Sensitive skin is skin that is more reactive than usual. It is easily irritated by the sun, wind, heat, cold, and topical or beauty products.
Sensitive skin can also be triggered by lack of sleep, hormonal imbalance, and air pollution.
When exposed to these triggers, sensitive skin may sting, burn, turn red, break out, develop rashes or dry patches, and simply feel uncomfortable.
Since having sensitive skin makes you prone to uncomfortable and unsightly symptoms, you need to have a well-thought-out skincare routine.
After all, even if you are sensitive to certain facial products, you still need to have a routine to take care of your skin. Otherwise, you will have more problems to worry about in the future.
Taking Care of Your Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, below are the best skincare tips you should follow:
1. Choose products made with natural and simple ingredients.
The most important concept you have to remember when you have sensitive skin is to go for skincare products with more natural ingredients and fewer substances (chemicals) that are too hard to pronounce.
Before buying any product, read the label. Check if the product contains fragrances and paraben preservatives, which can cause flare-ups and irritate sensitive skin. If it does, skip it and look into your other options.
Also, if you have sensitive skin, keep in mind that the shorter the ingredient list, the better.
The more ingredient-packed a formula is, the more likely you will expose your skin to one or more irritants. Because of this, try to look for products with ten or fewer ingredients.
2. Test new products before using them.
Before buying any new skincare product, apply a small amount of the cream, gel cream, or serum you want to buy on a small, discreet spot of skin, such as behind your ear or below the nape of your neck. If you notice some redness or itchiness in the area, skip it.
However, some signs of irritation may take at least 24 hours to appear. Because of this, you will do well to wait until the next day to check the spot you applied the product to.
Do the same if you just bought a new product online. If you see any signs of irritation after 24 hours of application, avoid using it.
If your skin is extremely sensitive, repeat the test on another small area of your skin, such as a spot near your ear hidden by your hair, to ensure it won’t cause any irritation. If you do not experience any irritation, you can use the product with no worries.
3. Always remove your makeup before going to bed.
No matter how tired and sleepy you feel, take a few minutes to remove your makeup thoroughly before hitting the sack.
When you have sensitive skin, your symptoms will be aggravated whenever you leave your makeup on as you sleep.
Use a gentle foaming cleanser formulated for sensitive skin when you wash your skin at night to leave it feeling fresh and clean. Another safe option you can consider is a soap-free cleanser.
When you choose the right cleansing products, you can keep your face clean without irritating it.
4. Avoid over-cleansing and over-exfoliating.
Although keeping your face clean is the most important skincare practice you have to follow when you have sensitive skin, make sure you avoid washing and exfoliating too much.
Stick to washing your face twice a day, in the morning and at night. Doing this more often can cause you to have dry skin, which can aggravate your sensitivity and make you more prone to developing other symptoms.
Although you may be hesitant about including exfoliating in your skincare routine, rethink your decision. Oil, dirt, and makeup residue can aggravate sensitive skin and lead to inflammation, breakouts, and blackheads.
As such, exfoliate weekly to clean your skin deeply. Choose a facial scrub formulated for sensitive skin. These products usually contain natural ingredients and plenty of nutrients, such as pro-vitamin B5 and vitamins C and E.
These ingredients help soften and smoothen your sensitive skin.
When exfoliating, make sure to massage the scrub gently onto your skin using small circular motions. When wiping your face dry, just lightly pat on it or be gentle.
5. Prioritize moisturizing your skin.
Since sensitive skin reacts strongly to harsh elements, you can protect it by following the right moisturizing routine.
Apply moisturizer before stepping out of your home to keep your skin from drying and give it a protective barrier from harmful elements, including humidity, strong wind, and pollution.
At night, use a moisturizer formulated for nighttime use, so that your skin will stay hydrated as you sleep.
When shopping for a moisturizer for sensitive skin, look for simple formulas, particularly one that is non-comedogenic so that it won’t block your pores.
Also, look for a product with ingredients that soothe and hydrate the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and colloidal oatmeal.
Make sure to apply your moisturizer immediately after exfoliating and washing your face to help your skin absorb it quickly and seal in surface moisture.
6. Stay protected from the sun.
If you have sensitive skin, you have to stay protected from the harsh sun rays at all times. If you don’t, you will likely find yourself dealing with more issues related to your skin condition.
Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your delicate skin from harmful UV rays. Moreover, look for one with zinc oxide since it is less likely to cause a skin reaction.
Many moisturizing products also contain SPF. Go with this option if you don’t want to wear a separate sunscreen.
Also, always apply sunscreen whenever you go out, even if the sun is not out or bright.
7. Choose your cosmetic products carefully.
Finally, having sensitive skin doesn’t mean that you can’t wear makeup anymore. As long as you choose the right products, you can get dolled up and look your best for a special event, photoshoot, and every day.
To ensure you use cosmetic products that won’t aggravate your sensitive skin:
- Opt for mineral powder or silicone-based foundation since these are less likely to irritate your skin.
- Use pencil eyeliners instead of liquid ones since the latter usually contains latex, which can irritate the skin.
- Avoid using waterproof mascara since you’ll need a harsh cleanser to remove it.
Lastly, clean all makeup brushes and sponges frequently and replace them every three months.
Having sensitive skin means taking extra precautions as you create and go about your skincare routine and get glammed up.
Also, be open to trying new products and methods so that you can find ones that are more suitable for your skin’s particular needs.