A Sensitive Skin Guide: Everything You Should Know
Skincare is an important part of any routine, but it’s especially important if you have sensitive skin.
If you’ve recently found yourself wondering how to treat a rash on your face or why you're breaking out more often than usual, this post is for you! We'll explain what causes sensitive skin and help guide you through the process of finding the best skincare products for your complexion.
What is sensitive skin a symptom of?
Sensitive skin is not a disorder, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. The most common causes include:
Allergies
Stress and anxiety
Hormonal changes (like puberty or pregnancy)
What is sensitive skin a symptom of?
If you’ve suddenly started to notice a change in your skin, there are lots of potential causes. Here are some of the most common:
Over-exfoliation:
Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells, but if you do it too often or use products with harsh ingredients, it can irritate your sensitive skin and cause redness, breakouts and more damage.
Over-cleansing:
While exfoliating removes dead cells from the surface level of your skin, cleansing removes dirt and oil from deep within pores. If you cleanse too much or with harsh products that strip away moisture from the surface level of your face then this can be irritating for sensitive complexions too (especially if they already have dry patches).
Too much sun exposure!
Your skin is exposed every day whether on holiday or just walking down the street (even if it’s cloudy), so try to avoid over-exposure during daylight hours as much as possible by wearing sunscreen with SPF30+ when going outdoors.
Does skin get more sensitive with age?
Skin gets thinner as you age.
As skin gets older, it becomes drier and less elastic. This can make it more prone to pigmentation or wrinkles.
What are the ingredients to avoid for sensitive skin?
While you're looking for good skincare and makeup products for sensitive skin, keep in mind that there are some ingredients to avoid. Here are some of the big ones:
Parabens:
This preservative can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Watch out for it on labels!
Fragrances:
If a product smells strongly or sweetly, it may contain fragrances (which can cause allergic reactions) or chemicals like phthalates (which have been linked to reproductive issues). Look for ingredient lists that include natural scents like lavender or jasmine instead of perfume-y words like "floral" or "oriental."
Alcohol:
This ingredient dries out your skin so it produces more oil—which makes you feel greasy—and increases sensitivity over time. It's best to avoid alcohol-based products altogether. You'll also see several different names for alcohol on labels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol and SD alcohol 40B (to name just a few).
What is the best skincare routine for people with sensitive skin?
Use a mild cleanser and moisturiser.
Choose products that have been tested on people with sensitive skin, or those that are made specifically for sensitive skin.
If you wear makeup, look for makeup that has been tested on people with sensitive skin (and isn’t tested on animals!).
If possible, choose a product without artificial coloring ingredients like FD&C Blue 1 Lake CI 42090/CI 42090; this is an ingredient commonly used in artificial food dyes but can also cause irritation when applied topically to the skin.
How to get rid of sensitive skin?
There are some easy ways to help your skin with its sensitivity.
You can start by using mild cleansers and moisturisers in order to avoid irritating it further. Avoiding products with alcohol, perfumes, and dyes is also important because these ingredients can irritate the skin as well.
Finally, try not using products that are too oily or too drying on your face. If you're unsure which kind works best for you then try different types until you find something that helps clear up any symptoms while still being gentle enough not to cause flare-ups later down the road!
Is Natural Skincare best for Sensitive Skin?
If you have sensitive skin, you know it can be difficult to find products that work for your skin type. The good news is that there are plenty of natural skincare options available.
Natural skincare products are made with ingredients that come from nature, rather than chemicals or preservatives. They offer a wide range of benefits for sensitive skin, including:
Reduced irritation
Decreased redness
Lessened itching and burning sensations
Natural moisturising agents help keep skin hydrated and soft, while anti-inflammatory ingredients can reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation. Some common natural ingredients include aloe vera, Kakadu Plum, Hemp extract, Acai Berries and Green Tea.
It is important to take good care of your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
By following a few simple tips and keeping track of what products your skin reacts to, you can avoid breakouts or irritation that may lead to more serious issues in the future.
