Sensitive skin is caused by a weak skin barrier that makes it susceptible to loss of moisture and irritation, such as rashes, itching, dryness, and flaking. Although it may be challenging, taking care of sensitive skin is perfectly manageable with the right awareness and skincare regimen, such as using products designed for sensitive skin like Tony Moly.
Here are some helpful tips in caring for sensitive skin:
- Avoid hot showers. Sensitive skin is prone to moisture loss due to having a thin skin barrier, and hot showers can easily strip off your skin’s moisture further. Avoid excessively hot showers, steam baths, and saunas when possible, and opt for lukewarm and cold showers instead.
- Avoid contact with irritants. Exposure to irritants such as chlorine in swimming pools, perfume and hairsprays, toxic chemicals in cosmetics, and irritants in household cleaners may cause your skin to react adversely. Avoid these sources of skin irritation, such as opting for chemical-free makeup and using protective gloves and masks when cleaning the house.
- Use soothing body cleansers. Soothing body cleansers like water-based shower gels are ideal for sensitive skin. Avoid using bar soaps since it may be overly drying and irritating to your skin. Especially in your intimate areas. To avoid irritation, you can read the anal bleaching guide to learn how to take care of your sensitive body parts properly. Opt also for soothing cleansers that contain hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oat extracts, and chamomile, which can help soothe irritable skin. Avoid using cleansers with citrus and other acids, because it may burn your sensitive skin and cause excessive drying.
- Air dry or pat gently after a shower. Your skin is still sensitive from all the cleansing when just stepping out the shower. Thus, your skin may be easily irritated when you dry yourself roughly with a towel. Allow air drying or gently pat yourself with a microfiber towel instead to avoid irritating your skin.
- Apply hydrating skincare products. Hydration and moisturization are very important when you have dry skin. Choose lotions, gels, and creams infused with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera to help soothe and nourish sensitive skin. Other plant-based moisturizers include jojoba oil, which also has soothing and antioxidant properties, and chamomile, which also helps manage redness and inflammation. Also, never forget to apply hydrating or moisturizing products after taking a bath, to help lock in moisture.
- Don’t forget sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure is very damaging to sensitive skin. Apart from daily moisturization, putting on sunscreen daily is the other most important regimen in caring for sensitive skin. Choose sunblocks that have higher SPF ranges (35+) and blocks both UVA/UVB rays (also called broad-spectrum protection). Also, choose sunscreens that use zinc and titanium oxides as active ingredients, since these are suited for sensitive skin.
- Let your skin breathe. It is important to let your skin breathe when you have sensitive skin. Let your skin breathe by avoiding chemically-laden, comedogenic (blocks skin pores) makeup and cosmetic products, and wear light, breathable clothing to prevent prickly heat and rashes especially during hot weather.
- Moisturize throughout the day. Because your sensitive skin can dry up faster, it is highly recommended to apply moisturizer throughout the day. Re-apply soothing and hydrating moisturizers especially after sweating, swimming, and in cold temperatures, where your skin may be prone to moisture loss and drying. Don’t also forget to re-apply sunblock as well. Also, drinking lots of water throughout the day is helpful for skin hydration.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air during the cold winter months can cause skin drying, flaking, and irritation. Install a humidifier in your bedroom to help retain air moisture and prevent your skin from drying. Regularly clean your humidifier to prevent unwanted fungal and bacterial growth.
- Keep a skincare journal. Many things can trigger sensitive skin reactions, and it may be hard to avoid them if you don’t know what they are. It may be food, a new skincare product, certain metals and jewelry, a type of flower, dust, or other allergens. By keeping a skincare journal, you can track and list down your common allergens, so you can avoid them in the future.
Having sensitive skin presents you with unique challenges, requiring you to be mindful of your skincare habits and routines. It is challenging, but with the right awareness and knowledge, taking care of your sensitive skin could be a fun and fulfilling experience. Daily hydration and moisturization and avoiding common allergens and irritants are the most important steps in caring for sensitive skin. It is also highly recommended to regularly check in with your dermatologist to tailor an effective, personalized sensitive skin care regimen for you.
Greetings, dear readers! I am Rohini. As a proud contributor to the Worthview blog, I am excited to bring you insights into the realms of fashion, beauty, and health. Let’s embark on this adventure together, where my words become a bridge between my world and yours. I look forward to our shared journey of discovery and connection.
