What's Your Skin Type? Sen-si-TIVE!

After talking about our oily and dry skinned sisters, the time has come to address the uncomfortable elephant in the room: sensitive skin. Assuming you don’t have a skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea, you probably recognize sensitive skin as easily irritated. What does that mean? Well, if you’re like me, it means that you rush out to go and buy the latest and “greatest” product only to find out that, yup, your skin gets triggered by it.

Skin Triggers

While everyone is different, and not all sensitive skin is the same, there are some common triggers. Common triggers include soaps, detergents, fragrances, perfumes, skincare products, and household products. In addition, exposure to cold, sun, and wind can trigger flares. It’s important to mention that those of us lucky enough to have sensitive skin probably also have dry skin. Awesome. If you’re like me, and you’re aware of your desert face, then you know the value of lotions, serums, creams, and guzzling more water than a camel. But, if you’re also as sensitive skinned as I am, then you ALSO know that trying out a new product is always a gamble of ‘will this make me as flawless as those girls on Instagram, or as broken out and rough as a bearded dragon?’

So… What Can I Do?!

Firstly, treat your face like you would a newborn baby, with gentle and soft care. Treating skin too aggressively is one main reason why so many people, incorrectly, think they have sensitive skin. So, before you run to a specialist, try easing off your harsh soaps and scrubs, try washing your face with a gentle face wash. For example, PURIFY ME is specially formulated to be non-comedogenic and uses jojoba beans for a light exfoliation and soft moisturizing wash. After giving your skin a break, and easing off your products, try reintroducing them. One at a time. Check to see if you’re allergic to anything, and if you are, obviously toss that sucker out! Or, if it was expensive/new, give it to a family member or friend, who won’t turn red and pimply just by looking at it. After all, sharing is caring, am I right? Once you’ve given your face a rest and removed irritants, find a good hypoallergenic skin repairing serum or moisturizer. Serums like REVIVE ME are great because they contain Argan stem cells and Sterols for deep protection and rejuvenation of the skin.

Be Advised

It’s soooo important to always remember that when it comes to your facial skin, especially if it’s sensitive, you can’t always control your triggers. Sensitive skin is caused by nerve endings in the top layer of skin becoming irritated. This occurs because your skin’s natural barrier function is weakened and has broken down due to a trigger. We all lead crazy lives and can’t always control our environment, stress, or hormones, which along with creams and perfumes, are amongst the most common causes of flare ups in sensitive skin. This is why it’s imperative (and I pulled out a fancy word to make sure you realize how important this is!) that you ALWAYS USE SUN PROTECTANT when you go outside. If you can double your SPF 30 (which is the minimum recommended for proper sun protection) with a hydrating moisturizer, like PROTECT ME, then even better!

Sensitive Skin For The...Win…?

Just because you may never be able to use every product Kylie or Rihanna come out with, doesn’t mean you’re skin deserves any less than someone else's. We all have different skin and celebrating our differences is what keeps the skincare and makeup companies in business! I’m just kidding… sort of… but seriously, use your sensitive skin as an excuse to be a little more high maintenance. Make your skin a priority and splurge on the higher end and better products. Let your skin be a badge of honor and you will be the woman your friends can rely on for the best-of-the-best skincare routines, because, after all, if it works for you, it MUST be the cream of the crop.