The sensitive skin diaries: 6 signs you might have sensitive skin (and 10 tips for a radiant complexion and)
Ever woken up on the morning of a big event only to have developed red, itchy or pimple-ridden skin. You’re not alone. In fact, a recent study highlighted in Stylist magazine showed that a whopping 71% of people in the UK reportedly suffer from skin sensitivity. Here, we’ll highlight six signs that you might have sensitive skin and offer 10 tips to ensure your complexion is nourished, hydrated and blemish free.
What is sensitive skin?
Quite simply, sensitive skin is a common condition that means your skin is more prone to redness, itchiness and irritation than others. Sensitive skin can appear anywhere on the body but is often most pronounced on delicate areas such as the face, elbows and groin. Interestingly, “sensitive skin” isn’t a medical diagnosis itself and could be your skin indicating that it’s not happy. Particularly if you experience clear skin at times but certain products, medications or even weather conditions cause skin discomfort.
6 signs you might have sensitive skin
If, as the study suggests, sensitive skin affects 71% of the population then it figures that it probably won’t affects us all in the same way. Take a look at these six typical symptoms and if any or all apply to you then it’s likely you suffer from sensitive skin.
1. You have to be careful which products you use
If the mere thought of using good old-fashioned soap on your skin is enough to bring you out in a rash, then it’s likely that you have sensitive skin. There will likely be a number of products that cause your skin to react – whether in the form of dryness, itchiness or redness.
2. The changing season affects your skin
If the colder weather and harsh winds mean you have completely different skin depending on the season, then it’s likely that your skin experiences some degree of sensitivity.
3. You burn easily in the sunshine
Are you likely to burn if you don’t lather yourself in SPF? This could be another sign of skin sensitivity. Sensitive skin is more susceptible to burning and peeling so consider a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
4. You’re prone to redness
Rashes, red bumps or flushing off the cheeks can all indicate sensitivity. Redness is common amongst sensitive skin sufferers and is probably the most widely recognised symptom of sensitivity.
5. Your skin is often dry
Dryness and sensitivity tend to go hand in hand. It’s likely that you’ll notice tightness and dryness more when the weather is harsh. Conversely, dry skin can lead to acne and breakouts so if you confidently declare, “my skin can’t be sensitive, it’s oily,” you may be due a rethink.
6. You regularly develop rashes
If you’re prone to skin reactions when you try a new product then you almost certainly have sensitive skin. Reactions are uncomfortable and usually not the biggest confidence booster but if the effects linger or worsen then consider visiting your medical provider.
What NOT to do if you have sensitive skin?
If you’re prone to periods of dryness and sensitivity but have no idea what you’re doing wrong then consider avoiding the following:
- Heavily perfumed products
- Very hot showers
- Parabens – these are low-cost synthetic preservatives used in a number of skincare products.
- Surfactants – another chemical that can regularly be found in cleansing products is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This causes products to foam and can play havoc with sensitive skin.
And amazing news for you, all TEMPLESPA products are free form parabens and SLS.
10 tips for a radiant complexion for sensitive skin
Okay, so you know what to avoid to limit the risk of breakouts and irritation but what can do to show your sensitive skin some love? Here, we’ve put together our 10 top tips for bringing out the inner radiance of your sensitive skin. Your skin just wants to know that you’re paying attention, after all.
1. Read the ingredients list
For every product that you should avoid, there’s another that is perfect to nourish and care for dry, irritated or sensitive skin. Our sensitive skin collection is packed full of wonderful ingredients that nurture and soothe but lookout for some of the following when shopping skin care:
- Liquorice is something of a sensitive skin saviour. Studies have shown it can reduce redness, swelling and itching. It also just happens to be abundant in our wonderful BE STILL moisturiser.
- Niacinamide (present in our BE QUIET soothing milky toner) is a gentle antioxidant that supports the skin’s barrier to help protect your skin from external stressors. It’s also super gentle and suitable for all skin types.
- We all know that lavender is great for calming the senses, but did you know that it’s also great for calming the skin? It’s been used for centuries to soothe and heal skin and can be found in our gorgeous BECALM face mask.
2. Do a patch test before you use new products
We know, we know, you’ve been advised to do a patch test a million times before and you rarely bother but trust us, this matters. Before you try any new skincare products, do this:
- Clean a small area of skin right in front of your ear or on your elbow
- Apply half a pea-sized amount of the product
- Wait 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction before using on a larger area of skin
3. Include prebiotics in your skincare regime
Prebiotics are the latest word in skincare as they help to keep your skin’s pH levels healthy while strengthening your skin’s barrier against external factors that cause irritation and inflammation. Essentially, they support your skin in helping itself – which is exactly the sort of thing we love and why you can find prebiotics in many of our sensitive skin products including BE CALM moisturiser, BE GONE cleanser, BE STILL moisturiser.
4. Support your skin’s microbiome
Did you know that the skin is your largest organ? Or that it’s teeming with microorganisms that contribute to its overall health (known as your skin’s microbiome)? Support the tiny microflora that help to make you, you by using skincare products that actively support your microbiome. Products like BE CALM and BE GONE restore your skin’s microbiome for heathy, settled and comforted skin.
5. Choose alcohol-free skincare
Alcohol is often used in small amounts to dissolve important ingredients and help the product penetrate the skin. But, if you suffer from sensitive skin, it’s good to search for alcohol-free products as alcohol can be drying.
6. Opt for lukewarm water
There’s something wonderful about stepping into a scalding hot shower and letting the far-too-hot water wash away your troubles but, and we’re sorry about this, hot water really isn’t great for your skin – particularly if you’re experiencing a flare up. Aim for cooler water, especially on your face.
7. Use daily sunscreen
Wearing a quality broad-spectrum SPF is a hugely important part of keeping sensitive skin safe, settled and happy. Opt for an SPF that doubles up as an environmental skin filter and protects against pollution, free radicals and blue light from your devices and you’re onto a winner. Where could you find a product like that? Let us help:
6. Opt for lukewarm water
There’s something wonderful about stepping into a scalding hot shower and letting the far-too-hot water wash away your troubles but, and we’re sorry about this, hot water really isn’t great for your skin – particularly if you’re experiencing a flare up. Aim for cooler water, especially on your face.
7. Use daily sunscreen
Wearing a quality broad-spectrum SPF is a hugely important part of keeping sensitive skin safe, settled and happy. Opt for an SPF that doubles up as an environmental skin filter and protects against pollution, free radicals and blue light from your devices and you’re onto a winner. Where could you find a product like that? Let us help: Shop LIFE DEFENCE SPF
8. Stay hydrated
Well-hydrated skin is better protected from irritants and germs and has a more balanced pH. It’s advisable to drink between 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Not sure if your skin is hydrated? Pinch a little of the skin on the back of your hand now. Does it take a second before it bounces back? If so, you need to up your fluid intake.
9. Manage stress
When we’re feeling stressed the last thing we want to hear is all the ways that the stress is negatively affecting our body. But, without the right tools, stress can cause inflammation and make sensitive skin worse. The solution? Taking time for you. If your workload is so intense that you couldn’t possibly make time for a spa treatment or have half an hour to read your favourite book, set your alarm 10 minutes early and take those precious few minutes to become aware of your breath and your body. Your to-do list can wait.
10. See a professional
If your skin concerns are an ongoing problem, then consider seeing a professional. A dermatologist will be able to diagnose any skin issues and offer advice on which ingredients to avoid or look for.
The final word
Taking care of your skin needn’t be complex. Simply follow its clues. And if you’re still not sure, the TEMPLESPA skincare range has some for every skin type.