When you consistently experience stinging, flushing, tightness, and sensitivity to ‘everything’, it is understandable that you become ensnared in a cycle of: try a new product, flare-up, so try a stronger product than before. The next time you see “sensitive skin,” know that it frequently has to do with an impaired natural barrier and less about being fragile or delicate.
However, you may unknowingly be making your skin more sensitive by following these common mistakes:
1) Excessive washing (or using strong washes)
This can strip the skin of natural oils, and foaming cleansers or harsh ingredients will tend to do this. If your face is squeaky clean or a little tight after cleansing, chances are that what you’re using to wash may be too aggressive.
Body scrubs, exfoliating acids, and “polishing” cleansers are designed to cause micro-irritation! Extra exfoliation plus sensitive skin = more often than not, bad news.
3) Using too many actives back to back
Retinoids, vitamin C, and AHAs/BHAs are all individually beneficial ingredients, but pairing them up in one single routine can be a recipe for disaster on the skin of most people. If you need a Skin Clinic Exeter, visit //www.helenhuntaesthetics.co.uk
4) Not wearing SPF
UV exposure is a major factor contributing to redness and inflammation. Sensitivity spikes up even higher when you go from using actives with SPF protection to not using anything at all.
5) Trading in consistency for trends
When you switch out a product week to week, it will be impossible for you pinpoint what is causing reactions, and always changing your skin routine can even give added stress to the skin.
6) “They just smell good.”
Even some products that are stupidly marketed as being gentle contain fragrances and essential oils, which can aggravate your skin.
What helps instead
A gentle cleanser, basic moisturiser, and daily sunscreen. Bring new products one at a time, and if the problems continue, visiting a skincare professional can help you to identify triggers for your skin and consequently create or adjust your routine so it soothes, not irritates.