Every woman wishes to have beautiful, smooth, and healthy skin. However, it is usually quite difficult for women with sensitive skin to make this wish come true. But, how can you know if you have sensitive skin? People with sensitive skin tend to experience numerous challenges. Their skin might react badly to artificial colors, soap, alcohol, parabens (preservatives), dyes, fragrance, and chemicals in cosmetics. It can also get quickly tanned or burned when out in the so and the skin can develop fine lines and premature wrinkles.
Basically, people who experience irritant or allergic skin reactions to skin care products or makeup are people with genetic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, lupus, and rosacea. Sometimes, you may think you have sensitive skin, only to realize your skin is fine and reacting only because you are using cosmetics excessively. Therefore, it is important to establish what could be the problem behind the reactions and flare-ups so you can solve the problem effectively.
These challenges make it extremely hard to find the right skincare products that work for you. If you are struggling with a sensitive skin problem, worry no more. Here are twelve effective tips to help you find the right skincare products to help you maintain your skin’s beauty like everyone else.
- Test a product first before using it
Before using a new product, test it on a small hidden section of your skin, like on your hand or behind your year. Observe the area for 24 hours to see whether it will show signs of redness, irritation, and other skin issues. If your skin is extremely sensitive, repeat the test on an area near your rye. If nothing bad happens, you are free to apply the product anywhere on your skin.
- Moisturize, moisturize
Sensitive skin is highly susceptible to the elements. Therefore, it needs a correctly-done skincare routine. Religiously moisturize in the morning and at night. This will prevent your skin from losing water and block it from pollutants in the atmosphere daily.
- Always wear sunscreen
Sensitive skin is usually too sensitive to the sun. Therefore, you must apply sunscreen with SFP of at least 30 daily. Choose sunscreens containing physically active ingredients like titanium dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Such sunscreens have a lower possibility of causing a reaction than octinoxate, octylcrylene and oxybenzone. For added protection, invest in a moisturizer with SPF and use it daily.
- Be careful when using cosmetics
Even with sensitive skin, you can still enhance your beauty with cosmetics and feel good about yourself. However, there are a few things you need to observe to ensure your sensitive skin does not become irritated and break out with pimples or react any other way. Throw away old cosmetics since they become contaminated as time passes. Always remember to clean your brushes often, and use pencil eyeliner instead of liquid because the liquid form has latex which may react with your skin. Steer clear of waterproof mascara since they need concentrated cleansers to remove, and use a silicone-based foundation or mineral powder to reduce the chances of irritation.
- Drink a lot of water and moisturize your skin
If you have sensitive skin, hydration is essential. It will help your skin feel clean and relaxed. Moisturize it twice daily as you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. When you moisturize it, use a product that is suitable for your skin, if possible organic. Nowadays, many cosmetic companies are producing moisturizing creams meant for sensitive skin. Choose such creams.
- Bathe using lukewarm water
Sensitive skin can be adversely affected by too much heat. Therefore, do not take very hot showers; always use lukewarm water when washing your face.
- Be gentle with your skin
Most of us are too rough when cleansing. Probably it’s because you are in a hurry to remove the makeup, shower, and sleep after a long day. Vigorous rubbing and drying are not good for sensitive skin. The Best thing to do is to spend more time cleansing and be gentler on our skin. Soak a cotton pad in an eye makeup cleanser and place it on your eye for more time. This way, it will dissolve the makeup and remove it easily.
- Never sleep with makeup on
As we had mentioned earlier, removing makeup is not everyone’s cup of tea, and it is usually very tempting to hit the sack with our makeup on. However, you must have heard numerous times that it is not good for your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. An excellent cleanser can help ensure your skin stays fresh and clean when your day ends. You can use a cleanser that foams gently, and if your skin tends to feel tight after using a foaming cleanser, opt for a foamless cleanser that will keep your skin hydrated.
- Scrutinize Labels
Sensitive skin reacts to cosmetics with artificial colors and fragrances. So, it will be prudent that you avoid cosmetics with these two ingredients. Look for cosmetics with labels saying “No artificial colors” or “Fragrance free”. Other skin boosters can react with your skin, including alpha hydroxyl acids, vitamin C and retinol. You don’t need to avoid such ingredients entirely. Try to use them in moderation. Fortunately, cosmetics also contain calming and soothing ingredients, which are great for sensitive skin. These include bakuchiol, green tea extracts, squalane, rose hip oil, algae, and oatmeal. If you want to use a toner, choose one with ingredients such as chamomile extract, aloe vera, rose water, and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, the best moisturizer for your skin is the one with occlusive formulas, meaning they work by helping the skin retain its moisture.
- Avoid pollution
Pollution is one of the causes of a flare-up in sensitive skin, and it could even result in worse skin problems. This is why it is important to wash your face regularly, and during the day, if you have no access to an area where you can wash your face with water, use cleansing wipes to clean your face. You should do this, especially if you work in an urban area where the air is usually saturated with pollutants. Think of all the exhaust fumes from cars or smoke from factories.
- Observe a proper diet and be careful what you eat
You must have heard or read somewhere that you are what you eat. If you want bright and clear skin, you must eat healthily. Eating healthy foods removes toxins from your body and gives you radiant skin. Eat fresh juices and drink plenty of water, as we mentioned earlier. Avoid the foods that cause your skin to flare up.
- Use few products at any given moment and only buy those with few ingredients
When buying cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen, go for the ones which are gentle and have few products to lower the likelihood of a skin reaction. Some of the cleansers that have few ingredients and are gently hence perfect for sensitive skin include Neutrogena Gentle Cleanser and Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser.
Conclusion
Having sensitive skin should not prevent you from looking your best or taking advantage of the beauty products available on the market. You need to know what irritants to avoid when buying beauty products, and you will be good to go. Claim your beauty today!
