Since the world is becoming more aware of skin types, undertones, problems, and skin care, here are the most asked and common questions about sensitive skin.
No matter how many people say that they don’t care about looks, everyone wants to be the best version of themselves, including how they look. Taking good care of your skin is not necessarily tied to how good-looking you become, it is also about having confidence in yourself and taking care of your overall well-being. Skin is the largest organ of your body and taking care of it can protect it from damage while removing the chances of developing any threatening diseases. Taking care of your skin starts with knowing what skin type you have because the routine varies a lot depending on your skin type. If you think you have sensitive skin, here are 9 most asked questions about that skin type. So let’s begin.
- What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is a type of skin that requires more care to fight roughness, dryness, and its overall appearance. Many people think that they have a sensitive skin type because when household or skincare products come in contact with their skin, it causes reactions like stinging, irritation, tightness, itchiness, or burning. However, these symptoms are not everything that you need to know before you determine your skin type as sensitive. Dermatologists while diagnosing skin look for skin reactions such as skin erosion, bumps, or pustules. They also diagnose very dry skin that does not accurately protect nerve endings and a tendency toward skin flushing or blushing as a sensitive skin type.
- How do I know if I have sensitive skin?
The best way to determine whether your skin type qualifies as a sensitive skin type is to have a dermatologist check it.
- What causes reactions in sensitive skin?
If you have overly dry skin that cannot protect nerve endings any longer can cause skin reactions. If you have skin disorders such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, you might face reactions on sensitive skin. If your skin has been exposed to skin-damaging environmental factors like the sun or the wind extreme heat or cold, it will react badly. Other than this, genetic factors like age, and gender may cause different reactions or skin sensitivity.
- What should I look for in skincare products for my sensitive skin?
Some of the more sensitive skin-friendly products include little to no fragrance and fewer ingredients than most. If you have sensitive skin, you need to avoid alcohol, antibacterial ingredients, and alpha-hydroxy acids or retinoids.
- Are there any medical tests for sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, always start with patch tests. This will reveal if you are getting any serious allergies or contributing to your skin conditions. Otherwise, for doctors, there are no accurate medical tests to identify whether you have sensitive skin or not.
- What are some tips for my sensitive skin? Especially face?
Sensitive skin holders should always focus on the two most important parts of their skincare routine, cleansing, and moisturizing.
Every sensitive skin responds differently to different cleansing methods. However, most dermatologists would agree that using high-fragrance cleansers or “deodorant” soaps should not be used on sensitive skin, especially the face. They contain strong detergents that can damage your sensitive skin barrier even more. Instead opt for soap-free, fragrance-free cleansers like mild cleansing bars and liquid face washes suits that best for your sensitive face. They have less potential to irritate the facial skin than soaps. The same point applies to disposable facial washcloths and cleansing creams.
Applying a moisturizer helps the skin attain moisture and resists drying or abrasion. You might think your sensitive skin does not need it or it is too oily, but every skin type needs a moisturizer, and so does your sensitive facial skin. Apply your moisturizer on damp skin immediately after washing or rinsing so that you can seal in moisture.
- When it is an unfamiliar product how do I know it will suit my sensitive skin?
It is okay, we all get tempted by new products launching left and right every day. But before putting a new product on your skin, apply a small amount behind your ear and leave it on overnight for several days. If you see your skin is not irritated from the product, do the same but now on an area alongside one eye. If you still don’t see any reaction or irritation, the product is safe to use all over your face.
- How can I protect my skin in summer and winter?
The first rule to protect any type of skin is to wear sunscreen suitable for your skin type all year round. Use a sunscreen with a broad spectrum of sun protection factor (SPF). The SPF should be at least 30, and you should wear it every day, even if it is cloudy. Also, remember that skin-damaging UVB rays of the sun are the strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so avoid going out in this period if possible, at any time of the year.
Now when in winter, your skincare needs to be adjusted a little bit due to the rough weather. It is the time when your skin will be more prone to flaking, dryness, itching, and even cracking. So make sure to not overheat your home and take warm, not hot, showers and baths with a soap-free cleanser. To minimize skin dryness after you take a shower, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still moist. In your moisturizer, incorporate linoleic acid, petrolatum, ceramides, mineral oil, glycerin, or dimethicone.
Another tip is to avoid tanning as it can damage your skin. So in summer, don’t lie in the sun for a longer period even if you are wearing sunscreen. If you do go out a lot, try to wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. While choosing clothing, opt for tight-woven clothing, covering your arms and legs. Apply your sunscreen 15-20 minutes before you step out in the sun and don’t forget to reapply it every 80 minutes.
- What should I look for in my sunscreen?
Make sure you are using sunscreen with more than or at least 30 SPF. The only active ingredients should be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Otherwise, your sensitive skin will cause an irritation or reaction. On top of that, these ingredients deflect the sun’s UV rays instead of absorbing them like the chemical sunscreens do.
Remember if your skin is irritated it does not mean that it is sensitive, you might be using the wrong products!
