Sensitive skin: practical tips to make skincare a breeze

Sensitive skin shouldn’t get you down. Here are a few practical tips to help you take care of your skin during winter.

Struggling with sensitive skin? Don’t let the cooler winter temperature get you down. Check out these tips.

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TAKING CARE OF SENSITIVE SKIN IS EASY THANKS TO THESE TIPS

If you’ve ever battled with sensitive skin, you’re not alone. It is fast becoming one of the most common concerns experienced by men and women all over the world. And it can be particularly difficult during winter – because of the low humidity and icy temperatures, this is considered the most challenging season for sensitive skin.

There are so many different causes, that sometimes it may be difficult to pinpoint the reason for your skin’s sensitivity. This ranges from exposure to pollution and chemical irritants, to hormonal issues, stress, diet and even ingredients in the skincare products we apply.

How will you know if you have sensitive skin? Skin sensitivity may manifest in a variety of different ways such as redness, itchiness, stinging, burning, flaking, tightness or dryness, and may be a constant concern, or flare up from time to time. It can affect the entire body – not just the face – and sometimes goes hand-in-hand with breakouts and dehydration.

When it comes to treating skin concerns, it is always best to get to the root of the problem. If your sensitivity is persistent, we recommend booking an appointment with your dermatologist, who will help you to identify the cause of your sensitivity and recommend suitable treatment.

Sometimes it’s possible to beat sensitivity by changing your diet or skincare routine, while other times it may require medical intervention such as treating hormonal conditions. One of the trickiest causes is environmental aggressors and pollution, as we simply can’t all move to the countryside to avoid exposure. However, all is not lost.

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TRY THESE PRACTICAL SKINCARE TIPS

Whatever the cause of your sensitivity, there are a couple of simple things you can do daily to protect and soothe your skin while limiting sensitivity.

Avoid hot water

A hot shower may feel fantastic during the colder months, but hot water is known to exasperate sensitivity. Most dermatologists recommend showering in warm water under 40 degrees. Not sure how to tell if the temperature is right? If your skin is flushed or red afterwards, the water was too hot.

Use a milky or creamy cleanser

Gel cleansers are great for oily skin (especially during summer), but they can sometimes strip dry and sensitive skins of moisture. We recommend using a milky or creamy cleanser as these have moisturising properties that will help retain the skin’s moisture.

Be aware of bacteria

Bacteria is all around us, and harmful breakout-causing bacteria lurks in more places than you may suspect. Be sure to change your pillowcase regularly as sweat and product build-up may irritate sensitive skin while you sleep. Wash your makeup brushes frequently and disinfect your cellphone daily – both are home to plenty of spot-causing bacteria.

Hydrate

Sensitive skin is prone to dehydration, so it’s essential to apply moisture-boosting skincare products that are gentle yet effective (and free from potentially harmful and harsh ingredients).

Protect your skin from the sun

We know how dangerous the sun’s UV rays are for all skin types, and sensitive skin may be extra vulnerable to its powers. Try to avoid spending time outdoors during peak hours (10am – 2pm). If you do go outside, wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses and cover up with loose fitting clothing. And most importantly – always apply a broad spectrum SPF to exposed skin.

Maintain a healthy diet

Sometimes sensitive skin is linked to certain foods in one’s diet, and sometimes it is not. The truth is that everyone’s skin, regardless of the different skin types, will benefit from a diet rich in fresh fruit and veg, lean protein, healthy fats and fibre. In some cases gluten and dairy have shown to affect sensitive skin, so if you’re prone to sensitivity, try to cut back.

Skincare regime

One of the most important factors in caring for sensitive skin is your choice of skincare products. Harsh ingredients and artificial fragrances or colourants are likely to aggravate sensitivity, as may some preservatives and additives. The key is to find a skincare range that offers effective products that are also gentle.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for sensitive skin, but with the right products and lifestyle choices, it’s possible to minimise sensitivity and keep skin soothed and moisturised.

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