This entry was posted on Sunday, April 4th, 2010 at 8:51 pm and is filed under Sensitive Skin, Skin Type. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Caring for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is one of the most challenging skin types to manage. Individuals with sensitive or reactive skin are easily irritated with the chemical components usually found in most skin care products, cosmetics and household cleaners. Researchers think that increased skin sensitivity might be genetically linked and is greatly influenced by the environment. Moreover, certain routines, such as shaving and waxing, the intake of certain medications and stress can cause skin reactions in people with sensitive skin.
Sensitive skin is manifested with redness, itchiness and swelling. Frequently, a tingling or burning sensation of the skin is reported. It easily gets dry with reduced tolerance to changes in temperatures and humidity. Without appropriate care, sensitive skin could result in many complications, such as infections. Thus, if you frequently experience skin inflammatory reactions every time you try on a new make up or use a skin care product, you must first consult your physician. If it has been established that you have sensitive skin, adhere to the following suggestions for an allergy-free skin:
• Before using any skin product, apply a small amount on one area of your face, such as along the jawline, and observe for any sign of skin inflammation. A wrist test might not be an accurate indicator since it is not as sensitive as the skin on your face. Moreover, it is best to minimize the use of skin care products, most especially on your face.
• Choose mild cleansers and toners that are alcohol or benzoyl peroxide-free. These chemical compounds might be too irritating to your skin. The use of skin exfoliants is discouraged.
• Avoid over-washing your face. Washing in the morning and before sleeping using a soft and smooth washcloth is sufficient. Toning is recommended once a day.
• Choose your make-up well. Use make-up and facial moisturizers that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Avail yourself of oil-free, mineralized and water-based cosmetic products since they could greatly reduce your risk for skin allergies, making them the best option for your skin.
• Regularly wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to adequately protect your skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. It can prevent sunburns and the development of skin tumors. Only apply sufficient amounts of sunscreen since its over application can result in skin irritation. A natural sunscreen, such as the aloe vera gel, can be a good alternative if you are allergic to the synthetic ones.
• Skin allergies are frequently caused by the foods that you eat. Thus, it is recommended to list the foods that cause the breakout of skin allergies, and avoid them. If a skin reaction occurs within 1 to 2 hours after your last meal, jot the foods that you’ve just eaten and reintroduce them one at a time in your diet to determine which specific food caused your allergies. Eat fruits and vegetables, and drink at eight glasses of water a day to flush out the toxins in your system.
• If you have acne breakouts, facial cleansers that contain salicylic acid are recommended to shed the skin debris and remove the plugged materials in the skin pores.
