Proper care for sensitive skin: how to respond to its needs

Sensitive skin is like a diva that needs to be nurtured and cared for: it tightens, itches, blushes or flakes. However, if you respond to its needs, it can be soothed quickly.

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via Sabrina
04/06/2017, 11:00
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With the right care, even sensitive skin can show its radiant side.

Irritable, unrelaxed and special requests all the time: sensitive skin can make life difficult. Every second woman now suffers from such mimosa-like behavior. The good news is that with the right care, sensitive skin can be brought into balance.

Proper care for sensitive skin

  • Only use products that have been specially developed for sensitive skin: They stabilize the skin's disrupted protective barrier, soothe, bind moisture and are free from substances that can cause irritation.
  • Common allergens are: Emulsifiers, Peru balsam, wool wax alcohol, lanolin, colorants, preservatives and perfume. It is therefore essential to check the list of ingredients before buying!
  • The fewer ingredients the cream has, the better - as this reduces the potential for irritation. Products labeled "hypoallergenic" or "allergy-tested" are recommended.
  • Gentle cleansing is the be-all and end-all. Cleansing products with a pH value of 5.5 are ideal as they do not attack the skin's natural acid mantle. On the other hand, soaps, products containing alcohol and those with foaming surfactants are taboo.

If your skin is in SOS mode, thermal water sprays (e.g. from Vichy) with their soothing active ingredients can provide rapid relief. Plus point: their pleasant cooling effect.

Sometimes shampoo or conditioner can also irritate the skin. The solution? Wash your mane upside down - that way nothing gets into your face.

DOs for sensitive skin

Test on your arm: Never test new products on your face, but in the crook of your arm - the skin there is very sensitive. Ideally overnight!

Cleansing: Always wash your hands before applying cream. This is because bacteria and germs stick to the fingers.

UV protection: Sensitive skin is particularly susceptible to environmental influences and forms wrinkles more quickly. Therefore, always apply UV protection.

DON'Ts for sensitive skin

Wash marathon: Do not wash your face too often or with water that is too hot. This rinses out moisture-retaining lipids.

Frequent product changes: If you are constantly trying out new creams, you are overstraining your skin. Loyalty pays off.

Poor lifestyle: Alcohol, an unbalanced diet and a stressful lifestyle are poison for sensitive skin and can irritate it even more.