What is sensitive skin? As compared to men, women easily experience sensitive skin due to differences in skin thickness. Additionally, hormonal changes are another reason that makes women risk dry skin and dehydration [1]. Do you have sensitive skin? How do you know your skin is sensitive? In fact, the best thing is to consult a dermatologist to evaluate whether or not you have sensitive skin. Or let’s take a quick look at some common indicators below and assess by yourself. If you said YES for most of these, your skin is naturally sensitive. I often feel itching, tingling, and tugging. I have redness and dryness. I get burned in the sun with ease. I always have trouble finding suitable cosmetics. My skin strongly reacts to emotions, stress, and hormone disturbance. It also responds to changes in temperatures like wind or cold. Extra care is necessary to prevent your sensitive skin from getting damaged and protect it from a harsh environment. Now, allow us to show you what home remedies and practices can be followed and work towards sensitive skin care. Which ingredients are good for sensitive skin? Aloe vera Known as the best natural moisturizer for sensitive skin, aloe vera is mild and does not make your skin irritated. Also, it is rich in antioxidant compounds that can restrain the development of damaging bacteria that might lead to infection. A quick yet effective tip for relieving sun burn on sensitive skin is to use aloe vera. How to use it? Cut the head of the leaf of an aloe plant. Use a pestle and squeeze out the gel from inside. Then apply the gel on any affected areas or just your face and neck. Let it dry overnight and wash off the next day. After applying the gel, it is usual to get mild itchiness, so don’t worry. Honey Another easy natural ingredient for sensitive skin is honey. It is packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, which can purify your skin deeply and promote moisture levels of the skin. It is also helpful to stop bacterial infection, eczema, and heal wounds. How to use it? Add 2 tsp of honey and 2 tsp of cinnamon powder in a bowl and mix well. Or mix 2 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture on your face and neck and let it sit here for 10-20 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water and pat to dry. Doing 2 or 3 times per week will make your skin supple and smooth. Oatmeal Oatmeal is often used for bathing because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soften and exfoliate the skin gently. Moreover, it soothes irritated skin such as sunburn, redness, windburn, itchiness, and eczema. Another benefit is that oatmeal has lipids that easily lock in moisture and make the skin hydrated. How to use it? Mix 2 tsp of oatmeal and 2 to 3 tsp of yogurt until the mixture is pasty. Then apply it to your face and let it sit here for 10-15 minutes or until it dries. Next, wet paper towels with hot water to wipe off. Finally, wash your face with lukewarm water and pat it to dry. Shea butter Although shea butter was recently used in the late years, it has soon become one of the most popular superfoods for the skin. It is completely natural and non-toxic. Furthermore, its texture is creamy and thick. And the most important thing is that it is rich in essential fatty acids that increase the production of collagen and lessen aging. How to use it? Directly apply shea butter on your skin. Massage until it is absorbed. But note that it is slippery, so it is best to use it at night before bed. Overripe banana Perhaps, you do not like overripe bananas but do not throw them away because you can make a natural moisturizing face pack with them. This fruit is helpful to get rid of dead skin cells and block moisture, so your skin does not feel itchy and dry. How to use it? Mash an overripe banana in a bowl. Add 2 tsp of curd, 1 tsp of honey and mix all well. Or add ½ tsp of honey, ½ cup of oatmeal cooked with milk, and 1 egg. Apply on your face, massage in circular motions, and leave it here for 15 minutes. Wash off and pat dry. Which ways are effective to care for sensitive skin? Aside from using the natural ingredients above, we also show you a list of sensitive skin tips that promote your skin’s ability to protect itself. Hydrate yourself Your skin needs to be hydrated to make it plumper and healthier. So, it is necessary to add at least 8-ounce glasses of water a day to keep your skin from being dry. Or consume a glass of lemon water right after you wake up because the antioxidants and vitamin C in lemon can help reduce free-radical damage on your sensitive skin [2]. What is more, lemon water helps detoxify your blood, thereby preventing acne, wrinkles, and blemishes. Moisturize your skin regularly Moisturizing regularly is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy lipid barrier for sensitive skin. A suitable and effective moisturizer will refresh your skin’s outer layer, block water loss, and prevent penetration of potential irritants. Select your moisturizer carefully; highly recommend those that are high in fatty acids like shea butter, olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil to enhance hydration and lock in moisture. Apply sunblock regularly Sensitive skin is extra-reactive to the sun’s rays, so UV protection is a must. Remember to apply sunblock whenever being outside, and make sure to use a broad-spectrum one with titanium oxide and zinc oxide. Avoid sunblock with over SPF 30 because it includes a high amount of comedogenic ingredients, which may hurt your sensitive skin. Additionally, you should wear sunglasses and protective clothing to protect your skin. Avoid hot and long bath While many of us find solace in the soothing warmth of a long, hot bath, it's important to be mindful of the potential consequences. The scalding hot water, though comforting, has the tendency to strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to irritation, dehydration, and the unsightly emergence of red blemishes. To safeguard your skin against the adverse effects of abrupt temperature fluctuations, it is advisable to opt for a more gentle, lukewarm water temperature during your bathing ritual. Wash your face Incorporating a regular facial cleansing routine into your daily life not only promotes skin hydration but also serves as a vital shield against the accumulation of harmful environmental pollutants that can congest your pores. After cleansing, take care to gently pat your face dry using a soft cloth, avoiding the abrasive friction of vigorous rubbing that may otherwise result in unsightly redness and unpleasant skin bumps. For those moments when you find yourself out and about, it's a prudent idea to carry a pack of facial cleansing wipes in your bag, ready to swiftly eliminate the impurities and grime that accumulate throughout the day. Your skin will thank you for this extra bit of care and attention.. Care what you eat You are what you eat, so a healthy diet plays a vital role in skin health. Here is a list of some kinds of foods that you should add to your diet every day. Organic fruits and veggies like blueberries, apples, tomatoes, and leafy greens Orange-colored fruits and veggies like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, and kinds of tropical fruits Healthy fat sources such as nuts, avocadoes, and olive oil Healthy carbs like squashes, beans, berries, and whole grains Cold-water fish such as herring, salmon, and sardines Also, you can try the Mediterranean diet for better control of sensitive skin because it has a higher consumption of veggies, fruits, nuts, fish, healthy oils, and whole grains. Another good tip is to add some so-called beauty supplements to your diet to nourish your skin from inside. Watch what you buy In the realm of skincare, a discerning eye is your greatest ally. Whether you're perusing the aisles for face packs, cleansers, soaps, or moisturizers, exercise caution and diligence in your selections. Opt for products adorned with labels such as "hypoallergenic" or "free from artificial colors." But don't stop there; go the extra mile by conducting a patch test. Allocate approximately 48 hours to observe any potential skin reactions before committing to a new product.When dealing with sensitive skin, it's crucial to adhere to the holistic skincare principles outlined above. Maintain mindfulness not only about what you apply topically but also what you consume internally and the environments you expose your skin to. For personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific skin needs, consulting with a dermatologist is often the wisest course of action. After all, ensuring the well-being of your skin is an investment that pays lifelong dividends.
