The best skin care routine for sensitive skin
Navigating sensitive skin can be difficult — it’s easily irritable and frequently suffers from symptoms such as dryness or itchiness . It’s also difficult to pinpoint what is causing your skin’s sensitivity, as it could be hereditary, a side effect of the environment you live in, or a testament to your diet. With sensitive skin the most important step is recognizing that it reacts more easily to external influences. If you think that you have sensitive skin you can easily care for your skin, you just need to know what it needs. Here are the steps you should be taking for healthy looking and happy skin:
1. Be Consistent
Keep your skin care simple and commit to products long-term. Have you found something you like? Stick with it and consider buying other products of the same skin care line. Just make sure you don’t overdo it. Cleansing once a day and moisturizing is usually all that sensitive skin needs.
2. Be Gentle, not Abrasive
Yes, many people rave about the power of intense scrubs and exfoliating brushes but if you have sensitive skin, they can cause irritation and inflammation. Exfoliating is a crucial component of skin care but if you’re looking to get rid of dead skin cells aim for more gentle liquid scrub rather than the harsh effect of a brush or a product with harsh scrubbing particles. Definitely steer clear of scrubs containing crystals or shells as these are damaging to your skin. Lastly exfoliate no more than once a week.
3. Don’t Wash Your Face Two Times a Day
When your skin comes in contact with water it will invariable become drier than if it does not. Unfortunately dryness affects the barrier your skin has between the outside world and your face. Once it’s vulnerable is more likely to break out. Limit washing your face with water to once a day and if you absolutely must cleanse it more than that use wipes for sensitive skin.
3. Know Your Ingredients
With sensitive skin there are certain ingredients that trigger adverse reactions in your skin. Everyone’s skin is different, but chemicals such as acids and alcohol can cause irritation. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to find out which ingredients are on your no-go list and then steer of them when you purchase products.
4. Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Sunscreen is always an absolute must for all skin types but especially for sensitive skin. Your best bet will be to buy non-comedogenic and fragrance-free SPF which is less likely to irritate your skin. Pick an SPF 15 to make sure you’re protected from the sun and your skin is less likely to break out once you get back into the shade.
5. Keep it Neutral Fragrance and Color-Wise
As mentioned in the point above, your sensitive skin and fragrance are not friends. It’s tempting to use exquisitely-scented, colorful products but your skin will thank you later for steering clear of them. Sensitive skin is more vulnerable to allergens in fragrance which combined with skin-stripping soap is a recipe for disaster for your skin.
6. Switch it up for Each Season
Sensitive skin is easily be affected by temperatures and climates — what worked for you in the summer may wreak absolute havoc on your skin in winter. Moisturizer plays an important factor in your skin’s health especially in the winter. Cold temperatures can cause your skin to flake and feel tight, while spending time indoors means lots of dry air; also a situation that’s incompatible with sensitive skin. Make sure to give your skin added hydration and suppleness by keeping it moisturized. And as we mentioned earlier, all throughout the year SPF is crucial to protect you from the sun’s rays and also prevent additional dryness from sun exposure.
7. Watch Your Diet
There are many natural anti-inflammatory spices that can greatly decrease your chances of a skin flare-up. The most notable ones are turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper and they also happen to be pretty common and more importantly, delicious. Add them to your meals for a more flavorful dining experience and the side effect of healthy skin.
