Sensitive Skin

A lot of people battle with Sensitive or overly reactive skin.

If you are always having issues with finding the right cosmetics or toiletries because a lot of them react into a rash or break out, then yes you have it.

Sensitive skin is caused by a variety of reasons such as, genetics, stress and age as well as skin disorders such as eczema, rosacea, or allergic contact dermatitis which can only be diagnosed by a Doctor.

Other causes include extremely dry or injured skin that can no longer protect nerve endings, hence leading to skin reactions.

Other factors such as change of temperature or climate, that is sometimes when people move to a region with a different climate their skin gets affected as it’s trying to adjust.

Excessive exposure to skin-damaging environmental factors such as sun and wind or excessive heat or cold and environmental pollution can also cause sensitivity.

Another theory is the excessive use of cosmetics which have powerful chemicals and ingredients.

Lets take a look at an average persons (especially women) bath regimen; a bath with soap, then lotion, then you proceed to apply foundation, concealer and powder.

After that you top off the look with lipstick, mascara, eye shadow and perfume.

So in actual essence you have used about 10 products and each of those have about 15 ingredients each.

So you might be putting about 200 ingredients on your skin every day and most of them are nasty parabens (known to cause cancer).

This is bound to form an increase in allergies and reactions to products.

Many people also have a habit of regularly switching products, it goes like this.

 You try an acne cream for two weeks and you feel its not clearing up so you purchase the one you friend swears by, and two weeks down the line you switch again.

The problem with this habit is that, products go into your blood stream so switching immediately amounts to you mixing products.

When you buy a product wait for three months before you throw it out and if you strongly feel it is irritating your skin or not working.

WAIT for three days before you start using another one matter of fact wait a week.

The issue of reading labels can never be over emphasized avoid or minimize use of products with harsh chemicals (benzoyl peroxide, Alcohol and retinols are common culprits) whenever possible try and stick to organic products. 

Avoid touching your skin and also been rough, this means you must avoid scrubbing your skin everyday or using a face cloth. 

Do not use nail polish if there’s any chance you’ll touch your eyes or face with it before it dries.

Throw out old cosmetics as they can spoil or become contaminated, also wash your brushes and powder puffs every two weeks and try to not share them.

Avoid waterproof cosmetics if you have sensitive skin because it’s harder to remove and you need to remove your makeup often and add a fresh coat.

 Use products with fewer than 10 ingredients.

Use pencil eyeliner because liquid eyeliners contain latex and may cause an allergic reaction.

Try to not use soap as it is can strip your skin of its essential oils.

Always apply sunscreen or products that have up to SPF15 this is essential regardless of your race or gender.

 One of the best home remedies for sensitive skin is aloe vera gel (intembusha) you can buy the gel in most supermarkets or you can use the plants juice on your face it is very soothing.

 I have compiled a couple of home made facial recipes you can try at home, if you have sensitive skin.

Mash a banana and mix in a teaspoon of oatmeal (Jungle oats), add a teaspoon of honey to hydrate and soothe the skin. Gently massage the scrub into the skin for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.

Take a tablespoon each of yogurt, lemon juice and oatmeal as well as a ripe banana. 

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and massage gently in a circular motion. You can also leave the mixture on for five to 10 minutes as a facial mask. 

Remove the facial scrub by rinsing it with cool water. Alternatively, you may use a warm wash cloth to steam the mixture off of your skin.

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