How to Care for Sensitive Skin
About half of the general population has sensitive skin. Symptoms of sensitive skin can include breakouts, skin irritation to certain household products or make-up, extra dry skin as a reaction to soap, or skin irritations caused by stress. Follow the steps to help you care for your skin if it is especially sensitive.
Things You'll Need
- Cleanser for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free moisturizers
- Mild body soap
- Makeup for sensitive skin
- Loose-fitting cotton clothing
- Fragrance-free detergent
- Sunscreen
Instructions
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Cleanse your face with a perfume-free, soap-free cleanser. Choose one that is specially made for sensitive skin or acne.
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Moisturize your face with a light fragrance-free moisturizer, not a thick cream which will clog the pores.
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Use a mild soap for your body, not antibacterial which will dry out the skin and moisturize with a fragrance-free body lotion.
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Choose silicone-based foundation and makeup without a lot of chemicals. The standard, less than 10 ingredients, is set by the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Wear a fragrance-free sunscreen of at least 15 SPF if you are going to be in the sun 20 minutes or longer, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Re-apply often, especially if swimming. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face.
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Wear loose-fitting clothing made from light, absorbent fabric such as cotton to keep moisture from your skin, which will cause skin to become irritated. Wash your clothes in fragrance-free detergent.
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Tips & Warnings
Eating foods rich in B-complex vitamins or taking a supplement will help you care for your skin and keep it healthy looking.
Practice yoga or meditate to relieve stress. Keep yourself out of stressful situations as much as possible. Stress can cause breakouts and skin irritations, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Do a test on any new products you buy for your face. Place a small amount behind your ear every night and leave it there until morning. Do this for about five nights in a row to make sure you won't get a skin reaction.
If you have sensitive skin, you should not use soap on your face. Soap contains a high pH which will irritate your skin.
Seek out a dermatologist if you believe you have a skin condition that requires medical care such as eczema, rosacea or severe acne.
Do not use waterproof mascara because you will need a solvent makeup remover to take it off, which is irritating to skin.
