Although some people are lucky enough to have naturally flawless, radiant skin, many of us struggle with breakouts and assorted skin irritation on a consistent basis. As those of us with perpetually irritated skin have discovered, doing everything right doesn’t necessarily mean our skin will respond in a positive manner. When various scrubs, moisturizing regimens and professional treatments fail to produce results, it’s easy to become discouraged and decide there’s simply nothing to be done. However, calmer skin may be much easier to obtain than you think. Putting the following tips to good use has the potential to give you the skin you long for without putting a strain on your time or finances.
Utilize Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a boon to your skincare efforts. Applying the right oils can help provide nourishment to chronically dry skin and soothe skin that’s in a constant state of irritation. Tea tree oil, organic lavender and Egyptian chamomile are just a few of the essential oils that will make a welcome addition to any skincare regimen. So, if you’re in the market for a natural solution to your irritated skin, consider the benefits of essential oil.
Be Mindful of Chemical Content in Products
In our efforts to give ourselves the best skin possible, many of us use an assortment of cosmetics and grooming products. Face-washes, moisturizers and toners are just a few of the skincare aids that factor into our daily routines. However, depending on your skin type, chemical content and various other factors, some of these products may be doing more harm than good. Given the plethora of chemicals found in most over-the-counter products, it’s hardly surprising that many of them contain ingredients that activate allergies, skin irritation and other undesirable reactions. If you suspect you have a sensitivity to certain products or chemicals – or know for certain that you do – make a point of cutting them out of your skincare regimen. There are abundant chemical-free options available, many of which aren’t nearly as pricey as you may think.
Furthermore, skincare aids may not be the only products irritating your skin. For instance, a wide assortment of soaps, shampoos and conditioners contain sulfates, parabens and fragrances that can wreak havoc on sensitive skin – and the same can be said for many cosmetics. So, if your skin has been adversely impacted by chemicals found in any of these products, going the all-natural route is strongly encouraged.
Avoid Over-Washing
While keeping one’s face clean is an essential part of basic skincare, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Washing your face too often is liable to dry it out, paving the way for irritation and acne. So, unless your skin is supremely oily or you work in a dirty environment, try to limit yourself to no more than two face-washes per day. Additionally, if you don’t wear makeup or facial cosmetics, a single washing per day should be perfectly sufficient.
You should also make a point of following up each face-wash with a moisturizing. When shopping around for the right moisturizer, keep an eye out for water-based options, as oil-heavy moisturizers generally aren’t recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Make Sun Protection a Priority
Excessive sun exposure not only stands to irritate skin – but also damage it irreparably. In addition, prolonged UV exposure can lead to various forms of skin cancer, thereby placing your physical health at risk. That being the case, sun protection should be a priority for everyone – especially those of us with sensitive skin. Whenever you intend to spend more than 10-15 minutes outdoors during daylight hours, apply a sunscreen designed for people with temperamental skin to any exposed areas. While this may strike you as cumbersome, the long-term benefits are well worth the minor inconvenience.
Skincare is a much more difficult endeavor for some of us than others. Whereas some people barely have to do anything to imbue their skin with a youthful glow, others work tirelessly to keep their skin moisturized and healthy-looking. Unfortunately, when it comes to radiant skin, there’s no end-all solution or magic wand. Routines and regimens that work amazingly for certain people simply fail to produce results for others. Still, if you’re looking for effective ways to soothe skin that’s in a constant state of irritation, the previously discussed pointers are likely to come in handy.