Horsetail. Image via Wikipedia.
Spring not only brings warmer weather, longer weather, blooming flowers, and budding trees but also the onset of allergic reactions for many people, including flare-ups of skin sensitivities. Studies show that over 50% of women feel they have sensitive skin, and the number is growing.
Time for some pointers on how to protect your skin against flushing, itching, and rashes.
Step 1. Avoid products containing known allergens. Dermatological studies have shown over 95% of allergic reactions can be traced to six sources:
- Artificial Fragrance – 45%
- Certain Preservatives – 20.7%
- Emulsifiers – 8%
- Toluene Sulfonamide Resin – 6%
- Improperly Purified Lanolin – 5%
- Synthetic UV Absorbers – 5%
Avoid these and you are well on your way to trouble-free skin care.
Step 2. Select products that calm and strengthen the skin. It is important that a product for sensitive skin strengthen the defensive barriers of the skin, protect the skin against environmental allergens and pollutants, and calm inflammations. Herbal ingredients known to be of particular help to sensitive skin include:
- Althea (Marshmallow) – Calms, soothes, and nourishes with lecithin and amino acids
Althea. Image via Wikipedia.
- Balm Mint – Soothes
- Horsetail – Increases elasticity and strengthens the skin
- Hypericum (St. John’s Wort) – Soothes, aids healing, calms inflammation and strengthens
- Matricaria (Chamomile) – Soothes and calms inflammation
- Restharrow – Calms and counteracts itching
- Sage – Aids in healing of wounds, reduces inflammation, tones
- Yarrow – Heals and calms inflammation
It is also important to have antioxidants to counteract the damage done by free radicals.
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6 Best Practices to Avoid Irritated Skin
1. Cleanse morning and night. This will remove environmental irritants and pollutants that can trigger reactions and rashes.
2. Always use sunscreen. SPF should be at least 15 and the product should protect against UVA as well as UVB rays. Remember to apply products 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun for maximum effectiveness.
Restharrow. Image via Wikipedia.
3. Prevent situations that trigger mental and physical stress. Adhere to regular sleep patterns, well-balanced and routine diet patterns, and avoid weather extremes.
4. Shower after exercising or swimming in salt water or a chlorine pool. The chemicals left on the skin after these activities are especially drying and irritating.
5. Use a gentle laundry detergent, preferably a hypoallergenic one purchased in your local health food store.
6. Always use lukewarm (not hot) water when bathing, showering, or washing face and hands.
Follow these guidelines and your sensitive skin will look – and feel – beautiful.
Recommended reading:
20 Common Questions About Sensitive Skin, via WebMD
Tips on Taking Care of Sensitive Skin — Especially Your Face, by Low Jeremy via Street Directory
Skin care: Caring for sensitive skin, via iVillage
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