If you have sensitive skin, you’ll know that managing it isn’t easy. From learning how to identify your triggers to soothing skin irritation and redness, it takes patience to give your skin the right care. And we want to make it easier for you.
Here, we share four simple habits you can incorporate in your daily life to help you better manage sensitive skin and keep it in check!
4 Habits to Better Manage Sensitive Skin
1. Always do a patch test before applying new products
Patch testing helps to determine if the new product you’re wanting to use will cause irritation to your skin or an allergic reaction. Whether you’re adding a new sunscreen or a moisturiser, make sure to always do a patch test first by applying the product at the back of your ear or the inside of your arm. Wait 24 hours after application to detect any signs of reaction or allergy before including it in your routine. Doing this will help to greatly reduce the chance of skin irritation happening!
2. Stay out of the sun
While getting some sun is good for your overall health, overexposure can cause damage to our skin and speed up signs of ageing. Sensitive skin is known to be more prone to sun damage due to its weakened skin barrier, making it less resilient to external aggressors such as the sun. Those with conditions such as photosensitivity (or sun allergy) will need to take extra care as the skin is more easily triggered by UV rays.
Try limiting your time spent out in the sun as much as possible to avoid overexposure to UV rays. Protect your skin by wearing light clothing that provides good coverage and apply sufficient sunscreen before you head out the door. With SPF 30 and PA+++ protection, Sunscreen 5 keeps your skin well-protected while giving your skin a natural radiant glow.
3. Avoid hot showers
A long, hot shower sounds so relaxing, doesn’t it? But for those with sensitive skin, it can actually do more harm than good. Hot showers can strip off the natural oils on your skin, removing the protective layer that seals moisture in. Showering in hot water also causes the skin to become dehydrated, which is a no-no for dry and sensitive skin, as the skin becomes more prone to irritation.
Stick to cool or room temperature water when washing your face and avoid taking long, hot showers (although the temptation may be strong during colder days!). Replenish the moisture in your skin by applying a hydrating toner or moisturiser as soon as you step out of the shower.
4. Keep your stress level in check
Always breaking out when you’re stressed? You may have heard that stress can make your skin worse, and it’s true! Stress is a factor often overlooked by many sensitive skin users and it just might be the very thing that is causing your breakouts.
Lack of sleep, anxiety, a poor diet and other stress-inducing events cause the body to release cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone. Excessive cortisol can stimulate an overproduction of sebum, which causes our skin to be more oily and acne-prone in times of stress. This is when you’ll notice more breakouts and visible skin concerns.
Take note of your lifestyle habits and be kind to yourself. Take frequent breaks, exercise, spend time with your friends and family and do things that you love. When you keep your stress level low, you’ll spot healthier skin too!
Soothing Secrets Recovery Routine for Sensitive Skin
Every sensitive skin condition differs, which is why it takes a while to nail down the routine that suits your skin. If you’re having a little trouble, here’s a skin care routine for sensitive skin you can try out to soothe and condition your skin for a healthier skin foundation.
Soothing Secrets Recovery Routine: Cleanser 1, Aqua Boost Serum 10, Moisturizer 6, Refining Serum 9.
What are some of your best tips to manage sensitive skin? Share them with us in the comments below!