The term “sensitive skin” can be closely linked with many different skin conditions. From rosacea to severe acne, any skin condition can cause sensitivity. In addition, sensitive skin does not discriminate against skin type, you can have combination, normal, dry, or oily skin and it can still be sensitive. Sensitive skin can also appear suddenly, resulting from a few major factors. It can be due to a cosmetic reaction to a product, climate change, stress, or even the foods we eat. It can be characterized by redness, tightness, itching, or irritation. It is important to know the proper tips and products to help protect and improve sensitive skin conditions. First, for extremely sensitive skin, some have benefited from only cleansing their face once a day, generally in the evening. Rinse or use a lotion to cleanse in the morning. This will ensure you aren’t stripping the natural oils in your skin and possibly creating more dryness and irritation. You want to use a soap free mild cleanser. A popular favorite would be the Topix Citrix Antioxidant Cleanser. This is a mild, yet effective cleanser that contains powerful antioxidants your skin requires. One might also consider exfoliating only once or twice per week, with a gentle exfoliator. If your skin is very sensitive you will only want to exfoliate once per week. A great one to try is the PCA SKIN pHaza 4 Gentle Exfoliant. This has a light creamy texture with smooth jojoba beads to gently exfoliate your skin. Jojoba beads are spherical in shape, so they will not scratch or irritate your skin. You may also want to try a mask a few times a week to soothe and hydrate your sensitive skin. You can alternate the days you mask with the days you are exfoliating. After you exfoliate you will want to apply the mask the next day to nourish and protect your skin. We suggest the Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque. This is a great skin booster containing hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, to hydrate and improve your skin’s tissue repair function. You also want to wear an SPF of at least 15 to condition and protect your sensitive skin. Yes, you will need to wear sunscreen even on those cloudy and dreary days. By wearing sunscreen it allows your skin time to heal and your immune system the chance to repair existing damage. For those of who think that tanning clears up your skin that is just a myth. Tanning and sun exposure can often lead to Actinic Keratosis. This is a horrifying skin condition that people with sensitive skin, and who have severe sun damage, could be more susceptible to getting. Wearing your sunscreen will also help protect your delicate skin from the possible effects of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, so please don’t forget the sunscreen! If you haven’t already, give Colorscience brush-on sunscreen a try. They are suitable for all skin types, even on the most sensitive of skin types. The Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush in All Clear has an SPF of 30, and is completely translucent. It is also water resistant, with a non greasy feel. Lotion based or chemical sunscreens can often irritate and clog your pores if you have sensitive skin. If your skin is on the oily side you will probably prefer a light oil free sunscreen and moisturizer. A good one to try is DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew with SPF15. This works well for all skin types, absorbs quickly, and is fragrance free. It contains aloe and grape seed to soothe and protect the skin. You also want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water, and taking vitamin supplements such as flax seed oil to hydrate and condition your skin. Also, make sure you are getting plenty of rest! This may be the hardest tip to follow but your skin really does need time to repair itself. It will be the best gift you can give your skin this holiday season! For more great products formulated for sensitive skin, click here! Source: Skin Cancer Foundation Products featured in this article: Topix Citrix Antioxidant Cleanser, PCA SKIN pHaza 4 Gentle Exfoliant, Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Masque, Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush in All Clear, DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew with SPF15.
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