Increasing numbers of people around the world are experiencing sensitive skin but it is necessary to know just what sensitive skin means. For most people the definition is quite clear when their skin becomes hyper-sensitive to products they use, the atmosphere, anything they apply to their skin or even wear; the result of which is normally irritable skin that can even be swollen and red. This problem may affect you at any age and once it does you will probably have to start using sensitive skin care products specially formulated for this type of condition.
As each person is different, so the range of sensitive skin care has to be flexible too as this is not a situation where one product will work with everyone. However, it is known that in most instances, the skin will not react well too any type of detergent, including soap, or other products with chemicals.
This skin damage can actually affect everyone to a greater or lesser degree and is often just a matter of personal tolerance. Where a person has skin sensitivity this will obviously become apparent more quickly than someone who does not share this type of skin condition.
A few tips for choosing the right sensitive skin care products are suggested below, these are products which where possible avoid known skin irritants or reduce them to the lowest concentration possible. Firstly, only use sensitive skin care products; the products that are marked for sensitive skin care only and check the instructions that are supplied with the product to see if there are specific restrictions or warnings associated with the product.
It is still important to buy the products with the least amount of compounds that can trigger or aggravate the sensitivity condition. Wherever possible, avoid any type of cleanser or toner as they are almost invariably alcohol based.
If you are doing the laundry make sure you protect your hands with gloves as detergent can even cause problems for people who do not have sensitive skin and if rubber gloves also cause irritation, you can always wear cotton gloves underneath them. Another situation that causes a problem for sensitive skin is the sun so if you intend to go out in strong sunlight, you will need to apply a special sunscreen.
Dust and other atmospheric pollution can also be a problem so it is advisable to put some form of barrier or moisturizing cream on (even if it isn't sunny), or a hypoallergenic moisturizer will do if you can't find a specific sensitive skin care product. You will also need to avoid soaps that aren't soap-free and other cleansers that contain alcohol that you will clean your face with after being outdoors, just remember not to rub too hard as this too can cause redness.
Never leave makeup on for extended periods and wherever possible use hypoallergenic makeup removal products that will not make the skin worse. Sensitive skin does not have to mean that you become a hermit as there are numerous products available to help you, it just takes a change in the way you carry out your everyday life, that's all.
