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How to deal with Sensitive Skin

Updated: Mar 10, 2023




Sensitive skin is a common skin condition that can be caused by environmental factors, certain products, or genetics. It is characterized by itching, redness, burning sensations and tightness of the skin. Common signs of sensitive skin include dry patches on the face or body, blotchiness due to irritation from fragrances or artificial scents in skincare products and flaking around eye area. Other symptoms may include swelling, stinging and rashes that are triggered by heat exposure or windy weather conditions.


Common Triggers of Sensitive Skin

Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity and pollution can all lead to sensitive skin. The sun’s UV rays are also a common trigger for sensitive skin, causing redness, dryness and burning sensations. Hot or cold weather conditions can cause inflammation and flaking of the skin.

Lighting is another potential source of irritation for people with sensitive skin. Fluorescent lighting in particular has been linked to increased sensitivity due to its intensity and high frequency energy output. In addition, being exposed to too much sunlight over long periods of time can irritate the delicate balance of the outer layers of your epidermis leading to a reaction.

Fragrances and artificial scents are particularly problematic triggers when it comes to those who have sensitive skin. Perfumes, colognes, body washes and lotions that contain fragrances may be harsh on delicate complexions leading them to become irritated or inflamed after use. Fragrance-free products are often recommended for individuals with this type of condition as they tend not aggravate their sensitivities further while still providing moisturizing benefits.


Cleansers and Products


When selecting the right cleansers for sensitive skin, it is important to look for ones that are free of fragrances, dyes and harsh ingredients. Look for mild or gentle formulas containing plant-based oils such as almond, coconut or olive oil as these will help to soothe irritation. Skin By Nico supplies plant based skincare formulations that contain gentle botanicals healthy for the skin. Check out their Lactic Alpha Cleanser here. Avoid foaming cleansers and exfoliants with small particles that can cause scratching on delicate complexions. For those who have oily skin, a gel based cleanser may be best suited while dry skin types should opt for creamy formulations.

Choosing the best skincare products when you have sensitive skin requires extra caution due to potential reactions from certain ingredients. Natural botanical extracts like aloe vera, chamomile and green tea are great options as they contain calming properties which help reduce inflammation caused by environmental triggers. Additionally, try looking out for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid which helps reduce any redness and provides hydration without clogging pores or irritating the skin further. It is also beneficial to look out for products labeled “non-comedogenic” meaning they won’t block pores leading to blackheads or acne breakouts - something common among those prone to sensitivity in their complexion. Lastly, always check labels carefully before purchasing anything new; this way you can ensure no harsh chemicals are present in your skincare routine which could otherwise trigger unwanted reactions later down the line!


Tips to Take Care of Sensitive Skin

Masks are a great way to give your sensitive skin some extra love and attention. Look for products that contain calming ingredients such as aloe vera, lavender oil or chamomile which will help reduce any redness and irritation. Additionally, hydrating masks with hyaluronic acid can provide an intense boost of hydration to the skin while sealing in moisture throughout the day.

When cleansing your face it is also important to use lukewarm water rather than hot as this can strip away natural oils leaving behind dry patches on the surface of the skin. To avoid further aggravation, try using a gentle cleanser free of harsh chemicals or fragrances which may cause a reaction when applied directly onto delicate complexions.

Finally, it is essential to avoid irritating chemicals often found in skincare products such as alcohols and sulfates which can be too harsh for those who suffer from sensitive skin conditions leading them to become inflamed after use. By avoiding these potentially harmful ingredients you can keep your complexion looking healthy and radiant all year round!


Diagnosing Sensitive Skin

When it comes to diagnosing sensitive skin, visiting a dermatologist is the best way to accurately identify the condition. During your visit, they may ask about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and perform physical exams on your skin. They will also be able to provide advice on how to care for your specific type of sensitivity.

In order to determine what is causing the irritation, dermatologists may recommend completing certain tests such as patch tests and photopatch testing which involve exposing small areas of skin with various ingredients or substances in order identify allergies or sensitivities. This process allows them to narrow down potential triggers that could be irritating your skin so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed accordingly.

If necessary, additional tests such as blood work may also be conducted in order to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might cause similar reactions when exposed to irritants like fragrances or other skincare products. As this type of sensitivity can often have many different causes it is important that all potential triggers are identified before beginning a course of treatment in order ensure successful results longterm.


Conclusion

Maintaining healthy skin is essential for those who have sensitive skin as it can help reduce the risk of irritation and flare-ups. Regularly moisturizing with products designed specifically for this type of complexion will keep your skin hydrated and protected from environmental pollutants that could cause further inflammation. Additionally, using gentle cleansers to remove dirt and debris without stripping away natural oils can also be beneficial in aiding the healing process.

Protecting your sensitive skin from sun damage is another important factor when it comes to taking care of this condition. Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher will provide adequate protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays which can aggravate delicate complexions leading to uncomfortable burning sensations or redness. Alternatively, wearing protective clothing such as hats or long sleeves whenever possible may also reduce any potential exposure to damaging UV radiation thus limiting chances of irritation occurring on the surface area of the epidermis.

Regular exfoliation should also be done in moderation when dealing with sensitive skin as too much scrubbing can actually make matters worse by causing further dryness and red patches on already irritated areas. Instead, opt for mild formulas containing enzymes found naturally within fruits like papaya which are gentler on delicate complexions while still providing effective results at removing dead cells from surface layers leaving behind smooth, glowing looking skin!

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