Recognizing sensitive skin and how to take care of it

Sensitive skin is a term to describe conditionskin that is easily irritated due to overreacting to various factors, such as air or chemicals in skin care or cleaning products. To prevent relapsenThe thing is, sensitive skin owners need to take good care of their skin and be extra careful.

People who have sensitive skin often feel complaints on the skin, such as rashes, itching, dryness, rashes, to burning or stinging sensations on the skin. These complaints generally appear after the skin is exposed to certain substances, or the air is dry and cold.

Trigger Factors for Sensitive Skin Complaints

Triggers for sensitive skin reactions vary from person to person. Some of the factors that could trigger it are:

  • Skin disorders, such as eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.
  • Pollution, such as dust and vehicle fumes.
  • Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and cold or hot temperatures.
  • Frequently changing cosmetic products or skin care products.
  • Hormonal changes, such as before menstruation and menopause.
  • Side effects of certain drugs.
  • Excessive stress and anxiety.

In addition, this condition is also genetic. Owners of sensitive skin usually also have parents or siblings with sensitive skin.

DifferenceAgo with Kskin Ssensitive

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system becomes active and overreacts when the body is exposed to certain dust, food, or chemicals. An allergic skin reaction can cause the skin to become red, itchy, sore, or swollen.

Whereas in sensitive skin, the problem is not with certain substances or objects, but how much or how often a person uses a product or is exposed to certain substances.

For example, when a person uses a product containing a 10% vitamin C serum which is an acid, his skin may not feel any particular complaint or reaction. However, when she used a 20% more acidic vitamin C serum, her skin became irritated.

This irritation reaction is not caused by allergies, but because the chemical nature of the product is too harsh for the skin. This is what causes sensitive skin symptoms.

Another difference between sensitive and allergic skin lies in the timing of the reaction. Allergic reactions can appear shortly after exposure to a substance, or it can also appear some time later, about 12-48 hours after. Meanwhile, owners of sensitive skin will immediately feel complaints on the skin after being exposed to trigger factors.

Proper Care for Sensitive Skin

Here are some tips that you can apply in treating sensitive skin:

1. Choose skin-friendly products

Owners of sensitive skin need to be more careful in choosing skin care products. Use products specifically for sensitive skin which generally contain fewer chemicals, are gentle on the skin, and are fragrance-free. Usually this product is labeled "hypoallergenic”.

2. Stay away from irritating materials

Because it is easy to experience reactions, owners of sensitive skin need to avoid using products that contain irritating ingredients, such as antibacterial, detergent, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur (sulfur), glycolic acid, alcohol and retinoids.

3. Frequent use of moisturizer

Sensitive skin is prone to dryness and cracking. To prevent dry skin, be diligent in applying moisturizer after bathing. Generally, moisturizers containing petrolatum, mineral oil, linoleic acid, dimethicone, or glycerin is safe for sensitive skin.

In addition, you can also choose a moisturizer with ingredients pseudo-ceramide inside it. These nutrients have been clinically proven to increase and maintain body skin moisture. Not only that, pseudo-ceramide It has also been shown to relieve the symptoms of itching and redness that occurs on sensitive skin.

4. Limit bath time

Bathing for too long can make the skin easily damaged. Therefore, people with sensitive skin need to limit bath time, just for 10 to 15 minutes. In addition, it is also recommended to take a shower with soap for sensitive skin and not use water that is too cold or hot, but warm water.

5. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen

If your skin is sensitive to sun exposure or hot temperatures, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. If you have to go outside during the day, wear closed clothes, a wide hat, and sunglasses.

In addition, use a special sunscreen for sensitive skin with an SPF of 30 or more, every time you go outside.

Owners of sensitive skin are also advised to wear comfortable clothes made of cotton. Clothing made of this material can absorb sweat, so the skin can avoid prickly heat and irritation.

Every time you want to use a product for skin, sensitive skin owners need to do a skin test first. The trick is to rub the product on the arm, then let it sit for a while. If the skin becomes red, itchy, or sore, it means the product is not suitable for use.

If you have difficulty dealing with and treating sensitive skin or determining which products are suitable for use, you should consult a dermatologist for advice and appropriate treatment.