The American Academy of Dermatology states that sensitive skin affects millions of people worldwide. This skin type presents lots of challenges, which leave most people frustrated. However, there are ways to make it better- and today, we're giving you some natural options.
What is sensitive skin?
According to Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., and director of the University of Miami's Cosmetic Medicine & Research Institute, sensitive skin occurs in four types:
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Burning and stinging
• Contact dermatitis (allergies and irritants, including eczema)
If you experience any of these conditions regularly, you have sensitive skin. Each of these types creates different symptoms, but all of them come with inflammation.
IT'S A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM
A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2011 reported on the prevalence of sensitive skin in the U.S. Researchers examined 1,000 subjects, and the results showed that:
• Approximately 45 percent stated they had sensitive or very sensitive skin.
• Those with sensitive skin had mainly dermatological disorders, dry or mixed skin, or were prone to skin reactions to cosmetics and several environmental factors.
How can you tell if you have sensitive skin?
Other symptoms of sensitive skin include:
- Burning, tingling, or tightening sensations, especially after using skincare or makeup products.
- Redness, acne, rashes, and adverse reactions after shaving
- Redness and rashes after exposure to household or cosmetic products
- Acne and other skin problems during stress.
- Burning, redness, or dryness after exposure to cold weather.
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema
- Regular skin irritation, flaking, dryness, and redness for no apparent reason.
If any of these statements describe you, you may have sensitive skin. Read on for tips on how to make your skin feel better using natural remedies.
Eight ways to soothe sensitive skin, naturally
1. AVOID HOT WATER
Using hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, promoting dryness. Switch to using lukewarm water most of the time.
2. DON'T SOAK
If you stand under a hot shower for long, you're stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Bathe with lukewarm or cold water, wash your face last, and apply toner and moisturizer immediately after getting out and patting away excess water.
3. AVOID SOAP
Most regular soaps have drying elements. Instead, use soap-free cleansers with nourishing ingredients, like our Rosewater Wellspring Cleanser.
4. SUN PROTECTION
Damage by the sun is the foremost cause of skin aging. It can also intensify inflammation and redness. Protect your skin by wearing hats, sunglasses, and a safe sunscreen like zinc oxide. During harsh weather, stay out of direct sun and protect your skin with scarves and gloves.
5. BE GENTLE
Sensitive skin needs more tender care as compared to other types. Avoid using harsh scrubs, loofahs, and brushes. Clean and treat your skin gently, using only non-irritating products.
6. BEWARE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS
Ensure you read the labels on your skincare and other personal care products, avoiding all harsh chemicals. Also, pay attention to your laundry products- many can irritate the skin because of their harsh surfactants.
7. AVOID FRAGRANCES
Most synthetic fragrances irritate the skin, and many of them contribute to causing or worsening dermatitis and allergic skin reactions.
8. KEEP IT SIMPLE
How many products are you putting on your skin each day? If it's more than four, consider reducing them. Try going without makeup on some days, or skipping some products on some days to help your skin recover.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team