How To Care For Sensitive Skin

Do you have sensitive skin? Do you often find it hard to care for your skin? Keep reading to find out what you can do for your sensitive skin. 

Sensitive skin is a common condition, but it’s not a disease that you can be diagnosed with. Instead, it’s a symptom of a skin condition, for example, eczema. Having sensitive skin means that you are prone to reactions to different skincare products and also inflammation. You might ask yourself, “what products or tips can I use to care for my sensitive skin?”.

People with sensitive skin often find it hard to get products to use on their skin, and all the skincare routines don’t seem to have a positive effect. In this article, you will learn the products and practices you can use on your sensitive skin. 

How do you know you have sensitive skin?

Even though it is more advisable to consult your dermatologist about your skin type, you can know you have sensitive skin by observing your skin’s reaction. If you often get breakouts, itchiness, and irritation from the products, you are likely to have sensitive skin.

However, sensitive skin can be mistaken for rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis because they have the same symptoms, but it’s a result of the mentioned. So as mentioned earlier, please find out from a dermatologist.

What causes sensitive skin?

Often you might find that your sensitive skin is a result of:

Overly dry skin

When your skin is too dry, it has no moisture or oil. Dry skin can cause sensitive skin because the skin has no fats and water that protect it from drying out. 

Frequent use of cosmetics/industrial skin products.

If you constantly use products on your face, especially cosmetics and products that contain alcohol, you are likely to develop sensitive skin. 

The use of products with fragrances, harsh exfoliants, etc., can cause sensitive skin because they damage the skin layer, and also they drain the skin moisture, and suck out the skin oils. 

Eczema

This is a skin condition that causes inflammation and itching; it affects your skin’s ability to protect you from irritants. Therefore, causing your skin to be  sensitive to different products.

Tips for caring for sensitive skin

Moisturizing

It is essential to moisturize your skin, especially for dried-out skin, to retain the moisture. 

You can use cream-based moisturizers or oils that don’t contain fragrances that can help to lock in the moisture. The body part that is most prone to sensitivity is the face, so it is better if you moisturize your face often. Products you can use are; Cetaphil’s Daily Hydrating Lotion, shea butter, CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. Develop a habit of moisturizing or more of a routine; moisturize at least two times a day.

Avoid using many products on your face, especially products containing many chemicals, makeup products, and fragrant soaps & lotions.

If you apply makeup, make sure you cleanse it out before you go to sleep because sleeping with makeup isn’t good for sensitive skin and might cause breakouts.

Visit your dermatologist regularly.

Do this at least once a month, especially if you have breakouts regularly; they will be able to prescribe the best creams to use on your skin and advise you on taking care of your skin.

Use face masks

Use a calming face mask on your face by adding a mask to your routine to refresh and cleanse out dirt. Apply a mask at least twice a week for about 10-15 minutes. Don’t use masks that have ingredients that may irritate your skin. 

Apply sunscreen

if it’s a hot day and you won’t be able to avoid the sun, try applying sunscreen because it protects you from UVA and UVB rays. When buying sunscreen, be sure to purchase the one for sensitive skin. 

Cold/lukewarm water

Bathe in lukewarm water and hot water will irritate your skin even more and cause redness and inflammation. It is safer to bathe or shower with lukewarm water.

Safe products to use on sensitive skin

If you can get these products, try using them on your skin for treatment of your skin symptoms.

• Neosporin’s Eczema Cream, because it soothes and protects irritated skin.
• Apply primer before applying to make up to clean skin. Try Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer.
• OTC steroid cream containing hydrocortisone (Cortizone 10) can reduce inflammation and soothe itching.

Take away

When you have sensitive skin it can be frustrating because you may not be able to use most products on your face and body but don’t stress, make sure you follow the above tips and you will be guaranteed significant results.

Don’t forget to visit your dermatologist in case symptoms don’t go away.