4 ways to get sensitive skin under control
How to Care for Sensitive Skin
Ouch! It’s hard to stay calm and act like nothing’s wrong when your skin is irritated, red, and burning. But sensitive skin doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. You just need to avoid what triggers it—and learn how to care for it properly.
Whether you experience occasional irritation, deal with daily discomfort, or your skin is generally sensitive or reactive—here’s everything you need to know (and what to avoid) to give your skin a break.
When your skin is sensitive, its protective outer barrier allows irritants, microbes, and allergens to penetrate and cause redness and irritation. To prevent this from getting worse, avoid the following:
Irritating Ingredients
Avoid using products that contain lanolin, alcohol, mineral oil, or artificial fragrances or colors. Also be wary of perfumed and dyed laundry detergents and fabric softeners—they can make your skin even worse!
Extreme Temperatures
Even when it’s freezing outside, don’t take very hot baths, wash your face with hot water, or crank up the heat indoors. All of these can weaken your skin’s barrier and increase sensitivity! Use lukewarm water instead. Cold and windy weather can also aggravate sensitive skin, so before heading outdoors in winter, apply calming and protective products.
We hate to say it, but sun exposure can also irritate sensitive skin—so always use daily sun protection. Products with physical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as active ingredients are typically less irritating than their chemical counterparts.
Lifestyle Factors
Ready to take control of your sensitive skin? Start by playing detective and observe how your skin reacts to different types of food and stress. Excessive alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications can dry out and sensitize your skin. For some people, even dairy can be a trigger!
One more thing—don’t smoke. Smoking depletes your skin of vitamins A and C and constricts blood vessels. It’s like suffocating your skin from the inside. Smoking also dehydrates the skin around the lips, leading to wrinkles.
Air pollution can also contribute to increased skin sensitivity—avoid polluted areas or consider investing in an air purifier to help your sensitive skin.
Unnecessary Roughness
You probably want to get rid of those dry, dead skin cells and reveal a glowing complexion—but do it gently. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid medical resurfacing procedures and over-exfoliation. These are major culprits behind inflamed, red, irritated skin.
Also, apply products using gentle, upward motions. Never use harsh or fast movements. Your skin might “get angry” with you otherwise.
You may not be able to completely get rid of sensitivity, but you can definitely take steps to prevent it from getting worse. With these tips (and the right protective products), you’re on the path to strong, healthy skin!