make sure you drink plenty of water every day – the fluids help keep your skin hydrated
Make sure your moisturizer or cream is rich in water and oils
Always apply a sunscreen with SPF at least 15
Your makeup products should be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and non-comedonic
Avoid hot baths, solariums, saunas – they may cause broken capillaries in your sensitive skin
Ensure your diet contains many nuts, fish, grains and fresh vegetables
Never use any products on your sensitive skin without a patch test
Avoid products containing harsh chemicals or a perfume
Exfoliate your sensitive skin with a mild exfoliator once a week
Do a hydrating and nourishing mask twice a week
Eucerin Sensitive Facial Skin Gentle Hydrating Cleanser ($7.20) – fragrance-free and hypoallergenic facial cleanser for sensitive and dry skin. Creates a moisture-rich lather that leaves skin feeling soft and clean.
Eucerin Daily Replenishing Lotion ($8) – hypoallergenic and fragrance-free lotion that smoothes on easily, absorbs quickly for fast and effective relief of dry and sensitive skin. Clinically proven safe and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin.
Nivea Visage Gentle Cleansing Cream, Dry and Sensitive Skin ($6.90) – gentle cleanser that removes impurities while protecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Contains Aloe Vera and Chamomile that calms irritated skin.
Neutrogena Moisture Oil Free Formula, Sensitive Skin ($12) – hypoallergenic moisturizer appropriate for sensitive skin. Effectively eliminates dryness without leaving skin greasy or shiny.
Olay Complete All Day UV Defense Moisture Lotion, Sensitive Skin ($10.20) – non-greasy and fragrance-free lotion that absorbs quickly into skin and lasts all day to help your skin stay soft, smooth and beautiful. calms sensitive skin while keeping it hydrated and smooth.
