Tips for Soothing Sensitive Skin

What do we mean by sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can be caused by a range of conditions.

It could be genetic, such as rosacea or eczema or due to severe allergies.

Or it could also refer to a decreased tolerance for environmental irritants like chemicals or grass. 

Seasonal factors may even contribute.

A person with sensitive skin may break out in hives when exposed to certain fabrics or detergents; they might experience itching after touching something like a  flower or develop redness when using certain ingredients.

Tip One: Back to Basics

Depending on the type or cause of your sensitive skin, the key to calm skin may be less stressful than you think.

When it comes to cleansing and applying moisturizer, do your skin a solid favour and take a peek at the ingredient list to ensure you are feeding your skin with the best nutrients possible. If your skincare products contain any harsh ingredients, they may contribute to your skin concerns rather than solving them. 

Choosing the right gentle cleanser and moisturizer should mean that you remove dead skin cells and hydrate dry skin without irritating the skin's barrier. So look for products containing hyaluronic acid or colloidal oatmeal for hydration without inflammation.

Is natural skincare a better solution for my sensitive skin?

Going all-natural or sticking to essential oils may help soothe your skin temporarily, however with the quality of skincare these days, there is most certainly a sensitive skin-friendly option to keep in your beauty bag.

Some oil products may cause breakouts or increased sensitivity, especially in the sun, so by using recommended products from askbella Skinalyser™ you can rest assured that the ingredients in the product are best for your skin type.

Tip Two: Minimise Sun Exposure

We say “slip, slop, slap” all summer long, but if you have sensitive skin you should be reaching for the SPF all year round to prevent sun damage and further sensitivity.

Lathering up with some sun cream isn't the only protection measure you should take - be sure to stay in the shade, drink lots of water and keep your sensitive skin protected with the help of an Insta-worthy sun-safe straw boater hat and some cool shades.

Won't sunscreen cause irritation?

It is best to choose a cream that is suitable for your skin so that using the wrong cream doesn’t result in increased sensitivity.

There are many ingredients that are safe to use (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and a few that are also good to avoid (like oxybenzone and homosalate).

Our skin quiz will only recommend products that are compatible with your skin type so you won’t have to worry about irritating ingredients.

Using a suitable moisturiser with SPF in it will give you day-to-day protection but be sure to dial up your sunscreen strength when you’re at the beach or in the sun for a prolonged period.

Tip Three: Be Gentle with your Skin

You should always be kind to your skin, particularly for those of us with extremely sensitive skin!

It's important to protect the skin barrier whilst cleansing, moisturising and applying your favourite mask.  If you're too harsh when you wash off your makeup or a tad heavy-handed around the eye area, you can expect redness, irritation and dryness which are not fun when it comes to sensitive skin.

A little bit of TLC (tender loving care!) can soften skin and give a wonderful glow to your complexion without skin irritation.  A gentle mask can also help to smooth pores or soothe redness-prone skin without increasing sensitivity.

Tip Four: Keep it Cool

We all love a hot shower but unfortunately, it will not soothe sensitive skin and may leave you with dry patches and dehydrated skin.

Stick to lukewarm water when cleansing your face and neck to ensure that your cleanser has a moisturizing effect and protects your skin type rather than adding unnecessary redness.

Did you know that if you wash your face in cool water it can also help soothe any redness or irritation?

You could also try popping on a soft, cold compress (a fancy name for a cold damp face washer) on your skin for a soothing treat.

Tip Five: Soothe your Skin from the Inside Out

Drinking plenty of water sure has its benefits when it comes to maintaining a healthy glow. Keeping your body hydrated can keep your skin calm and help you to keep the moisture you need.

Eating the right foods can also help to prevent eczema and breakouts in some cases, so soak up that extra vitamin C from your orange rather than the calories from that chocolate bar.

And while we are talking about looking after ourselves...

Catch those zzz's

Staying in bed for a little while longer could also help to soothe sensitive skin.

Why?

Well, while you are counting sheep, your skin can focus on repairing itself for a happier, brighter complexion. The extra blood flow while you sleep can contribute to a range of benefits, not only for sensitive skin but also to fight the signs of ageing.