Sensitive
Skin Care: Making the Right Choices
Have
you ever wondered if your skin is overly sensitive? If your skin
is dry, or if certain skin care products cause redness and stinging,
there’s a chance that you were born with sensitive skin, or
that your skin has become more sensitive over time. Once you determine
that your skin is sensitive, it’s important to make sensitive
skin care a part of your daily routine.
Sensitive
skin care is necessary if your skin shows signs of being vulnerable
to the environment. Some of the hallmarks of sensitive skin are
skin bumps, skin erosion, pustules, excessively dry skin, and the
tendency to blush or flush easily. Sensitive skin care is essential
for dry skin because dry skin cannot protect your nerves from reactions
to cosmetics, soaps, and other skin care products. Other factors
that may require you to practice sensitive skin care are exposure
to sun and wind, skin disorders like eczema or rosacea, as well
as genetics and age.
Sensitive
skin care is important when cleaning, moisturizing, and applying
cosmetics to your skin. Soaps for sensitive skin care should be
free from deodorants, fragrances, and detergents. Most people who
practice sensitive skin care use soap-free skin cleaners with a
lower pH. Antibacterial products are not recommended for sensitive
skin care.
When
moisturizing and applying cosmetics, your sensitive skin care products
should contain as few ingredients as possible. Look for sensitive
skin care items with 10 ingredients or less and no fragrances. Avoid
waterproof cosmetics, as they may require you to use harsh makeup
removers that will cause a reaction in sensitive skin.
Sensitive
skin care is also enhanced by eating a healthy diet and exercising
regularly. B complex vitamins appear to be very beneficial for sensitive
skin care because they relieve dryness. Eating more whole grains,
fish, almonds, fruits, and vegetables can make all skin types—including
sensitive skin— healthier and more resilient to aging and
environmental contaminants.
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