Are you wondering what is sensitive skin and how to find whether you have it? Sensitive skin is a common issue and is characterized by irritation, itching, swelling and inflammation. People with sensitive skin often complain of severe reactions to the slightest inconvenience and exposure to harsh conditions. Such skin, at times, is even irritated due to something as innocuous as friction with clothing and exposure to skin care products or fragrances. Sensitive skin sometimes is also an indicator of an underlying health or skin condition. Read on for 7 signs that will help you determine if you have sensitive skin.
7 Signs Of Sensitive Skin
When your skin loses its protective barrier and lets exposure to foreign environmental particles trigger a reaction, you most definitely have sensitive skin. Here are some signs that are an indicator of sensitive skin.
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Your Skin is Easily Reactive
If your skin instantly reacts when exposed to certain ingredients or environmental factors, you have sensitive skin. Common triggers that prod a response from sensitive skin are items like detergents, soaps, skincare products, fragrances, etc. Your skin also flares up when exposed to weather conditions like the cold or the sun.
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You Have an Itchy Skin
You have a general sense of tightness in your skin and it itches after you have used a product on it. The itching aggravates when the air is dry and cold and if you happen to scratch it, it leads to major irritation and even infections.
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Your Skin is Dry
Sensitive skin is dry and yet susceptible to breakouts. If you have dry skin, the nerve endings under your skin are not effectively protected. Such skin thus causes problems when exposed to cold, windy and dry weather.
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You are Easily Susceptible To Breakouts
Breakouts that look like small red bumps are commonly seen in people with sensitive skin. Trying to treat it often results in the condition getting aggravated even further.
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You Develop Rashes Easily
When exposed to a trigger, sensitive skin easily develops red, flaky, dry and a bumpy rash. This mainly happens when there is some kind of residue on the skin left behind after using skin care products. It is important to note that this symptom should not be confused with an allergy. Consult a dermatologist to gain more clarity if you notice this reaction often.
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You Get Tanned and Sunburned Easily
Sensitive skin is more prone to extreme reactions from exposure to the sun. The risk is greater if your skin is already irritated. People with sensitive skin should wear a broad spectrum sunscreen without fail whenever stepping out. The best sunscreen for sensitive skin is one that has SPF 30 and above and contains ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
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Redness on the Skin
People with sensitive skin commonly have red bumps, rashes, flushed skin and in some cases, even dilated blood vessels. The redness usually subsides when contact with a trigger stops however, it can be more persistent at times and may need medical intervention.
How to Take Care of Sensitive Skin at Home
It is important to understand that with an already sensitive skin, you cannot take any risks like experimenting with products or leaving an issue unsupervised. It is important to consult with a dermatologist and seek advice on what product is best suited to help alleviate your problem. In order to care for your sensitive skin at home, you can try the following:
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Raw Milk
One of the most effective ingredients to care for sensitive skin is raw milk. Besides having amazing cleansing properties, it also acts as an effective moisturizer. Dip some cotton in raw milk before dabbing it on your face. Leave it for a few minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
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Coconut Oil
A magical elixir, coconut oil is used widely to benefit the skin. Gently massaging it on the skin prevents it from the harmful effects of chemicals and harmful environmental conditions the sin is exposed to.
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Tomato Juice
When sensitive skin is tanned or has dark spots, it becomes difficult to treat it as one can experiment with different products. One easy solution to this problem is using tomato juice. Mix 3 tablespoons of tomato juice with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and see if it works wonders in eliminating tanning and dark spots.
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Olive Oil
Apart from the health benefits it offers, olive oil is also very beneficial for the skin. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to your daily bath water will ensure sufficient hydration and also shield the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
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Amla
Indian Gooseberry, commonly known as amla is extremely beneficial for sensitive skin. Drinking 30 ml of amla juice with warm water daily will make your skin radiant and nourish it from deep within.
Conclusion
Having sensitive skin may or may not be a sign of having an underlying condition. It usually means that you tend to react more quickly and severely when your skin comes in contact with a new product or a foreign factor. Using home treatment options and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, fragrant products, and irritating ingredients goes a long way in avoiding serious flare-ups. Consulting a dermatologist and following their advice in caring for your skin is the key to protecting sensitive skin. If your symptoms persist despite following your doctor’s medical advice, you may require further consultations and tests to determine the root of the problems.
