What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be defined as a skin that is highly reactive to certain products or environment conditions. It is also prone to redness and allergy. Sensitive skin often accompanies dry skin, with a tendency to be rosier than usual. However, the characteristics of a sensitive skin may appear with all skin types.
Easily irritated by products and environment conditions, your skin may even react badly when in contact with the clothing you are wearing. Worse, you will feel like your skin reacts to almost everything.
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Different people have varying levels of skin sensitivity. Some peoplemay reactto a certain product, while for others it produces little orno effect. Since sensitive skin is usually very fragile and delicate, it requires special treatment. Nevertheless,with the right skin careregimen and the products you use, many sensitive skin problems can be managed.
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Characteristics of sensitive skin
Sensitive skin may have the following characteristics:- Skin texture is thin and appears translucent.
- You feel a tight sensation after washing.
- It becomes red and blotchy.
- It is prone to dry flaky patches.
- It is blushed, itched and sunburned easily.
- It may have broken veins across the cheeks and nose.
- It tends to break out in small bumps that look like a rash when changing skin careproducts or at the least provocation.
- It tends to wrinkle prematurely.
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Causes of sensitive skin
The underlying causes of sensitive skin are often difficult to pin downprecisely. Following are some factors that may cause sensitive cause:- Ingredients in medications and synthetic cosmetics like skin care products, detergentsand perfumes.
- Dirt and toxins.
- Certain clothing material like wool or latex.
- Weather factors like heat, cold, rain and sunrays.
- Hormonal changes in the body.
- Increased level in stress.
- Dietary errors or allergic reactions to certain food.
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Soothing care for sensitive skin- Try to determine if any product or food cause irritation to your skin. Stay awayfrom those irritants.
- Look for products labeled “fragrance free” or “without perfume”. Fragrance can causemore skin reactions than any other ingredients in skin care products. Fragrancesfrom toilet paper, detergents and household cleaners may aggravate your skin.
- Use products that contain few preservatives and chemicals to keep your sensitiveskin smooth and free of blotchiness. After fragrances, preservatives are the mostcommon cause of skin reactions. You can experiment with products that contain differentpreservatives to find the ones that are less likely to trigger skin sensitivity.
- Use hypoallergenic products that are specially formulated to protect sensitive skin.These products are free from common irritants.
- Avoid using toners as they contain alcohol which can dry and irritate your skin.
- It is not advisable to use face washes and soaps, as these are likely to strip yourskin of oil and moisture. Instead, wash your face with a mild cleanser.
- Dryness can increase your skin’s sensitivity, so it is a good idea to choose water-basedand unscented moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin will provide a barrier againstirritants that can heighten skin sensitivity.
- Always wear oil-free and hypoallergenic make-up.
- Never apply any skin cosmetics over broken skin or skin rash.
- Sensitive skin is prone to sunburn. So apply sunscreen every time you leave thehouse.
- To dry your skin, lightly pat your face with a soft towel and do not rub your skinas it can irritate your skin.
- Always patch test new products on a small area of your skin before you use it onother areas.
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Sensitive skin and diet Diet plays a significant role in sensitive skin break outs.You should keep an eye on your diet and take a record if any foods seem to triggera sensitive skin reaction. Hot and spicy foods are likely to increase skin sensitivity.
A well balanced-diet nourishes your skin and provides immunity to withstand againstallergens. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get the nutrients your skin needs.You should drink 8–10 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated.
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