Previous Story
How to Get a Better Handle on Your Sensitive Skin
If you are challenged by sensitive skin, you are definitely not alone. Many people of all ages have this type of complexion and know that it can react to certain ingredients found in skincare, makeup, and other kinds of formulas and treatments. With the proper daily and nightly routines, you can reign in your sensitive complexion and not have to worry about any inflammation, stinging, itchiness, flakiness, or breakouts that can occur. Check out our advice for getting a better handle on your sensitive skin.
Defining Sensitive Skin
If you have a pre-existing condition like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, then you have sensitive skin. Also, a complexion that will not tolerate topical ingredients will tell you right away that you have sensitive skin.
For instance, dermatologists say that redness and irritation will occur quickly if your skin is reacting to certain formulas.
Even your genetic background plays a role. Many people born of Irish, Scottish, English or Scandinavian descent often have sensitive skin that is drier and thinner, and their complexions prefer gentler ingredients to avoid any inflammation and other issues.
Applying Sunscreen Is Key
The strong rays of the sun can produce redness and stinging on sensitive skin, so sunscreen is a daily must. According to skincare experts, every person should be applying their SPF each morning, but sensitive complexions are more vulnerable to inflammation from the powerful UV rays.
Find a sunscreen for sensitive skin. They’re out there, and some come with tinted formulas that you can apply for lighter coverage when you want to skip foundation.
Choosing Your Cleanser
When cleansing your skin, the goal is to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, but when you have a sensitive complexion, you want to avoid irritating the skin’s outer layer.
Some dermatologists recommend washing with lukewarm water because hot is too drying for the skin. Stay away from foaming cleansers because these kinds of formulas often contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which is too harsh for your skin type.
Instead, choose a creamy-textured cleanser that says for sensitive skin on the label. You can even use bar soap with shea butter because its natural super fat content is excellent, nourishing, and gentle for your complexion.
Avoid abrasive exfoliants, also. Many scrubs are too rough on your delicate complexion. There are very gentle peels designed for sensitive skin that will get rid of dead skin cells and clean out your pores without irritation.
Using Modern Skincare Tech
Another fascinating method for getting a handle on your complexion is by trying contemporary high-tech skincare. All you need is your cellphone to submit a photo of your skin problem and have it identified with an instant scan of more than 500 skin diseases via an online skin diagnosis.
It is modern skincare at your fingertips developed by the top dermatologists and can immediately help you analyze and identify your sensitive skin issues easily and accurately.
Adding Topical “C”
Sensitive complexions can benefit from applying topical vitamin C as a step in your daily beauty routine. The skin’s moisture barrier is important for every type of complexion and even more so for sensitive skin.
Vitamin C serum is an excellent antioxidant and has the ability to repair and protect the moisture barrier so that any cracks that are allowing precious moisture to escape can be sealed.
A serum delivers the highest concentration of active ingredients, so that is the best form to use. You will be able to find a topical Vitamin C serum made especially for sensitive skin.
To make your serum effective and gentle on your complexion, New York City dermatologist Dr. Patricia Wexler has some advice:
Apply a C serum that has a pH level of five to six so that your skin can tolerate the formula.
In addition, Wexler recommends mixing your serum into a moisturizer for a gentle delivery or applying a vitamin C-infused moisturizer instead.
Clear, smooth skin is something most of us try hard to maintain. Some ingredients and formulas are not suitable for sensitive skin and can wreak havoc on our complexions. Follow our advice above, and watch your skin transform into the radiant complexion you deserve.
