Do you have skin that just can't seem to catch a break? Does it often feel dry, itchy, irritated, or inflamed for no apparent reason?
Many of us are all too familiar with the woes of having finicky facial skin. In fact, studies show that a whopping 50-61% of women and 30-44% of men have battled sensitive skin at some point or another.
Why the gender divide, you ask? Well, according to research, ladies' skin tends to be thinner and more prone to dehydration due to those lovely hormonal fluctuations we experience.
Let's talk it all through, step-by-step, and come up with a plan to help your skin chill out. Sound good?
Recognizing Sensitive Skin
Before we can start fixing it, we need to understand what sensitive skin really looks and feels like day to day. Some telltale signs include:
Frequent Flushing and Redness
Like an emotional friend, sensitive skin tends to get red and splotchy easily. Little things like the weather, your diet, or stress levels can cause it to look sunburned.
Prickly Sensations
Do you ever get that tingly, prickly feeling on your face for no clear reason? That's very typical of reactive skin. It's extra sensitive to factors that don't affect normal skin.
Dry, Tight Skin
When moisture levels get low, sensitive skin often feels tight, flaky and itchy. No matter how much lotion you slather on, it just can't get hydrated enough.
Persistent Itchiness
Random itches here and there are one thing. But sensitive skin can feel downright itchy, like you have a mosquito problem on your face! The irritation never quits.
Who Else Has Sensitive Skin?
Now that we recognize the symptoms, let's talk stats. How many folks globally deal with this pesky issue?
- Around 50-61% of women experience some level of sensitive skin
- Approximately 30-44% of men also deal with skin sensitivity
So while women tend to have thinner, more delicate skin, men aren't immune! Sensitive skin can strike anyone.
Tips to Soothe Your Skin
Let's go over some simple tips to help calm and comfort that reactive skin of yours:
Gentle Cleansers
Harsh soaps strip moisture and cause irritation. Look for mild cleansers without harsh detergents, fragrances, oils, etc. Treat your skin delicately..
Apply Moisturizer Generously
Dry, sensitive skin needs plenty of hydration. After washing, slather on a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to help replenish moisture.
Don't Forget Sunscreen!
Sun exposure can really instigate sensitive skin. Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen daily to avoid flare ups.
Take It Slow With New Products
Only introduce one new product at a time. If anything causes stinging, redness or itching, your skin likely doesn't agree with it.
Stick to Lukewarm Water
Hot steamy showers can further provoke sensitive skin. Stick to lukewarm water temperatures to keep your face calm.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to nourish skin from the inside out. Aim for at least 64 ounces per day for your overall health and glow.
Examine Your Diet
Certain foods like dairy, gluten, alcohol and sugar are common triggers. Try eliminating them one at a time to see if it helps.
Find Healthy Stress Relief
When we're stressed, our body produces inflammatory hormones that can flare up skin. Try relaxing practices like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, etc.
Get Your Beauty Rest
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Rest helps sensitive skin recharge and reset itself.
See a Dermatologist
For severe cases, see a dermatologist. Prescriptions or professional treatments can help when over-the-counter options fail.
Takeaway
Here's an interesting tidbit - stress can actually provoke sensitive skin flare-ups! Our nerves and hormones react to pressure, releasing inflammation-causing chemicals. Try to chill out next time your skin is feeling reactive.
