Skincare Tips to Keep Sensitive Skin Looking Youthful
If you have sensitive skin, dealing with the harsh winter weather can be an uphill battle. Dr. Oz says that the cold air during the winter season causes skin to lose moisture much faster than other season. For people with sensitive skin, this can mean a high of inflammation, redness, flakiness and even symptoms of eczema. Fortunately, there are some ways to protect your skin and keep it looking healthy and vibrant all season long. Here are eight ways to take care of sensitive skin during the winter season.
1. Load up on the moisturizer. Make sure you're applying an emollient-rich moisturizer designed specifically for sensitive skin types day and night. Philosophy's Hope in a Jar is a very thick, therapeutic moisturizer that works well for dry and sensitive skin types. Another effective -and inexpensive - moisturizer is Neutrogen'as Oil-Free Moisture Lotion.
2. Avoid cleansers with salicylic acid. If you have sensitive skin that's also acne-prone, avoid using any medication based cleansers and products that contain salicylic acid. These can aggravate your skin and dry it out to the point of inflammation. Stick with milder cleansers to keep your pores clean over the winter season.
3. Use a humidifier. Increasing the humidity level of your environment can help to boost the moisture content of your skin so it will become softer and suppler naturally. Consider investing in a humidifier for your bedroom or office to reap the benefits.
4. Drink more water. Staying hydrated will give you a healthier appearance, and will also ensure your organs are functioning properly. If you have sensitive skin, you need your largest organ - your skin - to function at its optimal level and purge out toxins while building new cells. Make sure you're drinking at least eight glasses of water per day to improve the texture and tone of your skin this winter season.
5. Wear sunscreen. Even if it's cloudy on that chilly winter's day, prevent UV damage by keeping your skin covered with a layer of sunscreen. Sensitive skin can be particularly sensitive to UV damage when the sun is shining on the snow banks.
6. Exfoliate wisely. Avoid using scrubs and exfoliating masks that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid and retinoic acid, as these can wear down your skin and make sensitive skin lose its natural protective barrier. If you do need to exfoliate, make sure you're using a very mild scrub.
7. Use a hydrating mask at least once per week. Rehydrate and nourish your skin with an all-natural mask made with botanicals and natural fats. This will help strengthen your skin and reduce the risk of inflammation during the winter months.
8. Avoid topical acne medications and blemish fighting products. These products typically contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid which can be too harsh on sensitive skin during the winter. If you're experiencing breakouts, head to the dermatologist or day spa for a skin purifying facial designed specifically for your skin type.
