How to Treat Dry, Sensitive Skin

Dry, sensitive skin can be difficult to manage. It is tough to know what beauty regimen to follow to avoid allergies, irritation and breakouts. Follow a few simple guidelines to help manage sensitive skin, look healthy and feel comfortable.

Drink Plenty of Water
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Take care of it from the inside out by drinking water. When skin is hydrated, plump and elastic it is less likely to crack and let pollutants in that cause irritation.

Fruits and vegetables have a high water content and will add to your hydration. Certain vitamins like vitamin A help keep eyes and skin healthy. Sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe and mangoes are high in vitamin A.

Cleansing
Our skin comes in contact with many kinds of chemicals and pollution, so it is no wonder dry, sensitive skin may get irritated. Rather than add more chemicals for your skin to deal with, choose cleansers with only a few ingredients. Do not use deodorant soaps or those with a lot of fragrance.

Shower or bathe in cool or just warm water, not hot water. Use cleansing bars, creams or facial washcloths with simple ingredients like oatmeal or glycerin.

Moisturizing
Just like cleansers, moisturizers should contain only a few ingredients and little to no fragrance. Read the labels of moisturizers and avoid those with retinal, alpha hydroxy acids and petrochemicals. Look for moisturizers with mineral oil or linoleic acid.

If you are unsure if a moisturizer will irritate your skin, apply a small amount behind an ear and leave it on overnight. If that works okay, apply a small amount near your temple or eye. If that works, the product is most likely safe for your skin.

Clothing
Be sure to launder your new clothes before wearing to remove any chemicals from the manufacturing process. Use a fragrance free detergent. Look for a label on the product that says it is for sensitive skin.

Cotton and silk are smooth and soft fabrics that are kind to dry, sensitive skin. Both fabrics are absorbent and help draw moisture away from the body. Choose loose fitting styles to avoid fabric rubbing on skin. Avoid wool as the rough fibers will be scratchy and cause irritation. Avoid tags. From panties to workout wear, so many styles come tag-less now.

Dry, sensitive skin can be managed with a few simple steps. Avoid products with fragrance and all kinds of chemicals. Embrace a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and use products with few or basic ingredients. By caring for your body’s largest organ you will be healthy, feel comfortable and look beautiful.