SKIN CARE FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES:::Sensitive Skin Care, Causes And Treatment

We've been taught how to care for our dry skin, oily skin and combination skin. But this week we shall be looking at Sensitive Skin.

What is sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can be defined as a skin that is highly reactive to certain products or environment conditions. It is also prone to redness and allergy. Sensitive skin often accompanies dry skin, with a tendency to be rosier than usual. However, the characteristics of a sensitive skin may appear with all skin types.
Easily irritated by products and environment conditions, your skin may even react badly when in contact with the clothing you are wearing. Worse, you will feel like your skin reacts to almost everything.

Different people have varying levels of skin sensitivity. Some people may react to a certain product, while for others it produces little or no effect. Since sensitive skin is usually very fragile and delicate, it requires special treatment. Nevertheless,with the right skin care regimen and the products you use, many sensitive skin problems can be managed.

Characteristics of sensitive skin

Sensitive skin may have the following characteristics:

• Skin texture is thin and appears translucent.

• You feel a tight sensation after washing.

• It becomes red and blotchy.

• It is prone to dry flaky patches.

• It is blushed, itched and sunburned easily.

• It may have broken veins across the cheeks and nose.

• It tends to break out in small bumps that look like a rash when changing skin care products or at the least provocation.

• It tends to wrinkle prematurely.

Causes of sensitive skin

The underlying causes of sensitive skin are often difficult to pin down precisely. Following are some factors that may cause sensitive cause:

• Ingredients in medications and synthetic cosmetics like skin care products, detergents and perfumes.

• Dirt and toxins.

• Certain clothing material like wool or latex.

• Weather factors like heat, cold, rain and sun rays.

• Hormonal changes in the body.

• Increased level in stress.

• Dietary errors or allergic reactions to certain food.

Soothing care for sensitive skin

1. Try to determine if any product or food cause irritation to your skin. Stay away from those irritants. 

Look for products labeled "fragrance free" or "without perfume". Fragrance can cause more skin reactions than any other ingredients in skin care products. Fragrances from toilet paper, detergents and household cleaners may aggravate your skin.

2. Use products that contain few preservatives and chemicals to keep your sensitive skin smooth and free of blotchiness. After fragrances, preservatives are the most common cause of skin reactions. You can experiment with products that contain different preservatives to find the ones that are less likely to trigger skin sensitivity.

3. Use hypoallergenic products that are specially formulated to protect sensitive skin.These products are free from common irritants. 

4. Avoid using toners as they contain alcohol which can dry and irritate your skin.

5. It is not advisable to use face washes and soaps, as these are likely to strip your skin of oil and moisture. Instead, wash your face with a mild cleanser. 

6. Dryness can increase your skin's sensitivity, so it is a good idea to choose water-based and unscented moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin will provide a barrier against irritants that can heighten skin sensitivity. 

7. Always wear oil-free and hypoallergenic make-up. 

8. Never apply any skin cosmetics over broken skin or skin rash. 

9. Sensitive skin is prone to sunburn. So apply sunscreen every time you leave the house. 

10. To dry your skin, lightly pat your face with a soft towel and do not rub your skin as it can irritate your skin.