Sensitive Skin Needs a Lot of TLC

Do you dread trying to find a cosmetic because you know that chances are its going to cause your skin to burn and turn red? Do you have a bathroom cupboard full of creams and lotions that you have only used once or twice because they reacted badly with your face? Then you have sensitive skin which is probably the most frustrating skin type to have. So how do you deal with it?

The main problems with sensitive skin are redness, burning, tightness, dryness and irritation. This skin type can also be prone to dermatitis, eczema or acne. The first course of action would be to find out if an allergy is causing the problem.

A dermatologist may perform a patch test to see if you are susceptible to one of the more common allergens. It may be an ingredient in a cosmetic, it may even be a dietary allergy or food intolerance. If allergy is ruled out then the problem is genetic and there are still several things that can be done to help the situation.

When buying any cosmetic always look for "Hypo Allergenic" on the label. This does not guarantee it won't react to you skin but it does mean that some or most of the common allergens have been omitted from the product such as sulphates perfume and some colors, check the label if not sure.

Preservatives used to increase the shelf life of a product can be some of the main irritants. Put a little bit on a small patch of skin before spreading all over your face.

Try to find products that have fewer ingredients, the more ingredients in a product, the greater the chance your skin will find one it doesn't like! Avoid fragrances in anything you put on you face, it is an unnecessary ingredient and only included to make the product commercially acceptable.

Don't use exfoliants on sensitive skin, even the gentlest ones are still too harsh, ditto with harsh soaps. Forget toners and astringents that contain alcohol, they are too drying. Try cleansing only at night with perhaps a splash of warm water in the mornings, over-cleansing can irritate sensitive skins.

Do you live in an extreme climate? Extreme heat or cold can take its toll on sensitive skin as can strong winds and, of course, sun exposure. Try not to go outdoors more than you absolutely have to when conditions are extreme. Always wear a sunblock with an SPF of 15 at least.

Is there anything your skin comes into contact with regularly like pillowcases or towels which could be making the problem worse? Wash these in a low irritant detergent or pure soap and rinse really well. Don't use fabric softeners as these add fragrance - see if this helps.

It is also worth having a look at your diet. Do you love spicy foods? Try cutting them out for a week or so and see if this makes any difference. If so bring them back gradually and see if the problems re occur.

Omega oils can help sensitive skin, in fact all skin types benefit from these. They can be found in fish especially oily fish like salmon. Alternatively you can buy them in capsule form if fish is not your thing. Antioxidants like vitamin C and E will improve your skin from the inside and are worth taking if your diet is less than perfect!

Its hard to find anything good to say about smoking, this is no exception! Smoking replaces the oxygen in the blood with carbon monoxide, uses up Vitamin C along with a slew of other things which are bad for the skin and bad for your health. Try cutting it down if you can't cut it out completely

I guess this advice has seemed like a litany of "do this, don't do that!" There is no simple answer to sensitive skin. Try some or all of these tips and if nothing seems to help visit a dermatologist, they are there to help.

Like to have better looking skin? http://www.holistic-facial-skin-care.com will give you detailed information on all facets of skin care. The author, Wendy Owen has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health and skin care.

---

Bifocal Contact Lenses

Anyone who has needed prescription bifocal glasses in the past waited for years in order to be able to wear bifocal contact lenses. Bifocal contact lenses are now more than a wish for... Read More

Retinol: One of the Best Over-the-counter Anti-wrinkle Ingredients

Dermatologists praise Retinol as an excellent over-the counter anti-wrinkle ingredient. Retinol creams work to soften lines and fade age spots.WHAT IS RETINOL?Retinol is the technical name for Vitamin A. Research suggests that topical... Read More

Living Water

A wellness of beauty for mind, body & spiritby Cathy Gatson "When the well is dry, then we know the worth of water", unfortunately manyof us take it for granted. The significance of... Read More

Baby Boomers Seek Hold on Youth Through Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Elkhart-IN -People in the 35-50 age group comprise the largest percentage (40 percent) of individuals who had cosmetic procedures last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In all, more... Read More

Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?

Do you want to change dark eye color to something different, but you are unsure if color contacts will work for your eyes? If you have brown eyes and tried color contact lenses... Read More

What Is This Passion for Tanning?

