Sensitive Skin Care Guide

If you have sensitive skin you may find that many of the treatments you try are too harsh for your skin. While other women are buying skin care products with vitamin C or anti-oxidants, you are using the mild brand with no anti-aging benefits.

So, what can you do about it? How can you, with your sensitive skin, get the same anti-aging effects that other women are getting?

Rather than applying expensive anti-aging products on your skin, you can eat them. Now, of course, I don’t mean for you to eat your expensive night cream or any other store-bought skin products, but you can eat the effective ingredients in them. Since your skin is your largest organ, the benefits of eating the ingredients will be similar to applying them directly to your skin.

Here are some ingredients you can start with.

Green tea: There are plenty of skin care product now that contain green tea. You’ll hear about green tea everywhere and it’s now in many brands of skin care. However, if you have sensitive skin and can’t use those products, then you can drink green tea and have the same effects on your skin. Plus, the bonus is that you’ll be benefitting every other part of your body as well. Some of the other benefits of green tea are weight loss, lower cholesterol, and possibly a lower risk of cancer.

Cucumbers: An increase in fruits and vegetables in your diet can have a positive effect on the overall appearance of your skin. Increase your vegetable intake and your skin will thank you. The side effects of this option? Well, you may lose some weight and feel more energy, but that’s not such a bad thing, is it?

Vitamin C: Take a supplement or increase your intake of oranges and other fruits. The anti-oxidants in them are wonderful for your skin.

Remember, your skin is your largest organ. Take care of it by feeding it well, whether you’re putting products on it, or feeding your body with nutritious foods. And, for those of us with sensitive skin, we’ll be saving a fortune, avoiding those expensive jars of cream and instead heading straight for the grocery store produce aisles.

Sensitive skin shows continuous hyperactivity to environmental factors and exhibits a reduced tolerance to frequent or prolonged use of cosmetics and toiletries. The skin displays signs of irritation such as erythema, desquamation or discomfort such as itching, burning and stinging. These conditions are becoming even more pronounced after exposure to dry and cold climates. Sensitivity can also increase with age. It has been reported for example that the skin gets more sensitive in women at the beginning of menopause.

Many ingredients usually included in cosmetics such as dimethyl sulfoxid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, propylene glycol, lactic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium benzoate, cinnamic acid, sorbic acid are potential irritants. Formulations, in which a beneficial constituent is involved, can be detrimental for the skin in certain conditions. For example, a formulation containing a small molecule such as acid hydroxy acetic (AHA) with a lower pH can provoke sensations of tingling, itching or irritation when applied to sensitive, unhealthy or inflamed skin. Such reactions can be triggered by uncontrolled release of the acid, fast penetration into the skin and low pH.

The moisturizers, which enhance the barrier function of the skin can protect against different irritants. Therefore, choosing a good moisturizer is one of the most important steps for a healthy skin. Natural constituents such as: essential fatty acids (linoleic and gamma linoleic acids), vitamins, minerals, high percentage of water and water like ingredients are the basic stones for providing skin regeneration and nourishment. Humectants, such as glycerin have an important role in retaining skin moisture and support the elasticity of the skin. Antioxidants, such as protoanthocyanidins found in grape seed oil for example, are particularly helpful in stabilizing the collagen structure, which held tissues together. Other antioxidants such as, beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium are beneficial for overall protection against environmental condition and UV rays. And finally, the least chemicals in a cream, the least chances of irritation and adverse affects it has when applied onto the skin.

By using natural and organic skin treatments, you will receive the same beneficial effects to your health as you would eat an organic food. Natural products are easily assimilated through the skin, easily metabolized as they are recognizable molecules and the surplus is easily discarded. However, the skin adjustment to the natural regimen is not a rapid process and it doesn’t occur with one application. It is a long term commitment, which substantially increases your skin health and rejuvenating power.

You certainly may choose the shortest way of becoming suddenly perfect, by covering skin imperfection with makeup, or by choosing a strong synthetic cream, which might show you 5 years younger but usually with side effects.

In conclusion: give your skin the same attention as your inner body. Nourish it and protect it as you would nourish and protect your whole body. Don’t wait until is too late to change to a natural cosmetic regimen.