If you suffer from sensitive skin, you understand how frustrating it can be. You try a new product, and your skin goes absolutely haywire. Or, your regular products are suddenly giving you issues. Are they getting too old? It can be hard to know what the real issue is sometimes.
The first step is figuring out what your skin type really is. If you experience frequent stinging, burning, or itching after using products or makeup, it’s likely that you can classify yourself as having sensitive skin.
Cleansing sensitive skin
If your skin is sensitive, there are a few general rules you can follow to help minimize irritation. Always use a gentle cleanser that is free from fragrance, alcohol, acid and even exfoliants. Use warm water, rather than cold or hot, and be careful not to rub when drying. Selecting products with as few ingredients as possible is often best.
Ingredients that are best for your skin may be:
- aloe
- chamomile
- oats
- green tea
- polyphenols
Don’t forget to moisturize
Regardless of your skin type, it’s essential that you moisturize. Whether you skin is sensitive or oily, it still needs the moisture to avoid drying out. When selecting a moisturizer, you want to follow the same suggestions as above for your cleanser.
Common practices that often irritate the skin:
- Washing your face too often, or not enough: most faces will be happy with one wash per day, unless you’re doing some heavy sweating.
- Avoiding sunscreen: if your sunscreen irritates your skin, find another brand that doesn’t. Exposing your skin to sun damage may seem to cause less irritation in the present moment, but it only takes 15 minutes for the skin to cause damage to your skin. Burning or long-term damage will cause major issues to your already sensitive skin, so keep looking until you find a suitable product.
- Sleeping with your makeup on: any women are guilty of this, especially Mothers! Don’t let yourself do it — it’s not worth the acne and irritation.
- Ignoring the makeup you wear every day: this is a big one. If that mascara is 6 months old, it needs to go. Using products past their shelf-life is a sure way to irritate your skin. But don’t forget to pay attention to the ingredients in your cosmetics as well. Oil-based products are known to clog pores, so look for items that are water-based instead.
Visit Arsenault Dermatology offices in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch areas
Our expert dermatologists welcome your sensitive skincare questions, and would be happy to meet with you at your convenience. You can book your consultation at any of our 3 Florida locations — we’re in both North and South Lakewood Ranch, and West Bradenton as well.
