Have sensitive skin? Here are 5 steps to keep it healthy

Having sensitive skin can be tricky — one wrong skincare choice or allergic reaction can lead to prolonged bouts of dry skin, redness, breakouts, and more. 

Sensitive skin is generally caused by a weakened skin barrier or an underlying skin condition and can be frustrating to keep in check. Thankfully, there are certain practices we can incorporate into our daily lives to help navigate the realm of sensitive skin and keep your skin in top form. Here are 5 easy steps to keep your sensitive skin healthy and achieve your best skin!

Watch your triggers

Sensitive skin can be caused by anything from genetic predisposition to allergic disorders, and because everyone’s skin is different, the first step to keeping sensitive skin healthy is to take note of and avoid what’s triggering your sensitive skin.

Common sensitive skin triggers include:

• Fragrances
• Harsh chemicals
• Dyes and colourants
• Extreme temperatures
• Sun exposure
• Certain food 
• Stress
• Overwashing your face
• Allergens
• Environmental pollution
• Medications

Keep your skincare routine simple

Sometimes, less is more, and this applies to skincare for sensitive skin. This is because applying too many products or harsh products can overwhelm the skin, cause irritation and even lead to product buildup. 

The key is to maintain balance in the skin using skincare products with fewer ingredients. This also makes it easier to determine any triggers if you experience an adverse skin reaction. Opt for dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products with gentle natural ingredients, such as chamomile, aloe vera and green tea. Avoid synthetic additives! 

If in doubt, look for reviews and recommendations from people who also battle with sensitive skin. Of course, as everyone’s skin differs, the best option would be to visit a skin specialist or skincare professional for a comprehensive skin analysis and personalised recommendations tailored to your skin’s needs. A skincare routine is done daily, and in the long run, having a proper routine can make a huge difference in maintaining your skin’s health. 

Don’t exfoliate too much

You’ll know you’ve over exfoliated if you experience burning sensations, peeling, redness and itchy skin for extended periods after your exfoliation routine. In which case, apply a cold compress and hydrocortisone cream to calm your skin. 

Removing dead skin and product build-up on the skin via exfoliation can benefit sensitive skin when done right. However, over exfoliation can further damage the skin’s natural barrier 

It also helps to avoid physical or chemical exfoliators, and switch to more gentle exfoliation methods, such as peptide peels. Having an exfoliation treatment done by a professional can greatly reduce your risk of irritation because the treatment is personalised to your skin condition.

Stay hydrated

Having sensitive skin with a compromised skin barrier entails lower moisture retention in the skin. Dry skin is also more susceptible to infection and inflammation because moisture plays an integral part in getting rid of toxins and transporting nutrients to the skin’s cells. This makes keeping your skin hydrated very important. Ways to keep your sensitive skin hydrated include:

• Drink more water — Staying hydrated internally can greatly benefit your sensitive skin. Try to get 3-4 litres a day for healthy, hydrated skin.
• Use sun protection — Sun exposure can lead to skin damage and dehydration. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Remember to reapply every 2 hours! 
• Moisturise — Moisturising can help keep the skin hydrated and helps soothe sensitive and irritated skin. 
• Use hyaluronic acid — Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the environment and into the skin. It is also a gentle, non-irritating ingredient, making it a low-risk skincare option for sensitive skin.
• Use a gentle cleanser — Using a gentle cleanser allows you to rid your skin of impurities without stripping the skin off its natural oils and other moisturising factors.
• Go for a hydrating facial — To get the hydrating boost you need, you can also opt for hydrating facial treatments. These often have the added benefit of making your skin more vibrant and bright 

Avoid hot showers

Hot showers can worsen sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, causing flare-ups, irritation and redness. It also strips the skin of its natural oils, which are integral in maintaining the skin barrier, which, in turn, increases your skin’s susceptibility to irritation and drying out.

For healthier sensitive skin, opt for lukewarm showers and limit your shower times to prevent excessive drying and moisture loss. It also helps to apply moisturiser after your shower to replenish and lock in the lost moisture.

Maintain your skin’s health with SkinLab

The right skincare practices, coupled with a mindful awareness of your triggers, can help you manage sensitive skin and achieve healthy skin. However, to get the best recommendations and advice, you would need a professional’s help.

Schedule a consultation with SkinLab for a comprehensive skin analysis. Our trained professionals will work with you to create a skincare routine and personalised treatment plan for sensitive skin.