People suffering from sensitive skin often have adverse reactions when using products that contain various elements such as fragrances, dyes, and chemicals. Others may also get irritation or rashes due to friction or clothing. Those with sensitive skin are also advised to see a skin specialist or dermatologist as this is typically a symptom of an underlying condition.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to soothe irritated skin or even avoid potential triggers. Read on to find out our favorite wellness habits that can help you take care of your skin prone to irritation and inflammation.
1. Identify the triggers
According to skin specialists, identifying the triggers is the best way to manage sensitive skin. Among the most common irritants include preservatives, dyes, and fragrances. If it smells good, it’s likely bad for the skin. Choose products that do not contain parabens and dyes or are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. You can undergo skin patch testing to identify the particular substances that cause irritation or inflammation.
Apart from that, bear in mind certain types of food can trigger allergic skin conditions like eczema. Common food that causes allergies or have hidden triggers includes eggs, peanuts, milk (usually in kids), soy, wheat, and shellfish (typically in adults). You can also undergo a skin prick or food allergy test to determine whether the skin irritation is triggered by the food or you mistook a certain food allergy for a skin condition.
2. Keep your skin cool
One of the common causes of skin irritation or inflammation is excess heat. If you’ve been exposed to harmful UV rays for a long time, it’s advisable to wash your face and body with lukewarm water. In case your skin requires more cooling down, you can use a cooling compressor for your irritated skin. A spritz from a water bottle or damp face cloth can do the trick. Avoid having a hot shower as it will only make your skin dry.
You can also soothe your skin using different cooling serums or mists. Choose formulas with calendula, cucumber, or lavender oil, which can’t only calm and hydrate your skin but also make it look and feel better.
3. Protect against pollution
Air pollution is obviously not a good thing as it can damage your skin’s barrier. If left on the skin for a longer period, irritation is likely possible due to the build-up of such particles. Environmental damage can also make your skin look old, blotchy, dull, or even discolored. While you can entirely shield your skin from pollution, there are ways to manage its effects better.
Make it a part of your skincare habit to cleanse more often to get rid of impurities and dirt. Having a pack of cleansing wipes can do the trick. Choose products that wash off harmful molecules but won’t strip off your skin’s key oils.
4. Remove makeup gently
It’s a golden rule to remove your makeup before going to bed. However, if you have sensitive skin, keep in mind that it’s more prone to irritation and redness. Avoid the nightmare of having irritated skin and keep the friction to a minimum. Choose makeup removers that are particularly designed to dissolve and life makeup gently and quickly.
Most of these products won’t require rubbing, but instead, you’ll just need to hold the soaked cotton pad on your eye for a few minutes before whisking away. For additional calming and soothing benefits, choose products with anti-inflammatory properties, which are also beneficial for stimulating the healing process of your skin.
5. Moisturize skin the right way
When choosing the right moisturizers, be sure to use the ones that won’t just keep the moisture within your sensitive skin. They should also be able to protect it from environmental factors such as harsh chemicals, the weather, and pollution. Non-comedogenic cream is the best option for those with sensitive skin as it won’t block the pores.
For quick absorption and extra hydration, applying these moisturizers on damp skin can help seal in surface moisture. In case your skin is not too oily, experts recommend using a face oil like coconut oil. On the other hand, silicon-based moisturizers are ideal for those with oily skin.
For someone with sensitive skin, it’s often hard to determine which part is actually difficult to deal with—the unpredictable reactions or the severity of those reactions. Take note, though, that the tips recommended here are just general skincare habits. It’s still better to see a dermatologist to figure out the right treatments or habits suitable for your particular skin condition.