Remember that even if you’re super careful, unfortunately, reactions can still happen from time to time. It is generally better to use natural or organic ingredients and products and to always take it slowly with any new product you try out.
If you have sensitive skin, it means your skin is easily irritated and is left feeling sore after being exposed to certain chemicals or the weather. The key to looking after sensitive skin is being gentle, using natural formulas and fewer products. But this doesn’t mean you can’t still have a self-care pamper night every now and again! Read on for our self-care guide to sensitive skin.
Less is More
When it comes to self-care for sensitive skin, less is definitely more. Dermatologists recommend using fewer products, each with fewer ingredients. This is to decrease your chances of suffering from a skin reaction from something in your skin-care regime. A good place to start is by getting a gentle natural or organic sunscreen, cleanser and moisturiser that you know doesn’t irritate your skin.
Avoid Over-Washing or Over-Exfoliating
Try not to over-wash or over-scrub your face. Our skin naturally produces lipids and proteins that act as a protective layer. Too much exfoliation will weaken this protection and will let more potentially harmful chemicals penetrate your skin. Harsh chemicals will only serve to irritate or inflame your skin. Stick to washing your face once a day using plain warm water or a natural, fragrance-free cleanser. Exfoliate no more than once or twice a week using a gentle exfoliant.
Make Changes Slowly
If you are trying out a new product, it is recommended that you introduce it into your routine slowly. For the first few weeks, only use the new item two or three times a week. If there is no irritation or reaction, you can start to increase how much you use it. If you have a bad reaction to something, take a big step back and go back to basics. Cut down to using just one or two essential products, and slowly build up again.
Read the Ingredients List
One of the best ways to manage sensitive skin is by paying attention to the ingredients that trigger reactions and avoid buying new products containing the trigger. Buying products with fewer ingredients will make it easier to identify any potential trigger ingredients. Dermatologists advise that you avoid anything that smells good, as fragrances and dyes are more likely to irritate your skin. Instead, choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products
Always Do a Patch-Test
Before adding a new product to your beauty regime, make sure to do a patch test. Put a small amount of the product on your arm and leave it on overnight. If you wake up the following morning and there hasn’t been a reaction, you can safely apply it to the rest of your body. Never skip this stage, as it can provide you with a clear warning if something is wrong for you.
Have Shorter Showers
Sensitive skin isn’t limited to your face. If you have other areas of sensitive skin, treat everywhere just as gently. Replace long hot showers with shorter showers using warm water. Use fragrance-free bar soap, and don’t over wash. After you have showered, use an occlusive moisturiser or petroleum jelly-based product to seal in the moisture.
How to Keep Sensitive Skin Happy
Remember that even if you’re super careful, unfortunately, reactions can still happen from time to time. It is generally better to use natural or organic ingredients and products and to always take it slowly with any new product you try out.
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