Caring for sensitive skin is an extremely meticulous process. Sensitive skin means that the epidermis and facial tissue is fragile, so it is more delicate and can react badly to exposure to weather, chemicals and even fragrances. If you suffer from sensitive skin, here are eight basic skincare tips that’ll teach you how to care and maintain a healthy complexion.
1. Know What You’re Putting On Your Face
When it comes to protecting your skin, it’s best to read the labels and know what your skin is allergic to. Look for hypoallergenic products with Vitamin E or Pro-Vitamin B5. Natural ingredients you should opt for are aloe vera, camomile, coconut oil, and canola oil-based products. These ingredients are gentle and do no cause flare-ups on sensitive skin.
Here’s a list of common chemicals you should avoid:
- Acetone
- Alcohol
- Witch hazel
- Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid)
- Benzoic acid
- Bronopol
- Cinnamic acid compounds
- Dowicil 200
- Formaldehyde
- Lactic acid
- Propylene glycol
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Sorbic acid
- Urea
- Vitamin C
2. Practice the Art of Patch-Testing
It’s important to test new products before applying it liberally on to your skin. Start with a small patch test on your skin at least 48 hours before using to see if it causes redness or irritation. This is especially important when trying out new hair products,
3. Exfoliate with Care
How you treat your skin should be the first thing you should work on when caring for sensitive skin. Avoid scrubbing your skin often, and when removing your make-up, use a formula that made specifically for sensitive skin. When it comes to exfoliating, apply your facial wash on a cleansing pad and gently massage on your skin.
(Sephora Collection Precision Pore Cleansing Pad, Available at Sephora Malaysia)
4. Use a Gentle Moisturizer
Moisturizing is so important for sensitive skin to avoid it from drying out. Try out a few moisturizers to find the right one that feels good on your skin.
5. Moisturize From the Inside
You’re able to care for your skin by watching what you eat. Stick to a diet that contains oily fish, vegetables, fruit and nuts, and drink plenty of water as it keeps your skin hydrated while flushing out of your toxins.
6. Never Skip Sun Protection
Anyone with sensitive skin will know just how dangerous sun exposure can be if you have sensitive skin. You’ll need a minimum of SPF15 , so whether it’s just a quick stop at the supermarket or some fun in the sun, some sun protection is ideal.
(Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF30, Available in Dermalogica Pods in Pavilion and KLCC)
7. Avoid Hot Water
If your cleansing regimen involves hot water, you need to switch to cool or luke warm water immediately. Hot water removes the natural oils on your skin while stripping away moisture from your skin. If you’re in the shower, limit your time in hot water to a maximum of 10 minutes.
8. Change Your Lifestyle
Hot water is not the only thing your skin should worry about. Your lifestyle can affect the health of your skin. Stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to heat can easily cause your skin to flare-up, so remember to have an early night in and find ways to relax your mind and body. Smoking can also damage your skin, so if you do smoke, you might want to start cutting down.
