Sensitive Skin Care Tips For Women

Sensitive skin is a condition that affects over 55% of women and can seem difficult to deal with. It can include tingling, tightening and discomfort. Some women suffer with no visible signs while others suffer from redness, blotchiness, dryness, and visible irritation. Often someone with sensitive skin can find it almost impossible to use products without having a painful or visible reaction that leaves them sore and self-conscious. Sensitive skin is often delicate and has fine pores that may flush easily leaving the person looking red. Capillaries are easily broken and rashes break out with even the slightest irritant. Sun, cosmetics, and even soap can cause the skin to burn, be itchy, or sting.

There are some tips that can help ease the discomfort and minimize allergic reactions that are common with sensitive skin. For example:

- Try adding some vinegar to your bath water. This can help to keep away bacteria that are known to cause infections or rashes. This tends to work especially well during the hot summer months.

- In dry winter months, baking soda can often relieve the itchy, dry harsh feeling when added to your bath. There are two popular methods of using baking soda in a bath.

- If you love a bubble bath or bath salts but can’t find products that are gentle for your skin you can make your own. Take 2 and ½ cups baking soda, 2 cups cream of tartar, and 1.2 cup of cornstarch and mix them together. Place in a covered container between uses. Add approximately ¼ cup to your bath water and you will have soothing bubbling bath salts that will not be as harsh as store bought items. If you are looking to relieve itching or burning sensations then a cup of baking soda mixed with 1 ¼ cups baby oil will do the trick.

But what about those of us who don’t like baths or for those days when you don’t have time to soak? You may not know it but your diet can play a big part in breakouts for people with sensitive skin. A healthy diet that contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can lead to healthier skin as well as a healthier body. Everyone reacts differently to different foods so you may want to keep track of what triggers your skin breakouts or reactions. Even some of the best foods for your body can cause a reaction in your skin. So take note of what you are eating around the times that your skin reactions are most severe. Hot and spicy foods have been known to cause negative reactions. Caffeine and alcohol can also cause major irritations to occur so it is wise to avoid these items if you are prone to sensitive skin irritations.

We all know that it is good to drink lots of water every day but did you know that it can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy as well. It is an important factor when your skin is trying to fight off irritations and will leave it looking and feeling healthier. Green Tea and Vitamin C are also known to have great healing properties and may be a helpful addition to your diet and skin care regime.

Green tea is not only a good thing to drink because of its antioxidant agents but can also be helpful when you soak a cloth in some and then gently apply to your burning or irritated skin. This will sooth the area and help reduce visible breakouts. Vitamin C is a good thing to look for in any skin care products that you may buy as well as adding a Vitamin C supplement to your diet.

Use products that contain natural ingredients. Often you can use things you already have in your kitchen cupboard to improve your complexion and skin’s health. A great facial exfoliate can be made by mixing grapefruit and oatmeal. If you miss being able to buy expensive face masks, try making one with yoghurt and cucumber. It is cooling and relaxing and costs next to nothing. A mixture of almond and jojoba oil is great to cleanse your face while Aloe Vera can soothe your skin when a break out or irritation does occur.

People with sensitive skin need to be cautious though, as everyone reacts differently and even the most wholesome natural items can cause a reaction for some. It is always a good idea to try any product on a small patch of skin to ensure that you will not react negatively.

It is important to avoid products that contain fragrance or are PABA sunscreens. These can flare up an attack and make your skin more irritated.

Some people seem to have difficulty all the time with their skin. It is really important to know what is in your cosmetics and skin care products. Avoid anything that has known irritants like alpha hydroxy acids and Retin-A, make sure that your sunscreens, cosmetics and skin cleansers do not contain any fragrances and always look for products that are recommended for sensitive skin and include anti-irritants like aloe and allantois. Use gentle cleansers or mild baby soap when cleaning your face and avoid scrubbing your skin, this will only irritate it more.
Make sure that you avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use a dermatologist recommended sunscreen when you are spending time outdoors. The sun can affect your skin even on days that are not “beach weather” so you may want to make it a part of your routine to apply a sensitive skin sun screen all year round to skin that is exposed.

It may be wise to see a dermatologist to ask what products they recommend or if there is something that they can suggest to relieve any pain, redness or other symptoms that you are dealing with on a regular basis. Sensitive skin is an annoying and sometimes painful problem but hopefully the tips mentioned here will help.