Get to Know Sensitive Skin and How to Take Care of it
Sensitive skin is the term for the condition of easily irritated skin due to overreaction to various factors, such as air or chemicals in skin care products. To prevent it from happening again, owners of sensitive skin should take care of their skin and be extra careful.
People who have sensitive skin often experience skin complaints, such asstupid, itching, dryness, streaks, burning sensation or pain on the skin. These complaints usually appear after the skin has been exposed to certain substances or the air is dry and cold.
Triggers for Sensitive Skin Complaints
Triggers for sensitive skin reactions vary from person to person. Some of the factors that could be the trigger are:
- Skin disorders, such as eczema, rosacea, And contact dermatitis
- Pollution, such as dust and car exhaust
- Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and cold or hot temperatures
- Changing cosmetics or skin care products frequently
- Hormonal changes, such as before menstruation and menopause
- Side effects of certain medications
- Excessive stress and anxiety
Moreover, this condition is also genetic. Owners with sensitive skin usually also have parents or siblings with sensitive skin.
The difference between allergies and sensitive skin
Allergic reaction occurs when the immune system becomes active and overreacts when the body is exposed to dust, food, or certain chemicals. An allergic skin reaction can cause redness, itching, pain or swelling of the skin.
Meanwhile, on sensitive skin, the problem is not with certain substances or objects, but with the amount or frequency with which a person uses a product or is exposed to certain substances.
For example, when a person uses a product containing 10% vitamin C serum which is an acidic substance, the skin may not experience any particular complaints or reactions. However, when she used the more acidic serum with 20% vitamin C, her skin became irritated.
This irritation reaction is not caused by allergies, but because the chemical properties of the product are too harsh on the skin. This is what gives rise to sensitive skin symptoms.
Another difference between sensitive skin and allergies is reaction time. Allergic reactions may appear immediately after exposure to a substance or may not appear until some time later, around 12 to 48 hours later. Meanwhile, owners of sensitive skin will immediately experience skin complaints after being exposed to trigger factors.
The right care for sensitive skin
Here are some tips you can apply to take care of your sensitive skin:
1. Choose skin-friendly products
Owners of sensitive skin should be more careful in choosing skin care products. Use products specifically made for sensitive skin that are generally lower in chemicals, gentle on the skin, and fragrance-free. Usually this product is labeled “hypoallergenic”.
2. Stay away from irritating materials
Because they are prone to reactions, owners of sensitive skin should avoid using products that contain irritating ingredients, such as antibacterials, detergents, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur (sulfur),glycolic acid, alcohol and retinoids.
3. Use moisturizer often
Sensitive skin is prone to dryness and cracking. To avoid dry skin, regularly apply moisturizer after bathing. Generally, moisturizers containing petroleum jelly, mineral oil, linoleic acid,ceramide,dimethicone, or glycerin are safe for sensitive skin.
4. Limit bath time
Bathing too long can easily damage the skin. Therefore, people with sensitive skin should limit bathing time to only 10-15 minutes. In addition, it is also recommended not to use water that is too cold or too hot, but rather Hot water.
5. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen
If your skin is sensitive to sun exposure or high temperatures, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. If you must do outdoor activities during the day, wear closed clothing, a wide hat and Sun Sunglasses.
Also, use a special sunscreen for sensitive skin with an SPF of 30 or higher, wherever you go for outdoor activities.
Owners with sensitive skin are also advised to wear comfortable cotton clothes. Clothes made of it can absorb sweat, so the skin can be protected from its prickly heat and irritation.
Any time you want to use a skin product, owners of sensitive skin should do a patch test first. The trick is to rub the product on the arm and then leave it on for a while. If the skin becomes red, itchy or painful, the product is not suitable.
If you are having difficulty treating and caring for your sensitive skin or determining which products are suitable for use, you should consult a dermatologist to get the right advice and the right treatment.
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