Ever wondered why your skin reacts to the smallest of things? Well, this probably means you deal with sensitive skin like many of us. This skin type can be hard to detect as people usually mistake it for allergies or regular acne. There are many lifestyle choices that can cause this, such as unhealthy eating habits, pollution etc. or it can be simply due to genetic factors. It is essential for people with such skin to establish a regular skincare routine in order to maintain and take care of their skin. This will help minimize any irritation symptoms and help the skin stay nourished and healthy.
Our expert, Cosmetologist Nupur Gupta, Founder, CEO and master trainer at the Nupur Gupta Academy has complied her tips and put together a beauty routine for sensitive skin.
1.Cleanse
While cleansing, you should slowly and gently clean the skin and wash with cool water afterwards. It is recommended to use your fingers instead of brushes or washcloths and they can be harsh on the skin. Be sure to not overdo this step, as this can result in excessive dryness. It is also important to keep in mind that your cleanser should not contain any chemicals or artificial fragrances. These components can cause irritability and rashes. Some good cleansers for sensitive skin are Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily cleanser and SebaMed Clear Face Cleansing Foaming cleanser.
2. Tone
Toner is applied after the cleanser, and it essentially gets rid of whatever dirt and sebum is still left on your face. It is a good idea for people with sensitive skin to use alcohol free toners, such as Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Refresh Toner and the 3% Niacinamide Toner with rice water by Plum. Alcohol-based toners can be harsh on your face and cause unwanted acne and redness.
3.Moisturize
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps of a skincare routine. It hydrates the skin and creates a protective barrier. This further makes the skin look beautiful and plump. Moisturizers such as the Vitamin B5 10% and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel are great for sensitive skin. Those containing alcohol, parabens, fragrances or preservatives should be avoided.
4. Exfoliate
It may be assumed that exfoliation is not good for sensitive skin, however this is far from true. Sensitive skin can be gently exfoliated, as it helps get rid of dead skin cells and build-up which makes the skin look refreshed. However, this should not exceed the limit of once or twice a week as that will lead to over-exfoliation which may cause irritation. Face scrubs such as the Fixderma Peelonate AHA face exfoliator and the Pilgrim Red Vine Face Scrub
5. Serum
Serums are important for all skin types as they hydrate the skin and help fade acne scars and blotches. People with sensitive skin should be careful when applying a new serum and should test it out on their arm to check for any unwanted reactions. Serums consisting of mostly natural substances are great for this skin type. They should be moisturizing and not contain exfoliants and acids. Some of the best Serums include Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum and UrbanBotanics 10% Niacinamide Face Serum.