Veggie Blog

All about sensitive skin care

Sensitive skin care is governed by a few simple rules. However, before we look at the rules for sensitive skin care, it is right to understand what sensitive skin is. Sensitive skin is skin that cannot tolerate unfavourable conditions (environmental or other) and easily gets irritated on contact with foreign materials, including skin care products. For this reason, some products are specially labelled as sensitive skin care products. The degree of sensitivity varies from person to person, and so do the right sensitive skin care routines.

Generally, all skin types can react badly to detergents and other harsh chemical-based products. However, the damage usually starts only beyond a certain threshold (or tolerance level). This tolerance level is very low for sensitive skin, so it gets irritated 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 only sensitive skin care products (i.e. products that are intended for sensitive skin). Also, check the instructions and notes on the product to see if there are specific restrictions or warnings.
* Even within the range of sensitive skin care products, choose the one with the fewest preservatives, colourings and other additives.
* Do not use toners. Most of them are alcohol-based and are not recommended for sensitive skin.
* Wear rubber gloves when doing the laundry or other chemical-based cleaning. If you are allergic to rubber, you can wear cotton gloves under the rubber ones.
* Another essential tip for sensitive skin care is to limit your exposure to the sun. Apply sunscreen before going out in the sun.
* Avoiding exposure to dust and other pollutants also helps sensitive skin. So cover yourself adequately before going out.
* Use a hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic moisturizer (if there is none specifically labelled for sensitive skin).
* Use soap-free and alcohol-free cleansers. Cleanse your face whenever you come back from spending time outdoors.
* Do not scrub or exfoliate very hard. It can lead to redness and inflammation.
* Do not leave your make-up on for too long. Use hypoallergenic make-up removers.
* If your skin stays red, itchy or inflamed, see a dermatologist. It may be a condition such as eczema or a contact allergy that needs proper treatment.

So sensitive skin care is quite different from ordinary skin care. It is more about being careful with your skin, both when choosing skin care products and when protecting it against harsh environments.