We all love our skin and want it to glow as bright as it can. We all hate any kind of spots or irritations on our skin. And most of us get our desired skin results by putting in the effort. But yet, some of us suffer from irritations, allergies, and other skin-related issues even after working so hard for our skin’s wellbeing. These irritations are sometimes caused due to reasons as small as trying a new skin product or getting in touch with some dust. If you experience this problem, then, you have sensitive skin. However, we have good news for you. Sensitive skin is no big deal. It is very easy to deal with it if you know everything about it.
What is sensitive skin?
First of all, sensitive skin is not a disease or a major disorder. It is just a skin condition that is caused if the protective layer of your skin gets damaged or weak due to certain reasons.
A damaged protective layer makes our skin more prone and delicate towards skin products, dust, dirt, pollution, or any other outdoor factor. Other than a damaged protective layer, sensitive skin can also be a result of any of your medical issues. Many medical conditions result in sensitive skin.
Signs of sensitive skin!
Sensitive skin is a problem that has very individual effects on every person. It is very difficult to talk about a common sign or symptom of sensitive skin. The reason for your skin being sensitive, medical history, living conditions, and much more, there are thousands of factors that affect the symptoms of your sensitive skin. However, there are a few most common symptoms that are noticeable in every victim of sensitive skin. Some of these are-
- Experiencing redness, red spots, red rashes, etc.
- Itchy skin after using certain or any product
- Over reactive skin whenever you use a skin product, perfumes, deodorants, dyes, etc.
- Stinging, burning sensation, easy sunburns, random and excessive breakouts, etc.
How to deal with sensitive skin?
1. Basic skincare routine.
First and foremost, it is important to follow the basic skincare routines whether you have sensitive skin or not.
When we talk about a basic skincare routine, it includes the CTM process. Make sure you cleanse your skin at least twice a day. Cleansing removes dirt, dust, or any other unwanted particles that might have accumulated on your skin and can irritate. After proper cleansing, make sure to use a toner and a moisturizer that suits your skin. Skipping toner and moisturizer makes your skin dry and leads to problems.
2. Eat well!
According to dermatologists, it is very important to have a healthy and balanced diet. What you eat matters a lot. A bad diet plan is responsible for most of your health issues including skin problems.
Consume antioxidant-rich food items. Vitamins A, C, and E are very good for your skin and body. Eat salads, fruits, dry fruits, etc. Drink detox water throughout the day to clean your body internally.
Always remember, only an internally clean body can glow on the outside.
3. Study your skin
As we discussed earlier, sensitive skin is caused or reacts the most when it comes in contact with certain products. Now, these products that trigger reactions in sensitive skin vary from person to person. Each person and their skin is allergic or prone to allergy with a different component.
Study your skin. Pay attention to what triggers adverse reactions on your skin and avoid these products.
In case there is something that causes irritation but can’t be ignored, asks your dermatologist for a substitute of the same that suits your skin type.
4. Choose products carefully!
Choose your skincare products very carefully. From cleansers to moisturizers and makeup products, everything needs to be suitable for your skin type.
Avoid harsh chemical products, fragranced products, excessive soapy products, and alcohol-based products. Always read the label or the ingredient list of every product that you buy. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly before applying any product to your face.
5. Protect your skin from the sun.
Whenever you step out of your house, assure that you have applied sunscreen. Sensitive skin is prone to get easily sunburnt and can show effects like rashes, bumps, burning sensation, etc.
So, using good sunscreen can save you from many problems. But, don’t forget to opt for a sunscreen that is suitable for sensitive skin types.
6. Exfoliation
Exfoliation or what we generally say, scrubbing is also an important step for skincare. It removes all the dust, dirt, and other unwanted particles that get stuck on our skin. Other than that, scrubbing removes dead skin from our face making it glow brighter.
So make sure you use a scrub at least once a week. But, when using a scrub don’t forget that you have sensitive skin. Do it very gently and carefully. Use a mild exfoliator that is suitable for sensitive skin types.
7. Limit hot water exposure
Who doesn’t enjoy a hot water bath especially after a long tiring day or a cold day? But, exposing your skin for too long to hot water is not a good idea if you have sensitive skin. Too much hot water can pull out all the moisture from your skin and make it dry. Eventually, dry skin will increase your problems related to itchiness, redness, etc.
So, it’s okay to enjoy a hot water bath but don’t exceed it for more than a few minutes. The prolonged exposure to hot water can also strip away the skin’s natural protective oils, leaving it vulnerable to external irritants. This can lead to a compromised skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to repair itself and maintain its natural balance. Over time, this can contribute to premature aging, as the skin loses its elasticity and ability to retain moisture.
8. Cover your hands!
Extra scented or soapy products are not made for sensitive skin types. Soap and fragrances lead to increased discomfort and irritation in the case of sensitive skin.
So, whenever washing or cleansing the floor, utensils, or anything, make sure to wear a long pair of safety gloves to protect your hands. Gloves will stop the soap to come in contact with your skin and hence, save you from further discomfort.
9.Be prepared when stepping outdoors!
When you step out of your home sweet home, sun rays are not the only thing you should worry about. The dust, dirt, and pollution out there are also very dangerous for you.
Try to cover yourself up if you think that you will be spending a lot of time in the open environment. Use scarves, hand gloves, and socks if needed.
Also, be up to date with the weather. If you think it is going to rain make sure you carry an umbrella or a raincoat with you. In the case of winters, layer yourself up properly to avoid dry skin.
10. Keep your skin hydrated
Only moisturizing your face is not going to work. You need to keep your overall body moisturized. Whenever you step out of the washroom after taking a nice bath and removing all the dirt, don’t forget to apply moisturizer all over your body.
Use a less scented or non-fragrance moisturizer to keep irritation away.
11. Drink water adequately!
Water makes up more than half of our body weight. This is evident in how much importance it has in our well-being. A dehydrated body displays a lot of problems. So, make sure you drink as much water as required to keep your body hydrated. The more water you drink, the more glow there will be on your skin.
12. Wish your skin a good night!
At night, when we go to bed our body goes to rest for seven to eight hours. It is important to keep your skin a healthy night routine so that it sleeps well and wakes up healthy and happy.
Moisturize your skin well before sleeping. It is best if you do it with natural oils like coconut oil which are not chemical-based and will provide your skin a natural bliss.
13. Go organic!
Natural ingredients have always been our favorite when it comes to healthy skin. Natural products become a much better option when it is about sensitive skin.
Try to avoid chemical products as much as you can and switch to natural ones. Honey, aloe vera, curd, turmeric, etc. there are so many options that you can look into then why indulge in a chemical product.
14. Keep in touch with your dermatologist
Stay in touch with your dermatologist. If you are not able to find good products suitable for your skin or you are finding difficulty in narrowing down what components are irritating to your skin, seek your dermatologist. It is always a good option to see a professional in case of any problem instead of juggling alone.
