The term ‘sensitive skin’ is a fairly broad one, and as expert dermatologists explain, there are numerous skin types or conditions one might be battling that belong in the sensitive skin family. These are such conditions as redness, skin prone to inflammation, itchy skin as well as more specific conditions such as atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. What all members of this skin family have in common is a strong, usually inflammatory reaction to such skincare products which contain ingredients like soap, acids, benzoyl peroxide and retinol-based products.
Now, unlike simple dry or oily skin people, those who live with sensitive skin, don’t know it until the skin actually reacts to a certain product or even common external pollutants that don’t affect those with normal skin as severely. Luckily, the skincare industry has made great strides towards coming up with gentle yet effective formulas that will cater to the needs of this delicate skin, so let’s discover, once and for all how we can turn sensitive skin into a glowing, soothed and happy one.
Don’t take any chances
As said, there are certain ingredients that share one trait in common – they have a negative effect on sensitive skin, and can cause flare-ups, breakouts, and extreme dryness or even trigger a condition such as atopic dermatitis, a condition you didn’t perhaps even know you have. Therefore, don’t take any chances and avoid anything that has even the slightest potential of aggravating your skin. According to WebMD, aside from the aforementioned ingredients, fragrances, dyes, exfoliants like alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, sulfates, and preservatives should also be avoided completely.
Play it safe
In order to stay on the safe side and keep your skin out of harm’s way, your best bet is to opt for sensitive skincare products, preferably from the same line. Why? Because these comprehensive lines have been designed specifically to work together, be layered in the right order for optimal results. As said, skincare professionals have taken huge steps towards helping you soothe your skin, whether it’s redness, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, eczema, psoriasis or any other issue that you are combating.
In addition to that, although it is generally recommended to switch your skincare to suit the season, it’s vital for you to stick to products that work as switching brands and products frequently can result in overstimulation. Also, if you’re not consistent, you aren’t giving your products or your skin time to adjust to each other and work together as a team.
Turn to nature
Of course, there is a great deal of home-made natural skincare solutions that you can try to achieve that glowing flawless complexion. Turmeric, for instance, has the power to heal inflammation, witch hazel can help you battle sun-exposure caused hyperpigmentation. Drinking rose water daily can heal the skin from within while incorporating saffron into your diet can help with such conditions as melanoma.
Yes, those with sensitive skin need to work just a little bit harder than others, but in a way, that makes them all the more special and unique. Their flaws, whether they’re vitiligo, discoloration, hyperpigmentation or even those with permanent acne scars are beautiful. A great number of women have embraced and owned these flaws, and they’re considered more beautiful and special for them. Do your best to keep your skin healthy and feel comfortable in it, but as far as those things the impossible beauty standards call flaws, be done with that, and love the imperfectly perfect you, just as you are.
Stress less
Stress has a strange impact on the body as a whole, and just as it has the power to cause severe health conditions, it unfortunately also has the power to worsen your skin condition, as when stressed, our cortisol levels increase, and that only adds to the sensitivity by affecting the skin’s barrier and consequently cause inflammation and breakouts. Now, living a stress-free life is a difficult, if not an impossible feat to achieve, but meditation is a good start, as there is actual scientific proof that it has an immensely positive impact on decreasing stress, and even fighting depression and anxiety, among many other things.
Beauty sleep is real
Everyone’s skin can benefit from a quality snooze – nothing less than 7-9 hours, as this is the time when the skin replenishes and repairs itself, along with the rest of the body. Needless to say, beauty sleep is a real thing, and it’s even more essential for the special sensitive snowflakes, as their skin is in need of replenishment more than any other. Therefore, make sure that nothing stands in the way between you and your bed, and while on the subject, change your pillowcases regularly. The general dermatological consensus is once a week, but you should disregard the general rule and change your pillowcase twice or even thrice a week. Give it a kind of a trial run and your skin will tell you what it needs.
Finally, avoid brushes, harsh abrasive exfoliators, cleansing cloths as these can be too harsh on your face, and cloths generally contain more bacteria than your face. Simple, gentle washing with your clean hands will suffice, and never rub your skin with a towel when drying it; instead, use gentle patting motions and then proceed with the nourishing and hydrating products.
