Sensitive Skin
From LoveToKnow Skincare
What Is Sensitive Skin?
Did you know that over 20 percent of adults have sensitive skin? If your skin is sensitive, you may notice itching, burning, and stinging. Many people with sensitive skin also have dry skin that feels very sore and/or tight. People with this skin type can react to ingredients in their skin products as well as sudden climate changes or an increase in personal stress levels.
People of all ethic backgrounds can have sensitive skin, but the condition appears to be most common among fair-skinned Caucasian women. Many people with this skin type suffer from rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema. Acne is also a common problem among those who are sensitive to the ingredients found in various skin care products.
Skin Care Tips
If your skin is sensitive, simplifying your skin care routine will yield the best results. Overloading your face with harsh, abrasive products will only result in more redness and irritation. For example, many exfoliating scrubs are much too rough for people with sensitive skin. You’ll get better results if you remove flakes by gently rubbing your skin with a soft wash cloth.
One of the most common skin care mistakes people make is over-washing their skin. If your skin is sensitive, washing your face more than two times per day will do more harm than good. It’s also a good idea to limit your time in the bath or shower to less than 15 minutes. Use warm water to cleanse your face and body; hot water is too drying.
Sunscreen is important for everyone, but it’s an essential part of caring for your sensitive skin. Get in the habit of wearing a gel-based sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. Reapply after swimming, sweating, or spending more than two hours in direct sunlight.
Finding the Right Skin Care Products
Since there are many choices available, finding the right skin care products can be a challenge. Reading labels helps, but keep in mind the following tips when choosing your skin care products:
- Many people with sensitive skin react poorly to products containing synthetic perfumes or dyes. Natural skin care products are best for your skin type.
- A mild, soap-free cleanser is the right choice for people with sensitive skin. If you have acne, choose a face wash that contains a small amount of salicylic acid.
- You can use an alcohol-free toner or astringent on oily areas, but discontinue use if you notice additional redness. Try Burt’s Bees Rosewater & Glycerin Toner.
- Moisturizer will keep wrinkles at bay, but it’s important to choose a product that’s suitable for your skin type. For example, Cetaphil moisturizing lotion is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist recommended for people with sensitive skin.
- If you wear makeup, look for oil-free, water-based, and non-comedogenic products. While it’s often more expensive than other cosmetic products, many women swear by makeup from Bare Minerals.
Comments
Orange peel is rich in vitamin C, so it's often used in skin care products because of its potent antioxidant properties. You'll find some products on the market that contain it, but you can also make a treatment yourself at home if your skin is easily irritated. Some people recommend blending rosewater with orange peel to soothe sensitive skin - you may want to try that.
Cold pressing does increase an oil's benefits, which is why if you're shopping around you should keep an eye on the more expensive cold-pressed oils as opposed to the cheap brands. For recipes on making creams, I recommend visiting our products page for directions on several different projects.
Sensitive skin is tricky! Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find something that really works. Good luck.
-- Contributed by: TsharmaDoes lemon or orange peel oil have vitamin c and is it good for the skin? Any scientific studies?
Do oils need to be cold pressed to be beneficial?
How about emu oil/cream?
How can a person make a great vitimin rich cream?
My skin is easily irritated and I don't know what from. It feels like a sunburn. But it may be caused by low humidity, dust/diesel in the air in rural Montana, pollution in Yokohama Japan, and iron in rural well water. Kinerase and petroleum jelly don't rid the irritation. I feel maybe cold cream might work but most likely not.
I disagree about Bare Minerals but really liked Jane Iredale makeup.
-- Contributed by: jackieJoe, sorry to hear about your skin concerns. Sensitive skin is practically intolerable when it flares up. The red patches on your face could be mere irritation to a product you regularly use, an allergy to something you are regularly exposed to or even eczema. I would recommend using facial products formulated specifically for sensitive skin. You may need to test a few products to settle on the ones that are right for you; remember to do a patch test prior to using a product for the first time.
You might want to check out a couple of our articles for information on acne:
Good luck!
-- Contributed by: TsharmaThis page has been accessed 2,935 times. This page was last modified 01:43, 19 January 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
