Sensitive Skin Care Continued
Care and Relief
Sensitive skin care begins with careful choices when it comes to cleansers and moisturizers used. Oil-based products should be avoided, as should harsh soaps and detergents and most products with excessive amounts of chemicals. Makeup should be water-based and designed not to clog the pores.
Hypoallergenic (and fragrance-free) is usually the way to go when choosing soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens and other substances that will be placed directly on the skin (and, as even sensitive skin still needs the protection and cleansing properties of these types of products, their use is unavoidable). It is best to avoid products with excessive amounts of ingredients and fragrances--simpler is almost always better when it comes to anything that will come into contact with sensitive skin. Keep the number of products used to a minimum while still making sure the skin is getting the moisture and nutrients it needs. And avoid excessive washing of the skin as that leads to a continuing cycle of irritation and searches for relief from irritation.
Antihistamines can be of great relief for some forms of sensitive skin as they suppress the production of excess, irritating histamine in the skin.
Even the clothing that comes in contact with the body should be specially chosen. Natural fabrics that breathe, such as cotton or silk, are preferable to synthetic fabrics in most cases.
By Michael Willis
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