Best Skincare for Sensitive Skin (Tips & FAQ)

Everyone takes care of their skin more or less, but those with sensitive skin are more concerned and are always careful not to irritate their skin because they are more prone to skin diseases and problems than others.

Different questions may arise for people about sensitive skin and how to deal with it, and knowing their answers can be especially useful. This is why we decided to write this article to get into details about best skincare for sensitive skin.

How to Wash Sensitive Skin?

Washing the skin properly would probably be the best skincare for sensitive skin. People who have sensitive skin, should pay a lot of attention to how they wash it.

Tips on washing sensitive skin:

Use a Moisturizer

Constantly washing your face with soap and water has its advantages and disadvantages. You need to use very strong moisturizers after washing your sensitive skin. It is better to discuss which moisturizer is right for you with your doctor or dermatologist.

Since washing the skin causes its natural oil to disappear, you need to use a suitable moisturizer. People with sensitive skin should use these moisturizing creams immediately after bathing or washing.

There are some people who have extremely dry and sensitive skin, and these people can use special oils such as baby oil to lubricate their skin. One of the most important features of these oils is that they last much longer than creams. 

Be Gentle with Your Skin

One of the most important points in best skincare for sensitive skin is that people with sensitive skin should avoid using harsh fibers to wash their skin. This category of people should use soft fibers and sponges so that their skin will not be damaged.

Many people believe that they need to use rough fibers to wash sensitive skin so that dead skin cells can be removed, but you should know that these fibers are a serious threat to sensitive skin.

People with normal skin can take a bath once a day, but those with sensitive and dry skin should avoid staying in the shower for too long.

Another point that is very important is not to use hot water, because hot water is harmful to sensitive skin and causes inflammation, so the best option is using lukewarm water.

If your skin is very dry and it bothers you, you can use a cold-water compress to soothe your skin.

Discard the Soap

Using soap to wash sensitive skin is not a good idea at all, because it causes serious damage to the skin. If you have sensitive dry skin, you should look for the best skin cleansing gels available on the market, most of these facial cleansers have softeners that do not harm the skin in any way, and therefore many people with sensitive skin can use them.

Many doctors and dermatologists recommend cleansers that do not contain chemicals for washing sensitive skin. However, there are some people who prefer soap to other substances anyway; these people should use soaps that are natural and vegetable oils have been used in their production. 

Use Makeup Remover Pads

Cosmetic pads are highly recommended for washing sensitive skin and for removing impurities on it so in some cases where you do not have access to water, you can take advantage of these pads.

You should be very careful when buying them though because some of them are rough and cause serious damage to the skin texture, but others have a soft texture and are very suitable for washing the skin. As a result, you should use soft pads that have a uniform texture and do not harm the skin.

Keep Your Home Humid

An essential part of providing best skincare for sensitive skin is hydration. You should keep your home humid, especially in the seasons when the level of humidity is low. Dryness is the enemy of sensitive skin. You can use humidifiers to increase the level of humidity in your home.

Some of these devices can also destroy bacteria and germs in the environment. You can also use aromatic and antiseptic herbs with them. 

What Products Are likely to Irritate Sensitive Skin?

There are no specific guidelines, but if you have sensitive skin, avoid using products that contain the following ingredients:

• Antibacterial and anti-odor compounds
• Alcohol
• Retinoid and alpha hydroxyl acid

Additionally:

• Use pancakes or powders that have fewer preservatives and less risk of skin irritation
• Use a silicone-based foundation for less skin irritation
• Do not use waterproof makeup products as you will need stronger cleansers to remove them
• Use black eyeliner and mascara as they seem to be less irritating
• Throw away old cosmetics as they can spoil and have serious negative effects on your skin

Testing New Products on Sensitive Skin

Before using a new product, follow these steps:

• For a few days, apply a small amount of the product behind your ear and leave it overnight
• If your skin is not irritated, do the same procedure, this time on the skin next to your eyes
• If you still don't see any reaction, this product is safe and you can use it on any area of ​​your face

Best Skincare for Sensitive Skin in Winter and Summer

One thing you should never neglect is sunscreen and you should use it all year round. Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This means that it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and also has a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. If you are going to be exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes, you must use sunscreen.

Remember that skin-damaging UVB rays are at their strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try not to go out during these times of the day if possible, at any time of the year.

In the winter season: to prevent dryness, flaking, and stretch marks, observe the following:

• Do not overheat your home or workplace
• Avoid hot showers and reduce your bathing sessions
• Use soap-free washing products
• Apply moisturizer immediately after showering while the skin is still wet
• Use a moisturizer that contains petroleum jelly, mineral oils, linoleic acid, ceramide, dimethicone, and glycerin

In the summer season: remember that tanning will damage your skin. Even with sunscreen, you should never lie under the sun.

If you go out, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours. Also, reapply sunscreen to your skin after swimming or sweating profusely.

FAQs

What combination should be looked for in sunscreen for sensitive skin?

The SPF of your sunscreen should be above 30 and its active ingredients should only be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These two compounds which are present in sunscreens, do not cause allergic reactions in the skin, and instead of absorbing and neutralizing UV rays, they reflect them like a mirror.

What type of fabric is less likely to irritate sensitive skin?

Fabrics woven with natural fibers such as cotton and silk are soft and light and cause less friction on the skin. These fibers allow the skin to breathe and absorb sweat and moisture from the skin. Rayon and linen fabrics are also suitable and comfortable for sensitive skin, but they are heavier than cotton and silk.

Are products with anti-allergy labels safe for sensitive skin?

Hypoallergenic or anti-allergenic skin care products are not necessarily safe for sensitive skin because there are no specific standards and rules for manufacturers to adhere to, and this means that each company has its own definitions and standards of hypoallergenic. 

Can healthy diet help with sensitive skin?

Having a complete and nutritious diet is important for skin health. For this reason, it is necessary to consume food that meets the needs of your body as well as your skin as part of your strategy for best skincare for sensitive and dry skin.

Can sensitive skin be hereditary?

Yes, a number of skin problems and diseases can be caused by skin sensitivity or dryness that has a family history. Acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are among the diseases that can be passed from parents to children. But skin irritations caused by reactions to skin products, cosmetics, and household products cannot be inherited.

Read more: Acne Types, Causes & Different Types of Treatments

Final Word

Sensitive skin needs more care and attention, and those with sensitive skin should be more careful about the products that come into contact with their skin. Chemical compounds in some products are harmful even for non-sensitive skin but can have worse consequences for sensitive skin.

It is best to read the label before buying any product because it may contain ingredients that can irritate your skin. Do not forget that natural skin products in most instances are among the best skincare for sensitive skin because they are composed of natural and organic ingredients.