Tired of sudden breakouts, rashes and itchiness every time you switch skincare products or climate? It could be a sign of sensitive skin. Such skin types are vulnerable and often need special care. Dealing with sensitive, intolerant skin can be difficult. It is not easy to find out which products can cause redness or irritation of your skin. According to the latest research, by 2040 50% of the world's population will have allergies and sensitive skin. According to statistics, 165 million children worldwide have eczema. 47% to 60% of people with eczema report suffering from insomnia. People with acne are 46% more likely to develop depression. People with acne miss 350,000 days a year from work and school because of their skin problem.
It is important to know that intolerant and sensitive skin needs special care and there are cosmetics that can help with daily care. This is Ayurveda system and all natural products with no heavy chemicals. The secret to maintaining healthy sensitive skin is to resort to natural Ayurvedic products that nourish and soothe your skin. Many of the cosmetics of the modern world have synthetics and it is not known which chemical can lead to redness or irritation of your skin. Sometimes this can lead to depression and sleepless nights, experts warn. But you should know that you are not the only one and that skin is more than skin!
What is sensitive skin type?
Skin that is easily triggered by external factors is referred to as sensitive skin. According to skin specialists, sensitive skin need not be a permanent condition. Certain ingredients in cosmetics, face washes and other products applied to the face can irritate your skin.Some of you might be sensitive to sun exposure, pollution, and weather changes. That naturally affects your skin. Other causes for sensitive skin can be skin-barrier damage. However, with proper skin care, you can prevent skin reactions and breakouts that are the common problems of sensitive skin.
Signs and symptoms of sensitive skin
Hypersensitivity
Skin that easily reacts to any new exposure is a common trait of sensitive skin. The reaction can vary from a mild tingling sensation to itchiness, inflammation or a rash. The skin reaction is basically an immune response to the new exposure that your body identifies as an allergen.
Inflammation and redness
You may often notice inflammation, redness, and red rashes on your skin as a result of sensitivity to a certain trigger. Usually the inflammation or redness reduces with the removal of the triggering agent.
Frequent breakouts
Sensitive skin is prone to breakouts that resemble acne. If you are using any chacimal face wash, cleanser or cream, it may irritate sensitive skin and cause small red eruptions with pus to appear.
Burning sensations
Many people complain of burning sensations following the use of certain cosmetics and skincare products. Sensitive skin is quite tender and it may get burnt with the use of products that contain harsh chemicals. If you notice smarting on your skin, quickly wash your face and avoid using the product.
Rashes
A rash is also an immune reaction to an allergen coming in contact with sensitive skin. Applying anything new or a change in your surrounding environment can irritate sensitive skin as it is less tolerant to change. Stop using the product and cleanse your skin immediately.
Prone to sunburns
Sensitive skin is quite defenseless against the harsh UV rays of the sun. If you have sensitive skin, apply sunscreen every time you step out. Over-exposure to the sun can damage and burn sensitive skin easily. Select a sunscreen that is gentle on your skin and has minimum SPF 30. Ingredients such as Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide are relatively safe for sensitive skin.
Dry skin
Dryness is often a common sign of sensitive skin. Sensitive skin lacks the essential oils that protect and nourish the skin, making it more susceptible to damage. Dryness soon leads to cracking and flaking of the skin. Dry sensitive skin can be itchy and irritated at times. To prevent your skin from drying, keep moisturizing it frequently. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, glycerin also help to replenish the lost moisture of your skin.
What causes sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is easily affected when exposed to chemical cosmetic products or environmental changes. Sometimes the effect of certain products on your skin is noticed immediately in the form of a rash. At other times, your skin may react after multiple applications of the product due to a cumulative effect.
Change in Skincare Routine
Though the base of most face washes and face creams remains the same, minor changes in the ingredients are capable of stimulating a sensory reaction. Hence, when it comes to sensitive skin, it is advisable to use natural products that are gentle on your skin.
Overuse of cosmetics
It is good to curb your use of cosmetics if you have sensitive skin. Apart from certain herbal cosmetic brands that claim to use natural ingredients, most cosmetic products contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin. Ingredients such as SLS, parabens, silica, formaldehyde and others are often considered too harsh for sensitive skin.
Over-exposure to sun or heat
Sensitive skin is prone to sunburn and tanning. Over-exposure to the sun can irritate your tender skin and leave you with a burning sensation or redness. Too much heat causes your skin to lose its essential fluids that keep it supple. A sunscreen with SPF 30 and above is advised while you are going outdoors.
Weather changes
Season changes can dry out your sensitive skin or block its pores due to excess humidity. Plan your skincare well in advance. Moisturize your skin frequently during winters to avoid dry skin conditions.
Skin barrier damage
The epidermal layer protects your skin from various external factors such as invasion of microbial organisms, weather changes, pollution, UV ray penetration and others. Another major function of the epidermal layer is to maintain the water content of your skin which keeps it hydrated. When this skin barrier is impaired, your skin is left exposed and vulnerable.
Skin diseases
Certain skin diseases such as Contact Dermatitis, Acne, Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis, Rosacea can cause skin sensitivity.
The best Ayurvedic herbs for sensitive skin?
With the increase in pollution and various chemical exposures, more than 50% women and almost 40% men face skin sensitivity. Advanced medical research in different fields of medicine has come up with various available solutions. But high tech cometics prooved to not to be effective in long run. On other haned the Ayurvedic texts cite the administration of certain medicinal herbs and formulations can calm sensitive skin and cure the problem by balancing the skin.
Neem
The antibacterial properties of Neem help in reducing skin conditions such as inflammations, rashes, redness and burning sensations. Rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, neem helps to repair damaged skin.
Aloe Vera
Since naturally soothes skin, Kumari or Aloe Vera work miracles on dry sensitive skin. Kumari heals and moisturizes skin that lacks its essential oils and brings back its supple, healthy glow. Rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins, it works well on skin conditions such as inflammations, dryness and breakouts.
Licorice
Yastimadhu or Licorice is packed with antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage of your skin. The essential nutrients present in it nourish and rejuvenate irritated skin. It is commonly used to treat various skin disorders such as sensitivity, eczema, inflammations amongst others.
Turmeric
The indispensable spice in your kitchen is a powerful Ayurvedic herb highly effective in treating skin disorders such as skin hypersensitivity, atopic dermatitis and eczema. Haldi’s anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties can cure various skin infections.
Gotu Kola
With amazing skin repairing properties, Gotu Kola is used to treat damaged skin, skin barrier impairment, skin sensitivity and other skin related issues. It increases blood circulation under the epidermis and helps to keep your skin healthy and nourished.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has been the most trusted home remedy for all skin problems since generations. Rich in Vitamin E, K and other essential nutrients, it forms a protective layer over your skin and prevents further damage to the epidermal layer. You can apply coconut oil to minor skin infections and to the site of skin sensitivity to receive some immediate relief.
Honey
Unpasteurized honey, according to skin specialists, has special skin healing properties that are highly beneficial when applied to damaged skin. Being a natural humectant and an emollient, honey helps to lock in moisture and keeps sensitive dry skin soft and hydrated. It is also known to be effective against skin problems such as eczema, rashes, acne and breakouts.
Saffron
Rich in carotenoids, Kesar or Saffron helps repair your skin barrier and protect sensitive skin against microbial invasions. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm sensitive skin and reduce symptoms such as inflammations, itchiness and rashes. It also acts like an antioxidant and prevents free radical damage to skin.