At some point or another, almost everyone can expect to have an allergic reaction to a skincare product or some specific ingredient. And while isolated incidents are usually never a cause for concern, persistent reactions, however, are a clear sign of sensitive skin.
Sensitive skin is a pretty broad term covering a range of conditions, including rosacea, eczema, and allergies. Although the symptoms of a flare-up can vary, they tend to include burning, itching redness, bumps, breakouts, and even peeling. Frequent flare-ups can be pretty uncomfortable, not to mention frustrating.
The good news is there are things you can do to keep your skin calm and comfortable. Ahead you’ll find some helpful tips for taking care of your sensitive skin.
Use A Gentle Cleanser
Daily cleansing tends to exacerbate irritation, so using a gentle cleanser is crucial. For those with sensitive skin, the best cleansers are strong enough to remove dirt, oil, and makeup but gentle enough to work without stripping your skin or causing further irritation. Instead of harsh cleansers, choose a soap-free, fragrance-free option like Cerave’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Formulated with hyaluronic acid that helps retain your skin’s moisture, this cleanser is developed with dermatologists (and therefore frequently recommended by them as well).
Mind The Ingredients In Your Moisturizer
Not only do moisturizers hydrate and soften your skin, they can also protect sensitive skin and calm irritation. In this case, be sure to choose a moisturizer that’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin and steer clear of fragrances. Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming moisturizer might be a good bet. Infused with feverfew and oat, this moisturizer calms irritated skin and reduces redness. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and even protects your skin from damaging UV rays with SPF 15.
Avoid Common Irritants
Itching, redness, and irritation are often a result of your skin’s exposure to certain triggers. To keep your skin calm and reduce the frequency of flare-ups, pay attention to the ingredients on the products you use, figure out what’s causing the problem, and do your best to avoid these triggers altogether.
Limit Sun Exposure
While limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen is important for all skin types, those with sensitive skin should take extra precautions to keep their exposure to a minimum. Try to stay out of the sun during peak hours (10 am to 2 pm), and be sure to use sunscreen every day— even when it’s cloudy and overcast.
Avoid Hot Showers
Hot showers are always nice, and there’s really no comparison to one on a cold winter day. But unfortunately, hot showers can aggravate sensitive skin by stripping away precious oils. To keep your skin happy, turn down the temperature, and try a lukewarm shower instead.
Sensitive skin looks different for everyone, and just like other skincare issues, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While you can’t change your skin or how it reacts to certain products, using gentle skin care products, steering clear of known triggers, and keeping sun exposure to a minimum are always a way to keep your skin calm and irritation down to a minimum.
