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Sensitive Skin: 7 Care Tips You Need to Know

Sensitive skin is something that affects many people, and those suffering know just how troubling it can be. Sensitive skin might be dry, itchy, flaky or inflamed and can be aggravated by everyday products like water, soap or alcohol gel.

When it comes to using skincare products and makeup, only the kindest and gentlest products will work for you, and in some cases, even products designed for sensitive skin could cause irritation.

Sensitive skin can happen to anyone at any stage in their life, and it’s often a case of trial and error to determine which products your skin will tolerate. You might develop a sensitivity or allergy to your favourite skin cream, or your sensitive skin could also be seasonal, getting worse with extreme temperatures. If you’re keen to get your sensitive skin under control, we have a few tips to help you out.

Why is skin sensitive?

There are several causes for sensitive skin ranging from skin disorders to environmental factors. If you’ve recently changed any of your products and noticed that your skin has become more sensitive, this is likely to be an environmental factor such as an allergy to one of the ingredients. Exposure to sun, wind or cold weather can also cause sensitive skin. If you notice your skin is red and dry after coming in from the cold, this could be the cause of your sensitivity.

Sensitive skin needs a little more TLC. You will need to be aware of the products you are using and how they interact with your skin. We’ve compiled 7 tips to help you take control of your sensitive skin.

The Best Treatment for Sensitive Skin:

1. Take shorter showers

Long, hot showers might be tempting in the winter but this can disrupt the delicate balance of your skin causing irritation. It may seem counterintuitive, but water actually dries out your skin and dry skin is more prone to irritation. Showering too frequently can also aggravate sensitive skin. Try reducing your shower frequency to occasionally give your skin a break, and make your showers shorter and cooler to help reduce any negative impact.

2. Never skip moisturiser

After your shower, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturiser right away. This will help lock in moisture and avoid any dryness from the water exposure. A good quality moisturiser will help to restore balance to your skin. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturiser so it won’t clog your pores leading to other skin concerns, and look out for an ingredient called ceramides as this will help your skin to retain moisture longer.

3. Protect skin from the elements – sun, wind & cold

In the winter months, wrap up warm before going outside wearing gloves to protect your hands and a scarf to cover your face. In the summer, make sure you always wear sun protection and cover your skin during the hottest part of the day. In summer, sweat can irritate the skin so ensure you wash your face daily to keep your skin clear.

4. Stop using soap

Soap strips essential oils from the surface of your skin and leaves the skin exposed and vulnerable to sensitivity. Switching to a non-soap cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin will be much kinder to your skin. Sebamed Olive Cleansing Bar is a deeply nourishing treat for your skin that won’t disrupt the skin’s PH level.

5. Try an oatmeal soak

If you are suffering from eczema, you might be trapped in an itch-scratch cycle that will prevent your skin from healing. A homemade oatmeal soak could help to soothe your skin and restore the moisture balance. To create this, blend oats until they are a fine powder, then add to a lukewarm bath for a soothing treat that offers anti-inflammatory properties and will soothe the itch. Don’t sit in a bath for longer than 15 minutes as this can start to reverse any benefits.

6. Beware of fragrance

When looking for new skincare products choose fragrance-free options, as even natural fragrances and essential oils can be problematic for sensitive skin. If in doubt, choose a neutral emollient moisturiser like Dermol 500 Lotion. This ultra-nourishing cream can also be used as a cleanser that won’t dry out your skin.

Also, don’t assume that something marked as hypoallergenic is suitable for your skin, instead, test new products on a small patch of skin and leave it for 24 hours before applying it anywhere else.

7. Natural isn’t always better

We often assume that natural products are safer to use, but they still need to be tested first. Some products like aloe vera gel can be great for sensitive skin, but some contain preservatives to help them last longer that could cause a reaction. Something that is 99.9% natural could still contain 0.01% of ingredients that irritate your skin.

If you’re struggling with sensitive skin and want to take control, explore our skincare collection. We have creams, lotions and cleansers suitable for dry, itchy, flaky or acne-prone skin, so you’re sure to find something that works for you.

Speak to one of our team for more information.

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