4 Types of Sensitive Skin and How to Care for Them

4 Types of Sensitive Skin and How to Care for Them

There are many things that can cause sensitive skin. Men and women with skin sensitivity issues have hyperactive immune systems that read certain products, ingredients, weather conditions, or other external and internal factors as enemies and fight them off as foreign objects. Skin reactions often lead to redness, itching, stinging, burning, and peeling. Although there is no cure, it can be controlled through a combination of proper skincare and the avoidance of certain sensitivity triggers. But because not all sensitive skin is the same, you could be approaching your skincare regimen from the wrong angle. Here are 4 different types of sensitive skin and what you can do to help care for each of them.

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Naturally Sensitive Skin

If you have naturally sensitive skin, chances are you've pretty much had it all your life, as it is genetic. You might be predisposed to inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. You can take steps to better manage your sensitive skin. Flare ups from eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea can all be triggered by various external factors, including certain foods, certain ingredients in products, fabrics, and weather changes. By figuring out your specific skin triggers and avoiding them whenever possible, you can help reduce your symptoms and minimize the amount of flare ups you experience.

Environmentally Sensitive Skin

Environmentally sensitive skin is caused by sun exposure, certain skincare product ingredients, smoking, or air pollution. Although you weren't necessarily born with sensitive skin, your skin has developed sensitivity to certain external or environmental factors. In this case, when your skin is exposed to these things, you may notice stinging, redness, and other signs of irritation that go away once you remove the trigger and your skin has a chance to repair itself. To avoid sensitivity caused by environmental factors, establish a healthy skincare routine that focuses on repairing and strengthening the skin barrier.

Reactive Skin

The best way to deal with reactive skin is to pay close attention to the ingredients in your skincare products. If you have reactive skin, it quickly reacts to certain skincare product ingredients by becoming red and irritated. This type of sensitive skin is more common among women and men with lighter skin tones, although anyone can experience it. Look for products that don't contain fragrances or dyes, as these can often trigger adverse reactions. You may also need to steer clear of harsh exfoliants and other ingredients that seem to spark this rapid skin reaction.

Thin Skin

Thinner skin may seem to become red very easily, or veins and capillaries may be more visible, creating a flushed appearance. This is because thin skin is more translucent than thicker skin, allowing you to more easily see the colored veins underneath. If thin skin is a concern for you, try skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, and other advanced soothing ingredients. For many people, thinning skin becomes a cosmetic concern with age as the amount of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid naturally present begins to decline. Repeated sun exposure can cause thin skin too.

What to Look for in Skincare Products

In addition to hormones, stress, and diet that can cause skin to become more sensitive, also look out for the following items as they can have a major impact on sensitive skin.

Fragrance: Fragrance is the number one allergen in cosmetics and skincare. Look for fragrance-free and allergy-tested products to reduce your risk of irritation. Note that "allergy tested" shouldn't be confused with "hypoallergenic." If you see "hypoallergenic" on a label, it means that that the product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn't necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. If you can't part with your favorite scent, place your clothing on your bed and lightly mist it with fragrance. Give the scent a few minutes to dry on the fabric before getting dressed. This prevents direct contact with the skin, so you avoid irritation.

Chemicals in Cleansers: Sodium lauryl sulfate is a harsh emulsifier that is found in many body washes, facial cleansers, and soap. It rids the skin of dirt and oil while breaking down precious lipids, the glue that binds skin cells together, keeping them resistant to dryness and damage. Because sensitive skin is almost always dry, soaping up with moisture-sucking products can lead to itching and peeling. Instead, wash with cleansers specifically formulated for sensitive or dry skin. Sensitive skin cleansers usually contain sodium laureth sulfate, which is mild. Read labels to make sure the more irritating sodium lauryl sulfate is not in your cleanser. Avoid over cleansing. If you choose the right products for your skin type, cleansing can actually help improve the function of your skin/s lipid barrier and reduce sensitivity.

Chemicals in Makeup: When it comes to makeup, use face powder, which has fewer preservatives and a lower risk of skin irritation. Do not use waterproof cosmetics because you need a special cleanser to remove them, which can further irritate sensitive skin. Use black eyeliner and mascara over other colors because they appear to be the least allergenic. Use pencil eyeliner and eyebrow fillers. Liquid eyeliners and brow fillers may contain latex which can cause an allergic reaction. Ultramarine blue, a pigment commonly found in eye shadow, can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Try sticking to neutral eye shadow shades like beige or brown, which expose skin to fewer irritating chemical pigments. Mica is found in most mineral makeups and bronzing powders and can cause itching. Another culprit is bismuth oxychloride, known to cause stinging. Choosing liquid blushes, bronzers, and foundations which aren't brushed on are better for sensitive skin. Throw out any old cosmetics as they can spoil or become contaminated.

Hard Water: Avoid using hard water. Washing your face and body with hard water can actually make skin feel more irritated. It contains high levels of minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium and is highly alkaline. Install a water softener to help alleviate skin sensitivity issues.

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When in doubt, always test a new skincare or cosmetic product first to see if you have a reaction to it. For several days, apply a small amount behind one of your ears or on your neck and leave it on overnight. If your skin does not become irritated, follow the same procedure, this time applying the product on an area alongside one of your eyes or near your jaw line area. If you still don't see a reaction or irritation, the product should be safe for you to apply on any area of your face.

While the symptoms of different types of sensitive skin are similar, knowing the root cause of your skin sensitivity can help you to better manage it and even improve its overall look and feel. First, try to identify the particular trigger that worsens your symptoms. Then adjust your skincare and lifestyle habits accordingly.

Source:

https://skinbetter.com/caring-4-different-types-sensitive-skin/

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