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.