How to make sensitive skin look and feel beautiful

Nobody likes to be generalised and it can be frustrating to hear that there are only three basic types of skin: oily, sensitive or ‘normal’. If you don’t fit neatly in one of these categories then choosing skincare products can be difficult. Today, I’m going to focus on sensitive skin and give you a few tips if you are one of the many people with sensitive skin. These beauty tips can also be helpful if you’re unsure of your skin type or have combination skin.

While it does vary from person to person, sensitive skin often feels delicate and needs to be treated with care. Many people have sensitive skin and understanding your skin type is a crucial part of determining the beauty regime for you. My tips are a great rule of thumb whatever your skin type, but for people with sensitive skin it is useful to take a slower approach and to look out for products that are more gentle on your complexion.

1. Protect your skin with sunscreen
Sunscreen is important for every skin-type; however sensitive skin may be especially delicate when it comes to heat and sun. It’s imperative for someone with sensitive skin to apply sunscreen on a daily basis.
2. Be gentle and don’t over-cleanse your sensitive skin
Over-exfoliating or over-cleansing sensitive skin can cause irritation and you may find it better to stick to lukewarm water as heat can be another aggravating factor.
3. Avoid constricting fabrics
People with sensitive skin may find that it isn’t just their face that feels delicate. For many, sensitive skin is an all over experience! Try to your keep clothes loose and choose breathable fabrics.
4. Keep your skin healthy from the inside
Healthy habits such as keeping yourself hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise may improve your overall health and overall appearance, regardless of your skin type.
5. Make time to patch test new products
Investing in a new skincare or makeup product can be fun but make sure you do a patch test before buying. A patch test is a precautionary measure and it simply means applying product to a small area to see how your skin responds. Depending on sensitivity levels, patch tests are best applied 24 hours to a week in advance of a full application. If you have sensitive skin you’ll know the best areas for you to test, but I recommend dabbing a small amount of product behind your ear on in another inconspicuous location. If you don’t see a reaction within a week of patch testing the new product, it’s probably okay to use it on your sensitive skin.

By taking care and time you should be able to face the world with calm and beautiful skin that showcases your new body confidence. Remember to treat your skin with respect; after all it’s the largest organ in the human body and, if you have sensitive skin take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone!
With skin care, as with most things, there is never a one size fits all solution and this advice is good for everybody: if you experience a skin reaction, make sure you contact your physician. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Please note: “sensitive skin” in this article does not refer to medically diagnosed condition, which should always be treated according to the advice of one’s physician.

Written by beauty expert, Laura Chacon-Garbato. . Director of Outer Nutrition at Herbalife.

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