Effective Ways To Take Care Of Sensitive Skin

Skin sensitivity is best described as a skin condition, rather than a skin type. Your skin can become sensitive due to a variety of reasons, including allergies, extremely hot or cold temperatures, excessive exfoliation that damages the skin barrier, skin injury, dry weather, eczema, and other genetic skin conditions such as rosacea.

Moreover, sensitive skin is generally associated with extreme skin dryness, as the nerve endings in dry skin are not well protected from the environment. This leads to a high risk of skin bumps, pustules, skin erosion, blushing, and skin flushing.

Skin sensitivity can manifest differing symptoms in people, with redness, burning, itching, and peeling being the common ones. These symptoms generally develop in reaction to sunlight, chemical-laden skin products, makeup, and dehydration.

# Hydrate yourself with lemon water

It is suggested to consume a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning if you have sensitive skin. This can be helpful as the vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon help manage free-radical damage.

Moreover, lemon water helps detoxify your blood, thus aiding in the prevention of blemishes, acne, and wrinkles, giving your skin a natural glow.

- Juice half a lemon and mix it in a glass of lukewarm water.
- Add honey to taste and consume it on an empty stomach.
- You can have your meal after 30 minutes of drinking lemon water.

# Moisturize regularly

Since sensitive skin is often associated with dryness, it is essential to moisturize your skin regularly, making it a vital step in every skin care routine. Moisturizers lock in water in the skin, improve hydration, soothe the skin, restore skin lipids, and improve the skin’s moisture barrier.

Select your moisturizer carefully, one that is suitable for your skin. Prefer organic products over those laden with chemicals and fragrance. You can find various moisturizing creams made especially for sensitive skin in drugstores and grocery stores.

Avoid moisturizers that contain artificial fragrances and colors, as they can irritate the skin. Instead, select products that contain beneficial ingredients such as ylang-ylang oil, which controls oil production and soothes the skin.

# Select new products carefully

It is vital to select your skin care products, including cleansers, soaps, face packs, and moisturizers, very carefully. Avoid products that contain chemicals such as parabens and artificial colors, as they can react with sensitive skin.

Choose products that are labeled 'no artificial colors' or 'hypoallergenic'. You can purchase products that have natural perfumes, but it is better if they are perfume-free as they are well tolerated by sensitive skin.

It is best to consult your dermatologist before trying a new product. Moreover, always conduct a patch test before full application. Give your skin between one day and a week to check whether your skin reacts to it or not.

# Regularly apply sunscreens

Excessive exposure to sunrays can damage the skin cells, often leading to skin rashes and other problems. Therefore, it is best to avoid going out in the sun.

Always apply sunscreen before stepping outside. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably one with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Avoid the use of sunscreens with more than SPF 30, as they have a higher amount of comedogenic ingredients, which can be harmful to sensitive skin.

You can also wear sunglasses and other protective clothing to protect your skin from the harsh UV rays.

# Consume a balanced diet

Your diet has a large influence on your skin health. It is advised to consume a diet with more natural foods and less processed foods.

Include the following anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods in your diet to improve your skin health and boost healing:

- Organic fruits and vegetables, such as apples, blueberries, tomatoes, and leafy greens. These are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that are beneficial to your skin.
- Healthy fat sources, including avocados, nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil.
- Cold-water fish, such as sardines, wild salmon, and herring. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Consume these twice a week, or consult your doctor on the use of fish oil supplements that contain EPA and DHA.
- Healthy carbs, including beans, whole grains, berries, and squashes.
- Orange-colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, tropical fruits, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes, which are rich in vitamin A.
- Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds.
- Food sources of vitamins A and E, selenium, zinc, and antioxidants.

# Improve your bath routine

While hot baths are often favored for relaxation, the hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, cause irritation, lead to red spots, and even cause dehydration. The use of heaters during winters has the same effect on your skin.

Therefore, it is best to avoid hot water for bathing, and instead use lukewarm water. Similarly, protect your skin from sudden temperature changes to prevent skin reactions.

# Dry your skin gently

Make sure to use a soft cloth to gently pat your face dry instead of rubbing it with a towel. Using a face towel to rub your skin dry can often cause bumps and redness.

# Avoid abrasive detergents

Your skin can also react to the traces of laundry detergent left in your clothes. Therefore, if you notice sensitivity after putting on fresh clothes, it may be time to change your laundry detergent.

Opt for gentle and soft detergents. It is also helpful to wear rubber gloves while handling detergents and other cleaning agents to prevent skin reactions.

# Cleanse your skin with raw milk

The use of raw milk as a cleanser for sensitive skin is quite popular. Milk contains anti-inflammatory agents, moisturizing properties, skin-nourishing ingredients, and skin-lightening compounds that soothe the skin, relieving it of itchiness, dryness, and pigmentation.