A lot of people complain that they have sensitive skin, whether they suffer from breakouts, redness and itchiness, and so on. The issue with sensitive skin is that it can be difficult to find the right treatment for it, and one thing that exacerbates the issue is that we tend to treat sensitive skin much too harshly and aggressively when we should be doing the opposite. Your skin can quickly become overwhelmed with a plethora of different products, and did you know that the average female uses about 12 skincare products every single day? This can hardly be a good solution, especially if your skin is sensitive. So how can you then take proper care of your sensitive skin? Let’s find out.
If you suffer from red skin blotches
If you suffer from red skin blotches, you may have rosacea, particularly if the blotches (which are clotted blood vessels) appear on your nose, chin, and cheeks. The blotchiness can also show as bumps or oil glands that appear enlarged. If you have this condition or suffer from blotches, you should look for ingredients that are soap-free, which can also act as anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as algae and liquorice. Stay away from harsh facial treatments and microdermabrasion or chemical peels, and avoid skin care products which are acidic. You may also change your diet and avoid spicy foods whilst consuming foods that have a lot of probiotics, such as yoghurt.
If you have allergic reactions
Some of us suffer from allergic reactions, which can be immediate – and this means that the body is responding to something that doesn’t agree with it. If your skin flares up constantly, this may be caused by abnormalities in the barrier function of the skin. You can ease your symptoms with milk compresses; simply soak a piece of soft cloth in a combination of milk and warm water and place it on the irritated spot. You can also use cortisone cream and aloe.
If your skin is super dry
Dry skin can make your face feel extra tight and give it a sandpapery, rough texture. This means that the skin is dehydrated and it lacks water. Dry skin can also be caused by the weather, your diet, or the skincare products you are using. If a product has too much alcohol, for example, this can result in dry skin. If you are used to washing and cleansing your face two times a day, perhaps you can just do it in the evening using a gentle cleanser. Your skincare routine should also be simple, so stay away from toners, astringents, and other products that may have alcohol. Don’t try to scrub dry flakes away, either, as exfoliants can simply make the problem worse. You can, instead, make use of a hydrating cream, such as SkinCeuticals creams and emollients; be generous with them too, and apply them two or three times a day. You can also make use of masques, applying them once every week, so your skin feels extra hydrated.
The thing is, sensitive skin doesn’t have to be your issue for life – it can be dealt with using the right products and the proper routine. Make sure the products you choose are made with the best ingredients and consult with your dermatologist regarding what ingredients to avoid.
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