Sensitive skin is not technically a skin type, as everyone’s skin may experience some sensitivity. However, the degree of sensitivity varies, and some have it more than others. You may also feel that your skin becomes more sensitive at different times of the month or year, depending on various factors like skin treatments, hormonal changes, weather conditions, etc.
If your skin is easily irritated or you suffer from a skin condition, you have sensitive skin and must adopt a proper skincare routine and be careful about what you apply to your face and body. Read this article for some easy and helpful tips on caring for your sensitive skin.
Best Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin tend to have heightened reactivity to various triggers such as allergies, weather conditions, or specific skincare ingredients like acids and retinol, resulting in irritation and redness. Similarly, if you deal with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, you may also fall into the sensitive skin category.
If that is the case, bringing the skin back to homeostasis may help improve how the skin reacts. Here is an effective skincare routine you can follow for sensitive skin.
Step 1: Cleanse the Skin
If you are doing skincare at night, you will first need to remove your makeup. Use an oil and fragrance-free formula and pay special attention to the area around the eyes. Once the makeup is removed, you can begin skincare.
Regardless of the skin type or condition, a proper skincare routine must begin with cleansing. If you apply products to skin ridden with dirt, sunscreen, or makeup, impurities will accumulate on your skin. Other products will not do their job, which may further aggravate the condition.
You must be careful when choosing cleansing products if you have sensitive skin. Skincare for sensitive skin must include a cleanser that leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and calm. You do not need to follow an intensive cleaning routine in the morning when the face is devoid of any makeup or other products. Use a light gel or cream-based cleanser with hydrating ingredients that do not strip the skin of natural oils.
Step 2: Use a Toner
The main purpose of toner is to hydrate the skin, but when it comes to sensitive skin, toner can help soothe the skin as well. It helps balance the skin’s PH level after cleansing, calms the skin, and removes any lingering dirt or impurities.
If you have sensitive skin, you must avoid toners with alcohol in them and use a gentle product with a milk-based formula and one that has ingredients like ceramide. It will help restore the skin’s PH level and form a barrier against external elements. This will help you better manage your skin’s sensitivity and irritation triggers.
Step 3- Apply a Hydrating Serum
Serums can help hydrate your skin, reduce inflammation, and protect it against irritants. They can also help address skin issues like dark spots, fine lines, or wrinkles. You must choose a serum that helps retain skin moisture and reduces redness for sensitive skin. Press the serum gently into slightly damp skin and apply lightly.
Step 4- Moisturize the skin
The next step is to moisturize the skin, for which you need a lightweight water-based or gel formula. It is better to avoid alcohol and acids as they can increase sensitivity. Moisturizers with ingredients like aloe Vera, niacinamide, or ceramide have a calming and nourishing effect on the skin. Apply gently to skin that is still a little damp from the serum while focusing more on areas of the skin where it is more sensitive.
Step 5- Use sunscreen in the morning
If you are doing skincare in the morning, do not forget to apply sunscreen before heading out. Using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 will help protect the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, irritate the skin or cause other damage. Use sunscreen with zinc oxide for a calming effect, and remember to reapply it during the day if you are outside.
Additional tips
Besides following a daily skincare routine, you must incorporate a few practices to care for your sensitive skin. For instance, using a weekly mask with ingredients like chamomile or aloe Vera will help nourish and hydrate your skin and provide a soothing effect.
Similarly, you must also remember to keep your skin moisturized, whether day or night, and use the right products. At the same time, you must avoid hot showers as prolonged exposure to hot water as it strips the skin of its natural oils and can irritate the skin.
Final Thoughts
The best skincare routine comprises a few simple steps with simple products so you can follow them. Using too many products or following a rigorous routine may put off skincare on days when you have a hectic schedule or are too tired. Instead, follow a simple routine and make it a part of your daily routine to give your sensitive skin the care it deserves. Moreover, know the ingredients in the products you use to ensure they are appropriate for your sensitive skin and will not aggravate your skin condition.
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