The 411 on Caring for Sensitive Skin
Those of us with sensitive skin can understand the frustration with trying new products and switching up our beauty routine only to cause a potential breakout or other skin issue. We just never know what we are going to react to, so just to be on the safe side, here are some tips on taking care of rash-prone skin.–mckenzie harris
The best skin care routine if you have sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you are more likely to have dry, relatively acne-free skin. The best route to take is to wash with a gentle, unscented cleanser formulated for dry skin and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Apply a mild, unscented moisturizer all over your face, always making sure that it contains SPF (15 at the very least) to protect your fragile skin. For occasional pimples or breakouts, apply a spot acne treatment directly on the pimple. Steer clear of products with fragrances, they can lead to irritation for sensitive skin.
The most common skin irritants
Like mentioned above, the more common irritants and allergens are perfumes, dyes, preservatives, and ingredients that give “active products” specific actions — for example, sunscreen agents, foaming ingredients, lightening ingredients or acids.
How to calm irritated skin
Consider immediately ending the use of all products and apply a cool compress of cotton soaked in water. After a few days, try a water and virgin coconut oil, which will balance your skin’s PH level. Once your skin has calmed down, reintroduce one product at a time with at least an interval of three days between each product, and begin with the mildest one. This is an effective way to see which product caused the reaction.
Ingredients to help calm and soothe sensitive skin
Natural ingredients such as propolis, shea butter, bisabolol, allantoin, chamomile, aloe, argan oil and neroli oil all have ultra-healing properties that aide in the skin calming process. The combination of these elements over time helps alleviate skin irritability and desensitizes reactive skin.
