Sensitive skin is the term used to describe skin conditions that are easily irritated due to excessive reactions to various factors, such as air or chemicals in skin care products or cleansers. To prevent recurrence, sensitive skin owners need to treat skin well and be extra careful.
People who have sensitive skin often feel complaints on the skin, such as rashes, itching, dryness, eruptions, to the burning sensation or sore on the skin. These complaints generally arise after the skin is exposed to certain substances, or dry, cold air.
Trigger Factors for Sensitive Skin Complaints
Triggers of sensitive skin reactions vary by person. Some factors that could be triggers are:
- Skin disorders, such as eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.
- Pollution, such as vehicle dust and smoke.
- Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and cold or hot temperatures.
- Frequently replace cosmetic products or skin care products.
- Hormonal changes, such as just before menstruation and menopause.
- Side effects of certain drugs.
- Excessive stress and anxiety.
In addition, this condition is also genetic. Owners of sensitive skin usually also have parents or siblings with sensitive skin.
Difference between Allergy and Sensitive Skin
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system becomes active and overreact when the body is exposed to dust, food, or certain chemicals. An allergic skin reaction can cause the skin to become red, itchy, sore, or swollen.
Whereas on sensitive skin, the problem is not with certain substances or objects, but how much or how often someone uses a product or is exposed to certain substances.
For example, when someone uses a product that contains 10% vitamin C serum which is an acidic substance, the skin may not feel any complaints or certain reactions. But when he uses 20% more acidic vitamin C serum, his skin becomes irritated.
This irritant reaction is not caused by allergies, but because the chemical properties of the product are too harsh for the skin. This is what causes symptoms of sensitive skin.
Another difference between sensitive and allergic skin is when the reaction occurs. Allergic reactions can occur shortly after exposure to a substance, or can also appear some time later, about 12-48 hours afterwards. While the owner of sensitive skin will immediately feel complaints on the skin after exposure to trigger factors.
Proper Care for Sensitive Skin
The following are some tips that you can apply in treating sensitive skin:
1. Choose products that are friendly to the skin
Sensitive skin owners need to be more careful in choosing skin care products. Use special products for sensitive skin that generally contain less chemicals, are gentle on the skin, and without fragrance. Usually this product is labeled "hypoallergenic".
2. Stay away from irritative ingredients
Because it is easy to experience reactions, owners of sensitive skin need to avoid using products that contain irritative substances, such as antibacterial, detergent, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur (sulfur), glycolic acid, alcohol, and retinoids.
3. Often use a moisturizer
Sensitive skin is prone to become dry and chapped. To prevent dry skin, diligently apply a moisturizer after bathing. Generally, moisturizers that contain petrolatum, mineral oil, linoleic acid, ceramide, dimethicone, or glycerin are safe for sensitive skin.
4. Limit bath time
Bathing too long can make the skin easily damaged. Therefore, people with sensitive skin need to limit bathing time, just for 10 to 15 minutes. In addition, it is also recommended not to use water that is too cold or hot, but warm water.
5. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen
If your skin is sensitive to sun exposure or heat, avoid prolonged direct sun exposure. If you have to do outdoor activities during the day, wear closed clothes, wide hats, and sunglasses.
In addition, use a special sunscreen for sensitive skin with SPF 30 or more, every time you move outdoors.
Sensitive skin owners are also advised to wear comfortable clothes and cotton. Clothing made from this can absorb sweat, so the skin can avoid prickly heat and irritation.
Every time you want to use a product for the skin, sensitive skin owners need to do a test on the skin first. The trick is to smear the product on the arm, then leave it for a few moments. If the skin becomes red, itchy, or tender, it means that the product is not suitable for use.
If you have difficulty coping with and treating sensitive skin or determine which products are suitable for use, you should consult a dermatologist to get the right advice and treatment.
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