You may be one of those people who constantly have bad reactions to anything new, or even worse, have unpredictable reactions, leaving you totally confused as to how to deal with your skin problems.
Skin that has been compromised, is susceptible to irritants that can cause inflammation, so whilst the following suggestions may not completely get rid of skin sensitivity, they may help to minimise them.
1. Less is more
People who are experiencing sensitive skin need to keep things simple. Keep to products that have been specifically designed for sensitive skin. You’ll need nothing more than a mild cleanser, a calming cream, and SPF protection.
2. Test first
If you are sensitive, it’s always best to test any new product in an area that is inconspicuous first. Try it behind your ear, or in the crease of your arm. Give it 24 hours, and if you have no reaction, you should be good to go.
If you’re hypersensitive, give it a second test in a different spot like next to your eye, or on your cheek. If it’s all clear after 24 hours, you should be ok to be liberal with the product.
3. Moisturising is critical
When your skins barrier has been compromised, it may appear to be dry and flakey which is why it’s so important to use a cream specially designed to help retain moisture, and contains ingredients to build up the skin’s barrier. It’s important to build up this barrier to protect it from environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. Using the right product morning and night will reduce irritation, and ultimately lead to soft, smooth skin.
4. Don’t forget your sunscreen
Irritated skin can often be aggravated by the sun’s rays which is why it’s so important to wear products that contain UV protection all year around. Try to pick products that create a physical barrier with ingredients that are less likely to cause a reaction such as titanium dioxide, rather than ingredients that create a chemical barrier, as they are more likely to aggravate the skin.
5. Choose your make-up wisely
Check the ingredients on your make-up to make sure it won’t irritate your skin, and that it doesn’t contain preservatives and artificial dyes. Avoid using products that require harsh cleansers to remove it, and make sure you replenish old cosmetics with fresh ones, as they can become contaminated over time.
Bottom line, be patient with your skin, and give it a chance to heal and settle by using a range of products designed specifically for sensitive skin.
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