5 Tips to Care for Sensitive Skin
You can feel it before you see it - the redness, dryness, and overall irritation that happens when you have sensitive skin and unknowingly used a product that your skin didn't agree with. You, ideally, give your skin a break, but how do you prevent this in the future aside from avoiding new skin care products altogether?
Here are 5 tips to care for your sensitive skin. Share this article with a friend who could use the guidance as well.
1. Shower in lukewarm water
Little compares to a nice, hot shower, especially early in the morning or during the winter months. But did you know hot water kills off natural oils and bacteria, called skin microbiome, that your skin needs as a protective layer. This barrier helps minimize the risk of breakouts and other skin issues because it protects your skin from the elements.
Additionally, excessive heat causes skin irritation similar to sunburn, which is why you may notice redness and itchiness after hopping out of the shower.
Turn the dial down to shower in lukewarm temperatures and experience added benefits like a boost in your circulation and minimizing pores.
2. Exfoliate regularly
Did you know you lose roughly 1 million skin cells in one day? Which makes using a gentle exfoliator equally as important as cleaning your skin with a mild cleanser. Wash away dead skin consistently to help your holy grail skin care products reach healthy skin cells, instead of penetrating a barrier of old, dead skin.
Sloughing away dead skin will also leave your skin brighter, and smoother, given younger skin is always at the surface. Don't forget to use a gentle, preferably simple, moisturizer to replenish your skin and add a protective barrier against make-up and free radicals that damage skin.
3. Hydrate inside and out
The condition of your skin is often a telltale sign of how healthy your diet is - including how much water you drink on a consistent basis. Drinking water helps flush toxins out of your body that otherwise are absorbed by your system. 2 cups of water a day is enough to increase blood flow to your skin and even out your complexion.
If you have dry skin, using a humidifier will help replenish moisture for your skin. This is not advised if you have oily, or combination skin, because the humidity leaves your pores open and therefore open to airborne bacteria.
Regardless of your skin type, using a gentle, ideally simple, moisturizer on a daily basis will help protect your skin from harmful elements, such as bacteria, heavy make-up, and airborne free radicals.
4. Less is more
Look for skincare products with simpler ingredients - fewer ingredients means fewer substances that your skin may have a negative reaction to. There are a vast number of natural ingredients that are gentle and work hard to help you achieve healthy skin.
Especially avoid products with fragrances and parabens which are common causes of irritation and flare ups. All you need is a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, exfoliator, and sunscreen, with, ideally, natural ingredients that are safe for your skin.
5. Test first, then apply
With your new and improved skin care routine, make sure to test new products on a small area of your skin before applying.
Apply a small amount of every new skin care product to the inside of your wrist or elbow and allow it to sit for 24 hours to ensure your skin is still happy. If you experience any redness, bumps, itching, simply wipe the product away using only cool water then let your skin breathe.
About Pearline's Apothecary
We proudly create 100% natural, handmade, vegan soap in a variety of therapeutic fragrances. Each soap is crafted in small batches to guarantee quality, back to basics with pure skin care products, with attention to detail and a personal touch.
Disclaimer: This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.