Sensitive Skin Care Tips from Dermatologists
It can be totally overwhelming trying to learn how to take care of sensitive skin. Do you listen to blogs, online brands, or experts such as dermatologists? The following are facts, myths that are cleared up, and recommendations by dermatologists to help with sensitive skin care.
Sensitive Skin Care FAQs From Dermatologists
Dermatologist's answers to the most frequently asked questions about skincare and sensitive skin.
Should you use makeup remover, or just a cleanser to clean your face?
Dermatologists agree the wax and other ingredients in waterproof makeup can be irritating to sensitive skin, and need something stronger than cleanser to remove. Therefore, with waterproof makeup, you should use makeup remover. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser. Often cleansers for acne treatment or antiaging, for example, may also contain irritating ingredients. Better yet, use mineral makeup that is good for your skin, and can be cleaned off with a gentle cleanser.
Is there such a thing as "healthy tan" to clear acne prone adult skin?
Any mention of the sun's rays on your skin screams trouble for you. Dermatologists don't think it's worth the temporary drying of acne with sun exposure, versus the risk of premature aging and skin cancer.
Should you wash your face often, since clean skin prevents acne?
Cleaning your face often can over-dry your skin, causing problems. In fact, if you have oily skin, washing your face often, can send a message to oil-producing cells to generate more oil. Some dermatologists recommend cleaning your face with a cleanser containing salicylic acid to help exfoliate skin. However, salicylic acid can be irritating on sensitive skin. It's best to find a gentle cleanser and exfoliating scrub along with an alcohol free toner for thorough cleaning.
Clean your face twice daily, morning and night time. Adding an gentle exfoliating scrub to your routine once a week helps remove skin dead cells, allowing healthy ones to surface. If your skin loves it and you see results, increase exfoliating to two times a week.
If you have acne prone or oily skin, should you use a moisturizer?
Skin hydration is extremely important for all skin types. It's important to use a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Choose a moisturizer that will not clog pores (non-comedogenic).
Should you only use high-end, expensive sensitive skin care products?
Sensitive skin care requires a lot of TLC. The drugstore brands and expensive brands may all use similar ingredients. It's the packaging and labels that sets them apart. Don't be fooled by labels that read "all natural". Plants can cause allergies and problems for sensitive skin.
Top Sensitive Skin Tips from Dermatologists
- Protect your skin with SPF 15 - SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen. Any higher SPF is a waste of money. The safest and gentlest are sunscreens with active ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- For a natural looking tan skin, opt for natural mineral bronzer. It's safe on your skin and free of irritation.
- Moisturize your skin before applying makeup. Use a moisturizer based on your skin type: dry, oily, combination skin. Shea butter and antioxidants are two of the most recommended ingredients by dermatologists.
- Avoid skin care products with plant extracts and essential oils. These types of ingredients may help for ill health conditions when prescribed by an herbalists or physicians, but may also result in problem skin and irritation.
- Manage stress to keep your skin calm. At home facial spa for your face can help. Get enough sleep and eat foods that are skin healthy.