Tanned skin is very popular among gorgeous women. Everybody wants to have attractive bronzed looks. Whether you are on a date, a business trip or partying, a perfect tan can make you the... Read More

Combat Frizzy Hair With These Essential Tips

Frizzy hair doesn't discriminate. It plagues both the thin and thick haired alike. If your hair has even the slightest wave or curl, it's susceptible to frizz. This article details the six critical... Read More

Ten Low-Cost Ways to Look Good for Your Man (and for Yourself!)

Face it ladies; the reason you want to look nice is to attract the opposite sex. And let's also face the fact that most men do not even notice half the things you... Read More

The Laser Hair Removal Process

Laser Hair Removal is becoming more popular then ever for the removal of unwanted body hair. Before making the decision to go forward with laser hair removal it is important to understand the... Read More

Reducing the Appearance of Wrinkles

Wrinkles. One of the most dreaded words in the dictionary. At the first sign of a wrinkle, our reaction is pretty much universal. Horror! After we calm down, we begin to wonder just... Read More

Turning Back the Hands of Time

When you shop for an anti-aging cream at your department store's cosmetic counter or at a drug store, are you confused about the number of choices? Well, you are not alone. In a... Read More

Sunless Tanning Information & Methods

Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work on the epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the dermis or inner layer. However, the layer of epidermis that is... Read More

Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You

Your face is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. So, it is no wonder that skin care is big business! Millions are spent each year to treat acne, under... Read More

Why Should I Wear Sunglasses?

"Why the heck should I wear sunglasses" you ask? "They are too awkward" others may say. I'm telling you, wearing sunglasses can prevent a multitude of problems and this article will hopefully show... Read More

Skin Care - Learn the Basics

Skin types are unique and react in different ways to weather, environment, and creams and/or lotions. In order to keep skin healthy and youthful in appearance it is essential to know your skin... Read More

Homemade Beauty Recipes

Do you want to look stunning with out wasting too much money? If your answer is yes, then you should read this tips. They have past on from generations to generations. The best... Read More

Protect the Skin Youre In

Summer is approaching and thousands of people will be working on their tans before they whip out their shorts and swimsuits. However, improper skin care can cause permanent damage from the suns rays.... Read More

Hair Care Home Remedies

Save money and give yourself a break from the chemicals found in most hair care products by using the following natural home remedies.Tame your frizzy hair by rubbing coconut oil into your hands... Read More

The Benefits of Clip-on Hair Extensions

We all need a change every now and then. From our clothes to the music we listen to, a little bit of variety is great sometimes. So, why should we have the same... Read More

Wear For Fun Colored Contacts

Wear for fun colored contacts are exactly what they sound like. Wear for fun colored contacts are cosmetic contacts and are available throughout the world. You can even get some of these wear... Read More

Natural Skin Care Products - Why Natural Ingredients Work Best on Skin

Natural skin care products seem to be on the rise recently. Go to your local drugstore and you'll see evidence of this."Natural Skin Care" seems to be quite a buzzword lately, and with... Read More

The 3 Things You are Doing Right Now that are Causing Your Dark Eyes Circles

When I started searching for a solution for dark circles under the eyes I thought that it was going to be easy to find something that really worked. I tried several products just... Read More

How To Purchase Tanning Beds

So, you want a tanning bed. You can purchase tanning beds for home use or for a salon. When you want to purchase tanning beds know what you are looking for. If you... Read More

Safety With Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly fragrant, volatile oils that are extracted from the flowers, leaves and other parts of plants. Essential oils generally go by the name of the plant from which they were... Read More

Plastic Surgery Advancements

First the definition of Plastic Surgery is: Surgical repair of congenital or acquired deformities and the restoration of contour to improve the appearance and function of tissue defects. Development of this specialized branch... Read More

A Beauty Salon Will Help You Look Your Best!

A beauty salon will help you look your very best with a price that will fit in almost any budget. A beauty salon will be able to make your hair, skin, toes, and... Read More

The Fountain of Youth

The fountain of youth has always been the most sought-after yet illusive pursuit of man. Does it truly exist? Yes, it does, but not in a tangible form. The fountain of youth is... Read More

How To Apply Your Makeup

How To Apply Your MakeupSTEP 1: FOUNDATION: After Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing your face apply a small amount of foundation to the tip of your index finger, dot on forehead, nose, cheeks and... Read More

The Facts About Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is big business now, the advances of science and technology meaning it has become more affordable and much more accessible for anyone to consider it. Far from breast enhancements being the... Read More