If you’re living with sensitive skin, it’s a constant struggle to find beauty products that don’t cause irritation. Every sensitive skin sufferer has tales of cleansers, toners, and moisturisers that worked for a while and then turned on them.
The good news is there are a few rules you can follow to reduce the risk of a flare up.
What exactly is sensitive skin?
But before we go into the rules, let’s look at what exactly sensitive skin is. While there is no dermatological definition for it, the term is used to describe the skin condition of people who easily break out in rashes and get blotchy, itchy, or stinging skin.
The majority of people with sensitive skin don’t have a serious skin problem, but rosacea, a skin disorder that causes facial flushing and red blotches, can make skin sensitive. As can eczema and acne.
What Causes Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin occurs when the skin’s natural barrier function is compromised, causing a loss of water and allowing the penetration of irritants. Symptoms are exacerbated by factors such as the sun, excessive cold weather, central heating, and environmental pollutants.
Some ingredients in skin care products and cosmetics also cause skin to become sensitive. Artificial perfumes, dyes and harsh chemicals are all known to irritate skin. Two other skin care ingredients that are known to irritate are retinol and glycolic acid, which are often found in anti-ageing products.
If this all sounds familiar, here are five top tips to help you prevent those oh-so painful irritations.
Test first, apply second
When using a new product, always do a test run on a small, inconspicuous patch of skin (behind your ear) before applying. Wait at least 24 hours for signs of irritation, redness, or other skin freak-outs. If your skin is hypersensitive, repeat this test on a patch next to your eye. All clear? Feel free to apply with abandon.
Don’t buy “hypoallergenic”
Hypoallergenic products and sensitive skin are best friends, right? Not necessarily. Since there are no worldwide standards to govern the word ‘hypoallergenic’, products bearing this claim are not always suitable for sensitive skin. Refer to tip number 1 before slathering away.
Read the labels
Knowledge is power. Arm yourself by reading labels. Look for products free from fragrances and paraben preservatives, which are two common causes of irritation and flare-ups. The shorter the ingredient list, the better, as the more complicated the formula, the more likely you are to introduce an irritant.
If you’re unsure about ingredients in shop bought products, you can always make your own DIY face and body scrubs. Find out how, here.
Wash wisely
Keep your pores clear and surface debris to a minimum by washing twice a day (any more can be too much for sensitive skin). Choose a cleanser that is formulated for sensitive skin but isn’t so gentle that you need to scrub hard to remove makeup or residual grime. Be gentle: blot dry and apply moisturiser straight away for maximum absorption.
Manage stress
Stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. You can improve the condition of your skin by taking steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.
In addition to stress, your diet has a part to play. Skin irritants can be ingested in the food we eat too. Give your skin the best chance by eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
At Castle Thai Spa, we offer a range of facials that are suitable for any skin type – including sensitive skin. The ingredients are all natural and gentle on the skin, meaning you can lie back and relax and let us care for your skin. Call us to discuss the best treatment for you on 0131 629 0794.
