May 15th is Shades Day. No matter what the weather or the time of day, it's time to put on your sunglasses and prepare for the warmer, sunnier days to come.
It’s also a really good time to create your skincare and sun protection plan for the season, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Do I have sensitive skin?
Some people are well aware of their sensitive skin issues because they’ve been diagnosed with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, or rosacea. Typically, if you have one of these conditions, you’ve seen a dermatologist and might already be taking steps to protect your skin.
On the other hand, some people believe they have sensitive skin because they’re constantly dealing with dry and flaky skin or red patches. In some of these cases, it could be that you’re simply using too many products or using products that are irritating your skin.
If you cut back or switch to naturally-derived and gentle brands, it can make all the difference. It’s worth a little experimenting with different products to see if you actually have sensitive skin or not.
How to care for sensitive skin
If you’ve determined that you do, in fact, have sensitive skin, or if you just want to be proactive and care for your skin more, then the following five tips will help you give your skin the gentle love it deserves.
Tip one: Change your moisturizer
If your skin is prone to allergic reactions and becomes blotchy or feels itchy, a new moisturizer might be the solution. While it may be tempting to skip the moisturizer, it’s better to switch to something more soothing with ingredients that are naturally-derived and well-known. Look for moisturizers with Aloe vera, chamomile, or green tea leaf extract.
Tip two: A sunscreen schedule
While you’re sticking to your moisturizing schedule, you need to also stick to your SPF addiction. If you haven’t developed this habit yet, it’s time to start. Sunscreen is vital to protecting your skin and keeping it youthful. Want some more reasons to slather on the SPF?
♦ It decreases your risk of developing skin cancer.
♦ Slows down the development of wrinkles and leathery skin.
♦ Prevents uneven skin tone and age spots.
♦ Protects you from the depleting ozone layer.
Tip three: Limit your time in the sun
Sunscreen is great, and it’s something you should apply and re-apply every day, but it’s not enough. If you have sensitive skin, you definitely want to cut back on your sun exposure. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests limiting your time in the sun from 10 am to 2 pm when the sun’s rays are their strongest.
If you can’t avoid being in the sun, you can protect your skin by covering up with lightweight or rash guard clothing, wearing a hat, and seeking shade whenever possible.
Tip four: Skip the hot shower
Hot water is a foe to sensitive skin. First of all, it strips the skin of necessary natural oils that can leave your skin unprotected, dry, and irritated. Secondly, if you have eczema or other skin conditions, the heat can prompt a new outbreak. And finally, your skin sensitivity can be heightened after cleansing, so the heat can potentially cause even more damage. Lukewarm, fast, and efficient showers are the best approach for your skin.
Tip Five: Pay attention to the ingredients you use
Every person is unique, and allergies really highlight that point. While one person’s skin may look radiant after DIY Strawberry and Yogurt face mask, other people will have strong allergic reactions that have them rushing to the nearest urgent care clinic.
Because everyone’s skin is different, it’s key that you do a spot test before you slather a new product on your face or all over your body. Try testing it on the inside of your wrist and letting it sit for several hours or even a day to see if you have a reaction.
If you don’t have allergies, it’s still a good idea to do a spot test with new products. Some skincare products can be pretty harsh and cause reactions with sensitive and even non-sensitive skin.
An even safer move is to stick to naturally-derived and gentle product lines. The Simple Beauty line of skincare products is a perfect example of a skincare regimen that’s designed to give your skin what it needs to be properly nourished and hydrated without any additives or harsh ingredients. We never use hormones, parabens, additives, fillers, petroleum, colors, dyes, and toxins and neither should you.
Simple Beauty Skin Brightening Spot Corrector
If you have sensitive skin, you might be suffering from an uneven skin tone and an uneven surface. This is common in people with skin conditions and one of their biggest complaints.
Adding Simple Beauty’s Skin Brightening Spot Corrector to your regular beauty plan will quickly help you work on those spots by adding a natural and soft highlight to your complexion. With nature-inspired ingredients, you’ll also notice a clear and hydrated natural glow. A perfectly balanced moisturizer and brightener, it works to support future skin health while remedying past damage.
To put it simply
Shades Day is a great time to slip into your shades and start thinking of sunnier days. While doing that, make sure you spend a few minutes considering your skincare plan.
When you have sensitive skin, your approach to skincare is different, it gets very customized, and you instantly become an expert on what ingredients you can’t use, and which ones are really beneficial. When you don’t have sensitive skin, it still pays to treat it gently and with care.
No matter what your skin condition, focus on using a moisturizer, regular sunscreen and sun protection, skip the scalding hot showers, and always use products that are effective and gentle. Your skin is your biggest organ, and it’s your barrier from the world–keep it working in optimal condition by putting skincare on the top of your to-do list.