Sensitive Skin Type

Sensitive skin can be dry, normal, or oily and is characterized by delicacy which is why we feel it is more of a skin condition than a skin type. It frequently reacts adversely to environmental conditions and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition. This skin type is prone to react adversely to cosmetics containing alcohol, synthetically manufactured oil type ingredients, fragrance oils, and artificial colors. Sensitive skin benefits greatly from natural, gentle, skin care products and treatments, including light steaming and some essential oils.

Sensitive skin routines usually include the following recommendations:

• Use products that contain as few preservatives, fragrances, colorings and other redundant ingredients as possible.
• Avoid toners which contain alcohol and/or other irritants.
• Avoid (or at least be very careful with) acidic and other potentially irritating skin care, such as alpha hydroxy products or retinoids.
• Avoid harsh detergents, both in your shower and in your laundry.
• Minimize the use of makeup and avoid makeup removers. If you must use makeup, use hypoallegenic, easly-to-remove kinds. You can use a dab of olive or mineral oil to help dissolve and remove the makeup.
• After cleansing apply hypoallergenic, non comedogenic moisturizer. Do it while skin is still damp to help seal the moisture.
• Clean your skin once or twice a day with alcohol-free, soap-free, moisturizing cleanser.
• Use hypoallergenic oil-free sunscreen whenever sun exposure is expected.

Next Article: Normal skin type Recommendations