Having sensitive skin means that you are indeed a bit of a risk taker every time you apply something on your face.
Most products that claim to solve the problem often aggravate it and the skin becomes red,
irritated or has acne like pimples. It is annoying and tiring and if someone decides one day, that they have had enough,
and stops, it would not be surprising at all. So, is it a big no you can not have a proper skincare routine
when you have skin that gets easily irritable? Actually, to be precise, routine is even more important
than ever it was before all this mess started. Here’s what we can do: To dissect that problem and understand
how to construct a skin care regimen that’s tailor-made for your specific skin type.
Finding the Right Products for Sensitive Skin
The problem with sensitive skin is that it is sensitive to every single thing. Anything from using commercial products with strong chemicals and fragrances or applying the wrong kind of moisturizer can trigger our skin to itch and become red, or even worse. Having tried numerous products due to skin sensitivity many people end up spending lots of money and still suffer from break outs.
Some common triggers for sensitive skin include:
Fragrances: Even natural perfumes or synthetic ones may lead to this problem.
Harsh chemicals: Things such as alcohol, sulfates and parabens commonly recognise the skin and cause a reaction.
Over-exfoliation: Exfoliating can also harm the skin since it removes its outer layer leaving it more prone to other problems.
Strong active ingredients: Moisturizers, Retinol, Vitamin C, and other strong components can sometimes harm your skin if applied improperly.
A Simple, Effective Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin
Developing a routine for sensitive skin does not have to call for a lot of steps. If anything, it should be as simple as possible! Allow me to provide you with an easy skin care procedure that will not aggravate your skin.
1. Gentle Cleanser
In the ethic of any kind of skin care regimen, there is nothing more significant than having a proper cleanser. Specifically for an individual with sensitive skin, you don’t want a soap that has fragrance and more so one that is overly harsh that it can dry your skin to almost no oil content. Choose skincare products that say they are gentle on the skin and avoid products containing sulphates and alcohol.
Tip: Do not use soaps that foam a lot, because they will only make your skin dry. In place of them, get the cream or gelly based cleansers, if available.
Try: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
2. Hydrating Toner or Mist
Toners are used as a problematic product for sensitive skins, but, in fact, if properly selected, they will help calm down the skin. Applying toner after washing face with warm water will help it balance the skin and fade the redness if aloe Vera or rose water is used.
Tip: It’s important not to apply toners that contain alcohol or other aggressive and astringent substances.
Try: Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray or Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner.
3. Moisturizer
In my opinion, the best moisturizer should be used on sensitive skin. Choose a product that doesn’t contain scents, colors, or harsh chemicals like alcohol. Cosmetics slike ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid which will not only replenish the skin but will not make the skin products more congested and lead to acne or redness.
Tip: In addition, to rejuvenate the skin in the night, use a heavier cream during the night than you do in the day.
Try: Aqua cream CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion.
4. Sunscreen
Nobody wants their skin to be damaged by the sun – and it’s even more important for sensitive skin. Regrettably, numerous creams formulated for the purpose are known to trigger skin sensitivity. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide should be used because they are less likely to cause skin reactions than chemical ones.
Tip: Choose those that are labelled ‘for sensitive skin’ and don’t contain any added fragrance.
Try: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Protect, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50.
5. Soothing Serum (Optional)
If you have a problem with redness or skin irritation, including a serum that contains those ingredients to your skincare routine will be beneficial. Seek for serums containing components such as niacinamide, green tea extract, chamomile and so on, for these soothes inflammation without worsening the skin condition.
Tip: Don’t use elements such as retinol or acids to your skin if you don’t know how your skin will respond.
Try: Paula’s Choice Calm Repairing Serum or The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
6. Patch Test Everything
Skin which is sensitive should be taken through gradual process of acclimatization to any new products. This product should always be patch tested on a small area first such as on your wrist or behind the ear before applying it on the face. Make sure to avoid any irritation to the skin and if any redness still occurs wait for 24-48 hours at least. This extra step can indeed save a lot of bother!
