Sensitive Skin Care

• The skin epidermis, or upper layer of the skin, is where most skin care issues take place
• Since our skin is the organ that protects us the most, certainly our first line of defense against the outside world, it’s very important that we take care of it, such as with natural skin care options
• Sensitive skin care is probably the most important aspect to consider when thinking about caring for your skin

Having sensitive skin can make your beauty routine more difficult, however, if you know what steps to take to deal with the situation, you can make the problem a little easier. Dealing with sensitive skin first requires knowing if you have the condition, then, understanding what to do about it.

Diagnosing Sensitive Skin

According to WebMD.com, dermatologists look for specific criteria when diagnosing someone with sensitive skin. If you have very dry skin, this can be a sign of skin sensitivity because the natural oil does not provide enough protection from the nerve endings on the skin. Blushing or flushing of the skin can also indicate a sign recognized by skin experts. A dermatologist may also look for reactions on the skin, including the formation of bumps or pustules.

Caring for Sensitive Skin

Individuals who have sensitive skin must be more careful about the products they use for beauty and skin care. Some products, such as astringents, should be avoided at all costs. An astringent is designed to remove excessive oil from the skin thanks to the inclusion of chemicals such as witch hazel or salicylic acid. Because sensitive skin needs more oil instead of less, and because these chemicals are quite strong, they will lead to burning and discomfort on sensitive skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

If you use makeup cosmetics, you must also be careful about your cosmetic choices. Because these products are typically used for long periods of time, the AAD recommends being selective. When you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for specific qualities in the product(s). For example, you will want to choose products labeled as hypoallergenic, meaning the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, and non-acnegenic, meaning the product will not clog your pores. Looking for lipstick or moisturizing lip balms are also a good choice because sensitive skin can always benefit from additional moisture.

Another important aspect of caring for sensitive skin is applying moisturizer regularly. Because sensitive skin is frequently the result of having too little protective oil on the skin, adding a layer of moisture is a good idea. Again, you need to be careful about your choice of product(s). According to the Mayo Clinic, you want to choose moisturizers that do not contain fragrances or dyes that could lead to skin irritation. The AAD warns not to assume that unscented products are fragrance-free. They may actually include some type of fragrance that overshadows the other smells in the product. Instead, look for products labeled specifically as fragrance-free. You may want to talk to your dermatologist about what products would be the best choice for your sensitive skin needs.

You can also add moisture to your skin by applying baby oil, according to the Mayo Clinic. After showering, rub on some baby oil while your skin is still damp. The oil will prevent moisture from evaporating from your skin.

Overall, the best tips for dealing with sensitive skin are avoiding irritating products and moisturizing your skin regularly.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.