Did you know that over 20 percent of adults have sensitive skin? If your skin is sensitive, you may notice itching, burning, and stinging. Many people with sensitive skin also have dry skin that feels very sore and/or tight. People with this skin type can react to ingredients in their skin products as well as sudden climate changes or an increase in personal stress levels. People of all ethic backgrounds can have sensitive skin, but the condition appears to be most common among fair-skinned Caucasian women. Many people with this skin type suffer from rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema. Acne is also a common problem among those who are sensitive to the ingredients found in various skin care products.
Helpful Tips For Care of Your Sensitive Skin
- Use only products that are specifically made for sensitive skin. Check the labels of these products, follow instructions in using them and look for warnings and restrictions if there are.
- Choose the sensitive skin care products that have lesser additives, colorings or preservatives.
- Avoid using toners as most of them have alcohol content, which is not applicable for sensitive skin.
- Wearing of protective rubber gloves is highly recommended when washing clothes, cleaning using chemicals and other tasks that might expose your skin to detergents and chemicals. If you have allergies to rubber, you may wear cotton gloves inside the rubber ones.
- It is important to apply sunscreen lotion or UV protection when going out to protect your skin from the heat of the sun.
- As much as possible prevent your skin from being exposed to dirt and pollutants as they can easily irritate your skin.
- Always cleanse your face every time you spend long hours outdoors. Make sure that you use cleanser that is soap-free and alcohol-free.
- If a moisturizer does not specify on which skin type it is applicable, check if it is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic.
- Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating your skin too hard as your skin will get inflamed and turn red easily.
- Do not sleep with your make-up. You should use hypoallergenic make-up removers when removing your make-up.
Herbal Remedies for Sensitive Skin
Herbal remedies are very good for sensitive skin, because they are free from the harsh chemicals that can cause skin problems. Generally, products that contain natural ingredients will be better for your skin and less likely to cause a sensitive skin reaction. Try the following remedies for some special sensitive skin care.
Cider Vinegar Toner
One of the great and simple natural skin care tips, passed down through the generations. This one is great for normal or oily skin. Mix 3 parts pure water to one part natural cider vinegar and splash on the face.
If this is too strong for you, dilute with more water. This is affordable, and can be a great acne treatment for sensitive skin.
Apple cider vinegar restores the natural ph of your skin. The only downside is that really good, organic apple cider vinegar smells very strong! After using a cider vinegar toner, you can splash your face with cold water to wash off the smell.
Aloe Vera Toner
Mix a little aloe vera gel with some water, or put in a blender until it is well mixed. This is very soothing as long as you are not allergic to aloe vera. It works well for men after shaving or for women after using tweezers to remove unwanted facial hair.
Lemon Toner
squeeze a little lemon juice into a few ounces of water and pat on your face with a facecloth. Keep away from your eyes! Lemon is astringent and if used every day can help lighten age spots. Also, the vitamin C in lemon is great for the skin.
These next few homemade toners for sensitive skin use herbal teas. Because they use just one ingredient, you’ll be able to see how your skin reacts. If you are salicylate sensitive or allergic to herbs or botanicals then I recommend that you avoid using herbal teas.
Green Tea Toner
Steep a green tea bag in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Cool or add an ice cube and splash on face. Cooling and soothing and energizing! The used tea bag can also be used to apply to the face. Green tea is filled with antioxidant properties that are healing to the skin.
Yerba Mate Toner
Steep a yerba tea bag in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Cool or add an ice cube and splash on your face. Yerba mate tea is used a base for medicinal herbal preparations in South America and has an abundant supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. almost all of the nutrients needed to sustain life. It is energizing for the whole body.
Peppermint And Lemon Toner
Make a cup of peppermint tea by adding one tea bag to a cup of hot water. Steep for a few minutes, cool or add ice cubes and a drop of lemon. Very cooling, refreshing and astringent!