Summer Sensitive Skin Tips

July 18, 2017

Sensitive skin is a problem for many people, and it can often worsen in the summer. If you have sensitive skin, it may need extra love and attention in this hot, hot, heat. Excessive sun exposure, the outdoor elements (whether your weather is dry or humid), and the blasting of indoor air conditioning (super drying), can contribute to your skin’s sensitivity

Do I have sensitive skin?

If your skin is red, itchy, scaly, acne prone or if you have contact dermatitis (allergy caused), you probably have sensitive skin.

Why do I have sensitive skin?

There are a few reasons your skin might be sensitive. You may be using products that cause damage to your natural skin barrier and force your skin to lose water. Harsh soaps, detergents, irritating ingredients such as fragrances, salicylic acid, plant extracts and/or essential oils, and not cleansing your face of all dirt lead to sensitive skin.

What can I do to help care for my sensitive skin?

  1. Cleanse your face once daily with a lotion cleanser based on your skin type. Do not over wash your face! Once per day with a cleanser is enough. This can lead to loss of moisture and damage to your natural skin barrier leading to dry skin. Your skin should not feel tight after you wash! If you have just worked out or have been sweating, then you might want to wash your face again. If you just want to wash your face again, use only cool water and skip the cleanser.
  2. Use that sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Keep it non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance and oil free for best results. Don’t EVER skip this step!
  3. Use a gentle exfoliator twice per week. Do NOT over exfoliate. You don’t need to remove your dead skin cells every single day. Doing so will cause more irritation to skin. Consider using a chemical exfoliator as it is gentler on the skin.
  4. Moisturize! Choose a sensitive skin moisturizer to help restore any moisture that is lost to harsh irritants. Moisturizers with lactic acids, alpha hydroxyl acids, glycerin, and anti-oxidants will help to restore hydration to your skin. You can consider keeping these products in the refrigerator to give your skin a cool treat.
  5. Make sure you give your skin that summertime lovin’ it truly deserves by following the above tips! If sensitive skin still has you feeling down, visit your experienced dermatologist at U.S. Dermatology Partners.

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