Saturday, November 29, 2008

Skin Care Products For Sensitive Skin

By Fisiwe Owen

Looking after sensitive skin is governed by a few basic rules, but before we delve into the rules for sensitive skin care, it's important to understand what a sensitive skin is. Someone suffering with sensitive skin will usually have a problem with everyday products and environments that most of us take for granted. This problem may affect you at any age and once it does you will probably have to start using sensitive skin care products specially formulated for this type of condition.

The degree of sensitivity can however vary from person to person and depending on that, the type of skin care procedures may vary too. While skin sensitivity conditions vary, one are where almost everyone has a problem is with soaps, detergents and cleaning compounds.

The problem arises because it may take some time before the condition is recognized for what it is. Where a person has skin sensitivity this will obviously become apparent more quickly than someone who does not share this type of skin condition.

The difference with sensitive skin care to ordinary skin care products is the concentration of known irritants is kept to an absolute minimum or eliminated from the product completely. It may seem obvious, as most skin care products are formulated to help protect the skin, but only use products that are actually marked for sensitive skin use and if you are unsure, check the ingredients listing to see if there are any specific warnings you should be aware of.

It is still important to buy the products with the least amount of compounds that can trigger or aggravate the sensitivity condition. Do not use toners if at all possible as most of them are alcohol based and will probably cause further irritation so are not recommended for sensitive skin.

One of the most common skin problems associated with the hands is using detergent and often for people without sensitive skin so always wear some form of protective hand wear. Another situation that causes a problem for sensitive skin is the sun so if you intend to go out in strong sunlight, you will need to apply a special sunscreen.

Avoiding exposure to dust and other pollutants is also important for sensitive skin care so cover yourself adequately before going out but you can use a hypoallergenic moisturizer as a skin care product if there is none specifically labeled for sensitive skin. Use soap-free and alcohol free cleansers and cleanse your face whenever you return from spending time out doors but do not scrub or exfoliate too hard as it can cause reddishness and even inflammation.

If you are someone who wears makeup, this can also cause skin sensitivity if worn for long periods so keep it to a minimum and remove with products that will not cause skin issues. Sensitive skin does not have to mean that you become a hermit as there are numerous products available to help you, it just takes a change in the way you carry out your everyday life, that's all. - 15995

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