A guide to sensitive skin

Many people around the world are struggling with sensitive skin. There are many reasons why we have sensitive skin: allergies, skin dehydration, changing seasons, and hormonal imbalance, just to name a few. No matter what the cause is, however, dealing with this condition is often challenging.

Don’t feel discouraged. No matter how sensitive your skin is, you can still use makeup and get into a skincare routine as long as you’re using the right products. To help you get started with this, we’ve gathered a few sensitive skin resources for this quick guide to dealing with sensitive skin.

Avoid alcohol

Many skincare products, especially toners and chemical exfoliants, have alcohol content in their ingredients. While some alcohol content can work well on your skin, not all of them are the same. Some products contain the same chemicals in rubbing alcohol, which are not supposed to be put anywhere on or near your face.

Avoid any skincare product that contains chemicals such as SD alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol. These substances strip essential oils from the skin, making it extremely dry. This is worsened if your skin is already sensitive, but even if it is not, it’s better if you avoid these products altogether.

Skip the fragrance

Fragrances in skincare and makeup products come in different forms. Some, such as lavender and rose oils, are natural. Synthetic fragrances include chemicals such as linalool and citronellol. Both types of fragrances are among the leading causes of skin irritation. If you notice itching, redness, or excessive dryness, check the labels on your product. It might have fragrances that are causing your skin to act up.

Cleanse and exfoliate

Cleansing regularly is essential to removing makeup and dirt that might clog your pores. Meanwhile, exfoliation is necessary if you want to get rid of dead skin cells building up on your face. Together, these are essential in keeping your face clean and will prevent irritations and breakouts as long as you don’t overdo your routine.

Just keep in mind that you should choose products that are formulated for sensitive skin (you can check out my sister’s guest post on dealing with sensitive skin to see what products she recommends for sensitive skin).

Cleanse twice a day, in the morning and before going to bed. Meanwhile, exfoliate around three times a week. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliant, as harsh facial scrubs may be abrasive to the skin.

Don’t forget to moisturise

The effects of sensitive skin can worsen when coupled with dryness. You might notice increased inflammation, itching, redness, and flaking if you skip your moisturiser for a day or two.

Keep your skin moisturised at all times, especially during cold weather, which can cause your skin to dry out even faster. If you’re prone to acne and clogged pores, just make sure to choose non-comedogenic formulas.

Keep your skin healthy

Having sensitive skin is not the end of the world. Knowing which products to avoid and which ones to choose will help in its care and maintenance. It might take some trial and error before you find something that works, but rest assured, it will be worth it.

Once you have the right products in hand, taking care of your skin will be a breeze. You just have to be disciplined in following your routine to achieve the best results.

A tip I’d personally like to add to this post is to drink lots of water. This isn’t just for sensitive skin types, but drinking lots of water is key to keeping your skin, body and mind healthy. Oily skin types, combination skin types and normal skin types, be sure to drink lots of water too!

Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 6 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.