Sensitive skin can be difficult to manage and require extra attention. By understanding underlying causes and developing daily routines, you can take charge of your complexion.Â
This guide offers comprehensive sensitive skin care tips, blending common and lesser-known advice to help you achieve healthier skin.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin manifests in a variety of ways. Redness, itching, burning, and dryness can all be signs of skin sensitivity, and may be a result of a weakened skin barrier, reaction to environmental factors, or adverse reactions to product use.
Several factors contribute to sensitive skin. Genetics play a significant role; if your parents have sensitive skin, you might too. Environmental factors, like pollution and rapid changes in climate, can exacerbate sensitivity. Additionally, certain skincare products, especially those with harsh chemicals or fragrances, can trigger reactions. Recognising these triggers is essential to managing sensitive skin effectively.
Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin
When dealing with sensitive skin, carefully picking the right products and adopting the right gentle skincare practices are crucial. Here are some tips to help you care for your sensitive complexion:
- Patch Test New Products: It can be tempting to wholeheartedly jump into using a new product, but this could cause a flare up for your sensitive skin. Before introducing a new product to your routine, apply a small amount to a discreet area, like behind your ear, and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
- Minimal Ingredient List: Products with fewer ingredients reduce the risk of irritation. Opt for formulations with a minimal ingredient list
- Look for Hypoallergenic Products: Hypoallergenic products are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Check labels for this designation when selecting skincare items.
- Go for pH-Balanced Products: The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, around 5.5. Using pH-balanced products helps maintain this balance and prevents irritation
- Opt for Fragrance-Free Products: Fragrances tend to be composed of various synthetic chemicals and natural extracts, many of which can be allergens or irritants. This is one of the reasons why products that use fragrances can be irritating for sensitive skin. Look for products labelled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” to minimise the risk of irritation.
- Use Gentle Cleansers: Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Choose a mild, sulphate-free cleanser that won’t disrupt your skin’s natural barrier.
- Avoid Alcohol-Based Products: Alcohol can be drying and irritating. Check ingredient lists for alcohol and avoid products that contain it.
- Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea have soothing properties that can help calm sensitive skin.
- Limit Exfoliation: Over-exfoliating can damage sensitive skin. Use a gentle exfoliator no more than once a week, and opt for products with mild exfoliants like lactic acid.
Daily Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
Creating a daily skincare routine tailored to sensitive skin involves selecting products that nourish and protect without causing irritation. Here’s a basic routine to follow:
Morning Routine
   – Cleanse: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any overnight build-up.
   – Tone: Apply a soothing toner with ingredients like rose water or chamomile.
   – Moisturise: Choose a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser to keep your skin supple.
   – Protect: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Evening Routine
   – Cleanse: Gently cleanse your skin to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities.
   – Serum: Apply a serum with hydrating or anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
   – Moisturise: Use a richer moisturiser at night to help repair and hydrate your skin while you sleep.
How to Soothe Irritation
Despite your best efforts, your skin can still flare up. Here are some strategies to soothe sensitive skin when it does:
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress is first aid for flare ups. Be sure to use clean, cold cloth on the affected area for a few minutes
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is known for its quick soothing and healing properties. Apply pure, cold aloe vera gel to irritated areas to calm your skin.
- Avoid Hot Water: For some, hot water can trigger skin sensitivity. Use lukewarm water when washing your face or taking a shower.
- Hydrate: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential. Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating mist throughout the day to maintain your skin’s moisture levels.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Sensitive Skin
Lifestyle choices can significantly impact the condition of sensitive skin. Here are some adjustments that can help to minimise irritation:
- Diet: Certain foods can trigger skin sensitivity. Keep a food diary to identify potential triggers, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and dairy. Incorporate skin-friendly foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, nuts, and leafy greens.
- Stress Management: Cortisol from stress can exacerbate skin sensitivity. Stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises help to keep your stress levels in check.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can damage your skin and worsen sensitivity. If you smoke, consider seeking help to quit.
- Sleep: Adequate sleep is vital for skin health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your skin to repair and rejuvenate.
- Clothing: Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to avoid skin irritation. Avoid rough fabrics like wool, which can aggravate sensitive skin.
Skincare by SkinLab for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin calls for the right treatments and skincare products. At SkinLab, our therapists work with you to find treatments and products that soothe and rejuvenate your skin.Â
Dealing with sensitive skin should not be difficult. If you’re looking for help to deal with your skin sensitivity issue, book a consultation today.