Sensitive Skin | Top Skincare Tips

Tips

Gamila Secret Team

Firstly, it is important to understand what a sensitive skin is. Sensitive Skin is easily irritated and reactive. Symptoms that are common are redness, rashes, stinging, itching, and burning, many times after the application of skin care products.

For some people, sensitive skin is a permanent condition, for others, sensitivity is triggered by certain internal and external factors. It occurs when skin’s natural barrier function is compromised, causing water loss and allowing penetration of irritants. Symptoms are exacerbated by factors that facial skin is most exposed to, from the sun to some ingredients in cosmetics and cleansers.

Signs that you have Sensitive Skin

  • Reactive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you probably notice that soaps, detergents, fragrances, perfumes, skincare products, and household products may cause your skin to react whether it may be itchiness, dryness, or reddening. In addition, exposure to external factors such as cold, sun, and wind can trigger it.

  • Redness

This can take the form of a red rash, red bumps, blushing and flushing, or even red dilated blood vessels. Usually, the redness will go away after removing the irritant or with minor treatment.

  • Dryness

It is common that sensitive skin is associated with dry skin type, and it can be exacerbated during the colder months, and can also lead to acne breakouts and cracked skin.

  • Rashes

Sensitive skin may react with a red, dry, flaky, or bumpy rash when exposed to a trigger, especially those that are left on the skin like facial creams.

  • Breakouts

If you have sensitive skin, you may develop breakouts that look like acne with red bumps and pustules. The main issue here is that skin care products design to target acne may be too irritant and worsen the symptoms of sensitivity.

  • Sunburn easily

Sensitive skin is more susceptible to the effects of sun exposure. The problem is that sensitive skin is more exposed, and the skin barrier is weakened. The use of sunscreen daily is one of the most important skin care routine steps for those with sensitive skin.

 

Best Skin Care tips for Sensitive Skin

  • Test your products first

When using a new product, always test on a small patch of skin before applying. Wait at least 24 hours for signs of irritation, redness, or other skin reactions. If your skin is hypersensitive, repeat this test run on a patch next to your eye. If there are no signs of irritation you are good to go!

  • Hypoallergenic Products might not be the best for you

Even with so called “Hypoallergenic” products you should always test your products like we describe on tip number 1. You never know what types of ingredients might irritate your skin and they can also be present in these types of products.

  • Moisturize

Sensitive skin is even more vulnerable to the elements and will benefit from a proper skincare schedule. Dutifully moisturize both morning and night to protect your skin from water loss and to maintain a healthy barrier from the daily onslaught of environmental factors, including pollution and wind.

  • Read the labels

Look for products free from fragrances and paraben preservatives, two common causes of irritation. It is also recommended that you use products with a shorter the ingredient list. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using products with less than 10 ingredients for sensitive skin.

  • Use a sensible Cleanser

Keep pores clear and surface debris scarce by cleansing the face twice a day (any more can be too much for sensitive skin). Choose a cleanser that is formulated for sensitive skin but isn’t so gentle that you need to scrub too much to remove makeup or residual grime. Be gentle when washing and apply moisturizer straight away for maximum absorption.

One example of a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin is our Original Cleansing Bar. Since it is made from natural ingredients with no added scent it is a great option. After cleansing, we also recommend using the Original Lavender Face Oil as a daily moisturizer.

  • Simplify your skin care

Sensitive skin can easily be overwhelmed and using a long list of products might irritate further. All you really need is a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

  • Always apply Sunscreen

Irritable skin is often extra-sensitive to the sun. Wear sunscreen year-round with SPF 30 or higher to protect delicate tissue from aggravating rays. Look for sunscreens with physical active ingredients—such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—which are less likely to cause a reaction than chemical sunscreens, like oxybenzone, octylcrylene, and octinoxate.

 

Should you go all-natural skincare?

This is actually a very relevant question because it really depends on your skin and its reactions. But natural ingredients can provide tremendous benefits to the skin without the same concerns that some synthetic ingredients contain. If you find a natural option that provides results along with safety, it is the healthiest route.

As with everything else, with sensitive skin it is important to educate yourself and test, test and test all the products before applying. Getting to know what works for you is a journey but it is totally worth it!

 

If you have any questions regarding our products use our chat clicking on the green icon on the right bottom corner of the page.

Also, check all the Gamila Secret options for Sensitive Skin here!

 

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Sources: Forefrontdermatology.com; Womenshealthmag.com; Nylon.com