Thursday, September 25, 2008

Skin Care Tips For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is not a medical condition. When a person says that he or she has a sensitive skin, it simply means that the skin is susceptible to allergic reactions. It can be allergic to certain products, foods or even the weather. As a result of allergy, the skin can become irritated, red, swollen or itchy.

There are many things that can trigger allergic reactions to a sensitive skin, think about the daily skin care and sanitary products you use. Soaps, shampoo, perfume, cleansers, toners, foundation, facial masks, after shave lotion, hair spray, detergent, fabric softeners and other household cleaning products can all contribute to the skin allergies. The list is literally endless.

Therefore, pinpointing what causes skin allergies may not be easy as it may take hours or even days for the sensitive skin to show the signs of allergy. Some people are only allergic to the hot weather and exposure to sun, others show symptoms of allergic reactions after eating certain foods.

Sensitive skin can also develop due to excessive sun exposure. You will tend to have sensitive skin if your skin was damaged due to excessive exposure to sunlight. This is one reason why some people who don't normally have sensitive skin develop skin sensitivity during the winter months; when dry, cold air strips the skin of its protective moisture.

If you have a sensitive skin, here are what you should do in order to properly care for your sensitive skin.

1. Visit a dermatologist to check if you have eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. Eczema is one of the most common skin problems for children. It is a condition of dry and extra-sensitive skin.

2. Avoid products that contain alcohol, ethanol, fragrances, antibacterial, botanicals and propylene glycol. Make sure you read the product labels to find out the ingredients. All these ingredients are known as a general skin irritants.

3. Spot test any new facial products before applying to your face. Apply a few dabs behind your ears for 5 days, and if there's no reaction, apply beside eyes for another 5 days. If there are no symptoms of allergic reactions, that means the product is safe for your skin.

4. Choose natural fabrics for pillowcases and washcloths; they are safer and feel much better. Go for 100% cotton, linen, or even silk. Stay away from synthetic fabrics that are made from Polyester or Rayon.

5. Eat a balanced diet to ensure skin gets the nutrients it needs, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.

6. Always apply sunscreen when going out and keep your skin moist.

7. Use gentle cleanser and gently clean your face twice daily. Avoid harsh and abrasive exfoliating products.

For more information and tips on how to care of your skin without resorting to expensive products that may irritate your skin, visit our Natural Skincare Guide.

You can also download a FREE report: Facial Skin Care Secrets. This little report is packed with tons of great skin care tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mei_Susanti