Skin 101: Sensitive Skin

Skin 101: Sensitive Skin

With so many different beauty products out there, it’s hardly surprising that many girls suffer from sensitive skin.

Whether you are prone to heat rash or eczema, there are some easy and affordable ways to decrease your chances of skin sensitivity. We share them with you in this week’s Skin 101.

Choose the right products
If you know that you have sensitive skin then it is really important to choose your beauty products carefully. Opt for natural, high quality skin care moisturisers and cleansers. Most brands have products that cater specifically for sensitive skin, so keep an eye out for them! For example, Dove has some great deodorants that are alcohol and fragrance free, and Clinique does amazing facial cleansers.

Try going soap-free
Soap-free? Believe it or not there are many cleansers on the market that are soap-free! It has been proven that soap can cause rashes and skin irritations. My favourite is ‘Dermaplus’ by Health Basics, which is a body wash that contains natural aloe extracts and leaves your skin feeling smooth and supple.

Keep your showers cool
A super hot shower or bath may be lovely during winter, but it really inflames sensitive skin. The ideal temperature for your skin is luke warm – not too hot, not too cold! If you suffer from eczema then let the shower run cold for a few seconds before you get out – this should help.

Moisturise
Try to find a moisturiser that doesn’t irritate your skin and make sure you use it regularly. Moisturising straight after a shower when your body is still slightly damp will allow your body to absorb the moisture much better.

Go natural
Products such as Pawpaw ointment and the range from Aveeno are made from natural ingredients and work wonders for the skin. Try to avoid highly fragranced, cheap products as these are likely to have a bad reaction!

See a professional
If your skin is really irritated, then the above tips will help but the best thing to do is see your local doctor or dermatologist. Chances are they will be able to prescribe you an ointment that will clear any irritations right up!

Jess O’Connor