Contrary to what you might have heard, sensitive skin isn't considered a medical condition. When someone says he or she has sensitive skin, it typically means the skin has become irritated, red, swollen and/or itchy as a result of either an environmental condition or use of a certain product. The term is also used to describe changes to a person's skin in response to allergic reactions.Why Can Skin Be Sensitive?Although there are several reasons why skin can be sensitive, the most common is that skin is reacting negatively to a certain product or possibly some combination of products. Think about your daily skin care regime, specifically the number of products you use. Soaps, cleansers, toners, blemish reducers, blemish concealers, foundation, blush, facial masks, after shave lotion – the list never ends! You probably use products that are made by a number of different manufacturers, too. While your intentions are good, some skin cannot tolerate such an assault.Causes Of Sensitive SkinTrying to pinpoint the cause of sensitive skin is not always as simple as discontinuing use of a certain product. Because of the nature of sensitive skin, it can take hours or even days before the signs of sensitivity are visible. And the sensitivity may not be caused by a product. Exposure to the sun can create skin problems, as can extremely hot water. Your laundry detergent, fabric softeners, shampoo, perfume, hair spray, and even the household cleaning products you use can be the culprit. Certain foods and even some plants can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction as well. Healthy skin is less sensitive because it's able to act as an effective barrier. Sunburned skin, skin that's excessively dry and skin that is otherwise damaged tends to be more sensitive. That's one reason why people who don't normally have sensitive skin develop skin sensitivity during winter months when dry, cold air strips skin of its protective moisture.
When you go to the health and beauty section at your local store, you are probably bombarded with literally hundreds, if not thousands of different skin care products. What's a person to do? If you want your skin to be healthy, there are certain products that you need, but you don't have to spend a fortune to be able to keep your skin healthy and younger-looking. Leave some of those unnecessary products on the shelf for others to buy!First, be sure to pick up a good sun block. In the past, these products were usually, if not always, heavy and very greasy. Today, manufacturers have figured out how to make this situation better. Be sure to find a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 for daily use, and you'll want higher in the summer time or if you will be in the sun for long periods of time. You will also need some sort of facial cleanser or wash. Don't use regular bath soap! This kind of soap is too harsh for the sensitive skin on your face and will lead to dryness and pre...
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