Skin care is serious business. Maintaining good skin health skin is a daunting task. And it becomes all the more difficult for people with sensitive skin. Sensitive is unlike any other skin type. This is because it is totally unpredictable. The only predictable part of it is that it is unable to tolerate any unfavorable conditions and reacts immediately..
Sensitive skin can react adversely to any unfavorable situation. It can be environmental factors or topical contact with foreign particles. The degree of sensitivity can vary from person to person but the fact remains that the skin needs the utmost care and nourishment.
All skin types respond negatively to harsh chemicals and detergents. The skin can tolerate them only so much and beyond that tolerance, damage begins to happen. This tolerance level is extremely low for sensitive skin. TIt causes the skin to show signs of damage at the slightest sign of discomfort. That is why there is an exclusive line of skin care products that cater to the special requirements of sensitive skin. They either contain no irritants, or contain extremely low concentrations of potential irritants.
Here are some tips on how to take care of sensitive skin.
Use Sensitive Skin Care Products
Skin care products that are formulated for sensitive skin contain no or very low concentrations of potential skin irritants. This significantly reduces the chances of any skin reactions and yet provides the core benefits of the products. Read through the instructions and directions to use the products and check for any warnings.
Use Skin Care Products With Minimum Preservatives
While choosing your skin care products from within the sensitive skin care ranges, select the ones that contain the least amount of additives like preservatives, fragrances and colorings. These additives can react adversely with your skin and cause allergies and irritations.
Avoid the Use of Toners
Toners are generally alcohol based and tend to dry the skin. This does not go well with sensitive skin. If you have to use a toner, use one that is alcohol-free.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
The UV radiation of sun is very harmful to the skin and sensitive skin is all the more likely to be damaged by sun exposure. Slather on sunscreen at least 15- 20 minutes before venturing out in the sun and make sure you reapply it every 2-3 hours.
Avoid Exposure to Environmental Pollutants
Environmental pollutants like dust can also take their toll on the skin. When dust particles get accumulated in the skin cells, they tend to clog skin pores and promote acne inflammations and other reactions. Therefore always wear protective clothing when you venture out.
Use Hypoallergenic and Noncomedogenic Skin Care Products
Unless it is mentioned specifically that the products caters to sensitive skin care, look for products that have labels like ‘hypoallergenic’ and ‘noncomedogenic.’ Hypoallergenic means that product would not cause any allergies and Non-comedogenic means the product does not block the skin pores.
Use Soap-Free and Alcohol-Free Skin Care Products
While it is important to keep your face clean and hygienic, you should make sure that the harsh chemicals in the cleansers do not affect your skin adversely. Therefore use soap-free and alcohol-free cleaners.
Avoid Using Scrubs and Exfoliates
Scrubs and exfoliates contain harsh particles that may prove to be too rough for the skin surface, especially so for sensitive skin. It can lead to skin redness and even acne inflammations.
Use Make-Up Removers
Sensitive skin is very susceptible to damage by chemicals and harsh substances. Leaving face make-up on for long periods of time clogs the skin pores and leads to adverse reactions. Therefore, use hypoallergenic make-up removers before going to bed at night.
Some Product Suggestions for Sensitive Skin
The Obagi Nu-Derm System –It is a great anti-aging skin care regimen. It diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and suits normal, oily as well as sensitive skin. It improves the results of skin treatments and makes the skin smooth and radiant.
Obagi Professional C Serum 10 Percent – It contains Vitamin C that neutralizes the free radicals and prevents skin damage due to them. Because of the 10% concentration of Vitamin C, the serum works very well with sensitive skin.
Remergent Microcirculation Therapy – It is an amazing formulation that aids in the nutrient flow to the skin and soothes sensitive skin.
By Marilynn Syrett physician
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