How to Care for Sensitive Skin

Do you have sensitive skin? Sensitive skin is more reactive and easily irritated than usual.

Reactions typically take the form of pustules, bumps, erosions or excessive itchiness. It is also very dry and prone to redness and flushing. If this sounds like your skin, you may need to tweak your skincare routine to properly care for your sensitive skin. Here’s how:

Cleanse Gently

Harsh scrubs and aggressive rubbing can damage or irritate any skin type, but especially sensitive skin. Cleansing is a necessary part of your skincare routine, but if you have sensitive skin, you need to be extra careful about how you cleanse it. Needless to say, you should steer clear of facial washes with rough, scratchy bits in them like microbeads or scrubs. Instead, choose gentle, natural beauty products like those by Well Within Beauty.

RELATED: How to Treat Eczema & Manage Dry Skin

If you live in a cold or dry climate, you might be able to get away with cleansing only once a day at the end of the day. In the morning, you can simply rinse your skin with water, or use micellar water or a gentle cleansing toner. Minimizing cleansing can help prevent your skin from reacting or getting irritated. However, it’s important to cleanse thoroughly at the end of the day, starting with a natural makeup remover to take off your makeup and sunscreen.

Using an oil-based first cleanser is an effective way to dissolve makeup, sunscreen and dislodge dust, dirt and excess oil on your skin without too much rubbing or tugging. Follow up with a gentle water-based second cleanser to get rid of any residue. Cleansing your skin this way at the end of the day is a great way to make sure you thoroughly cleanse your skin, without putting it through too much stress.

Pat Dry and Moisturize

Too much friction can really irritate sensitive skin, so after washing your face, gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Never rub. Immediately apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp, to lock in moisture and stop water from escaping from the surface of your skin.

Choose a moisturizer carefully. Unfortunately, many ingredients can easily trigger sensitive skin. Look for a gentle, basic, no-frills moisturizer with a short ingredients list, to minimize the chances of irritation. Try to avoid highly irritating ingredients like added fragrance, alcohol and astringents, and essential oils.

RELATED: 10 Ways to Achieve Natural Beauty

Protect Your Skin

Lastly, it is an absolute must to keep your skin protected from the sun at all times, no matter what your skin type. Sensitive skin is prone to redness and flushing, and excessive exposure to the sun can exacerbate these conditions. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and broad spectrum protection, and be sure to apply it every single day, even on cloudy or overcast days.

Gentleness is key when taking care of sensitive skin. Avoid using products that contain harsh or potent active ingredients, and minimize the amount of friction you subject your skin to. You may need to consult a dermatologist to properly diagnose your skin and help identify your triggers. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make better skincare choices for your skin.