7 ways to care for sensitive skin
Many people who suffer from sensitive skin end up depriving themselves of life’s little luxuries, such as rich moisturisers and fragrance-filled fabric conditioners.
But if you take care of your skin from the inside out and figure out what you do and don’t react to, you won’t have to limit yourself as much as you might think.
Here’s a plan of action for you sensitive types…
Keep a skin diary
Make a note at the end of every day about how your skin has looked and felt, and if you’ve done anything differently or used any new products. This way you can use a process of trial and error to figure out exactly what it is that sets your skin off.
Hydrated skin = healthy skin
Water is the key for unlocking beautiful skin from the inside. If you have sensitive skin, it’s even more important to keep your hydration levels up as water detoxifies, aids digestion and purifies blood. Try adding a squeeze of lemon for added vitamin C and antioxidant power.
If you struggle with getting your eight pints a day, start every morning with hot water and a slice of fresh lemon. Then fill a bottle with cold water and take it with you wherever you go. You could even set a ‘drink water’ alarm to go off every 30 minutes to get you into the habit of drinking regularly.
Go natural
Synthetic fibres tend not to let your skin breathe, so stick to natural fibres including cotton, hemp, linen, silk and soft wool.
To keep your clothes super soft and gentle on sensitive skin, wash with a hypoallergenic detergent such as Fairy Non Bio.
And just don’t have to skip fabric conditioner, either – Lenor’s Pure Care range is hypoallergenic and endorsed by Allergy UK. Available in gentle fragrances Almond Oils and Cotton Flowers, the fabric conditioner will not only make your clothes softer against your skin, but will also help prevent stretching, fading and bobbling – and make them smell gorgeous too.
Spice up your life
Certain spices have anti-inflammatory properties, so eating them will help reduce any skin redness, plus they even help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. So next time you’re in the kitchen, add a little turmeric, ginger, cinnamon or black pepper to your dish.
Don’t go to extremes
It doesn’t take much for sensitive skin to flair up, so be sure to avoid very hot or very cold temperatures. When it’s hot, stay in the shade, and when it’s cold, wrap a Lenor-soft scarf around you. Also when showering or washing your face, be sure to keep the water at a steady warm temperature.
Serve and protect
Wear sun protection every day – even in the winter months – to prevent your sensitive skin suffering further from sun damage and premature ageing.
When it comes to choosing your moisturiser and cleanser, you can still enjoy a nourishing lotion. Just be sure to stick to fragrance- and alcohol-free options. It’s often a case of trial and error, so ask the shop assistant if they have any sample sizes you can try. You can also try and test samples of P&G’s products by becoming a member of SuperSavvyMe’s Savvy Circle, or checking out our Exclusives and Rewards page.
Don’t be rough
Sensitive skin is more susceptible to broken capillaries – the tiny veins that can become visible beneath thinner skin around the eyes and nose. To avoid these, don’t exfoliate too often or with harsh materials. Instead try soft exfoliants such as jojoba beads, rice bran or vanilla seeds.
Also when washing your skin, use your hands not a flannel, and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, don’t rub.
What are your top tips for dealing with sensitive skin? Let us know in the comments section below.