How to Take Care of Sensitive Skin

Facial skin is the most sensitive part of your body, and it is prone to damage, from the sun to dirty air and even what we eat. A variety of factors can cause damage or irritation to your skin. Dealing with sensitive skin can be a delicate balance, and it can pose a challenge when it comes to product selection. Let’s discuss the causes of sensitive skin, some signs that indicate you have sensitive skin, and some tips on how to effectively care for it.

Causes of Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be caused by both internal and external factors, like genetic inheritance, food allergies, or weather conditions. Internal causes of sensitive skin can be genetics, allergies, or contact dermatitis (reactions to things you came in contact with). External causes can include exposure to damaging environmental elements, damaged or compromised skin, and super dry skin. 

If it’s the case of genetics, you could be predisposed to conditions like eczema, or rosacea which can cause allergic reactions to things we consume or things we come in contact with. To treat these skin conditions, you can ask your doctor or a dermatologist to do a patch test to determine what you are allergic to. They can also prescribe you a medication or cream to deal with any irritation or rash you may develop. If you have food allergies, a patch test can help determine which foods you are allergic to so you can avoid them in the future. 

As for weather conditions, you should ensure you take proper care of your skin in extreme weather. Excessive exposure to the sun can burn your skin, causing further irritation, so make sure you always wear sunscreen. Extreme cold weather can dry out your skin or cause damage, always cover your skin in the winter, and try to use a thicker moisturizer.

Signs of Sensitive Skin

Itchiness

One key sign you have sensitive skin is itchiness, this is your body’s natural way of signaling that it is irritated. Extreme itchiness is common when you have dry skin, sunburn, or for people with eczema. If you use a product and you start to get itchy, stop using that product, wash it off, and try using a calming lotion designed for allergic reactions. 

Staying in the sun for too long or using hot water to wash your face can result in itchy, dry skin. The sun causes sweat, while hot water tends to dry skin out, resulting in irritation.

Breakouts, Rashes, or Hives

If you are prone to breakouts or acne, excess oil may be the cause. Dirt, makeup, sweat, and skin cells can clog your pores, and the excess production of oil just compounds the issue. To prevent the buildup of dirt and oil in your pores, wash your face twice a day with a gentle face scrub to clear away any accumulated dirt. Another sign of sensitive skin could be a rash or hives, rashes are your bodies way of saying something is irritating your skin. If you notice one, try to figure out what caused it; was it something you at, or touched? If so, avoid that substance and apply an ointment to soothe the skin. If your reaction is extreme enough (like hives), consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Dryness

Weather changes can cause the skin to dry out, especially in the winter. Using hot water to wash your face can make things worse. Use a thicker moisturizer in the winter to maintain your skin’s hydration and use warm water, not hot water when washing your face (remember the skin on your face is like tissue paper). Also, try to cover up your face if you are forced to deal with extremely cold temperatures.

Burning Reactions From Skin Products

If you experience a burning or stinging sensation after trying a skincare product, stop using it. Not all chemicals used in skin products are gentle on skin, it is common for people with sensitive skin to have reactions to different products. Stinging or burning sensations caused by products are your body’s way of warning you that it doesn’t like something in that product. The best course of action is to wash off the product and use a soothing ointment or aloe vera gel.