Caring for sensitive skin is governed by a few basic rules. However, even before we delve into the rules for sensitive skin care, it’s important to understand what sensitive skin is.
Sensitive skin is unable to tolerate any unfavorable conditions (environmental/other), and easily gets irritated on contact with foreign materials (including skin care products). For this reason, some products are especially labelled as sensitive skin care products.
The degree of sensitivity can however vary from person to person and depending on that, the sensitive skin care procedures vary too.
Generally, all skin types respond negatively to detergents and other chemical based products. However, the damage starts generally beyond a defined threshold (or tolerance level). This tolerance level is very low for sensitive skin types, leading to skin getting damaged very easily and quickly.
Sensitive skin care products either avoid the potential irritants or keep them at very low concentrations.
Here Are a Few Tips for Sensitive Skin Care:
* Use sensitive skin care products only (i.e. the products that are marked especially for sensitive skin). Also, check the instructions and notes on the product to see if there are specific restrictions or warnings associated with the product.
* Even within the range of sensitive skin care products, choose the one that has minimum preservatives and other additives.
* Do not use toners. Most of them are alcohol based and are not recommended for sensitive skin.
* Wear protective gloves when doing laundry or other chemical based cleaning. If you are allergic to rubber, you can wear cotton gloves below the rubber ones.
* Another important tip for sensitive skin care is to avoid excessive sun exposure. Apply sunscreen lotion before going outside.
* Avoiding exposure to dust and other pollutants is also important for sensitive skin care. So, cover yourself adequately before going out.
* Use a hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic moisturizer as a sensitive skin care product (if there is none specifically labelled as a sensitive skin care product).
* Use soap-free and alcohol free cleansers. Cleanse your face whenever you return from spending time out doors.
* Do not scrub or exfoliate too hard. It can cause reddishness and even inflammation.
* Do not leave makeup on for too long. Use hypoallergenic makeup- removers.
So, sensitive skin care is very different from the normal skin care. Caring for sensitive skin is more about being careful with your skin, both in terms of sensitive skin care products and protection against environmental factors.