Did you know that crafting a meticulous skin care regimen could help soothe your skin sensitivity? Sensitive acne-prone skin can pose a challenge when in search of high-quality skin care products that do not cause breakouts and skin irritation.
The good news is that sensitive skin showing visible skin changes such as redness, dryness, puffiness, and scaling can be managed through lifestyle modifications.
The common precipitating factors of sensitive acne-prone skin include environmental irritants, allergies to certain products, stress, or direct sun exposure.
It is sensible to consult with a dermatologist if you suspect that your frequent breakouts and skin eruptions are caused by an underlying medical condition.
Not everyone is endowed with beautiful flawless skin, but certain lifestyle changes can yield satisfactory results without expensive and harsh treatments.
Discussed below are *4 lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate sensitive acne-prone skin:
1. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30-50 or higher.
The more sensitive your skin, the more sunburn you experience due to the loss of your skin’s protective barrier. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a mineral sunscreen – SPF 30-50 or higher with broad-spectrum (Ultraviolet) UVA and UVB protection.
Mineral sunscreens are safer on sensitive skin due to a lesser risk of breakouts, allergies, and skin irritation in people who are prone to these reactions. It contains the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which create a physical barrier on your skin to reflect UV rays.
On the contrary, chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and are likely to cause skin sensitivities due to the chemical ingredients – oxybenzone, octinozate, and avobenzone.
Lifestyle tips to remember:
A) Apply a generous amount of mineral sunscreen on your face and exposed skin when outdoors and reapply every 2 hours as needed to extend its duration of action.
B) Wear protective clothing such as a brimmed hat, 100% UV Protection sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and appropriate shoes if outside for extended periods of time.
C) Invest in high-quality mineral sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin such as:
– EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen with SPF 46
– Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
– Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
These mineral sunscreens win the best overall ratings by dermatologists for sun sensitive acne-prone skin.
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2. Identify your triggers and manage stress.
Sensitive acne-prone skin is exacerbated by common skin care and household products containing fragrances and preservatives. Avoid using these products and consider safer alternatives that are non-comedogenic, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. When in doubt, consult with your dermatologist.
Additionally, always prepare for environmental elements such as hot and freezing weather, humidity, and dry winds.
Stress reduction is key in preventing breakouts. Healthy coping mechanisms for stress include deep breathing, quality sleep, and good nutrition. Studies have shown that deep breathing techniques and exercise in general increases blood flow to your skin which can improve the appearance of your skin.
3. Change your diet.
This is self-explanatory. A balanced diet rich in detoxifying antioxidants, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins can really do wonders for your skin!
4. Avoid dehydration and practice good skin hygiene.
Drinking about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water per day is effective in combating skin dryness which can precipitate sensitive skin. Your skin will glow with adequate fluid intake. Wash your face twice daily with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Also be mindful of over-exfoliating your skin to avoid stripping of your skin’s protective barrier.
Overall, lifestyle changes play a vital role in stabilizing sensitive acne-prone skin. Exercise patience as you explore various methods that can enhance your skin health. Thank you for visiting my blog. Subscribe below for more skin and health tips!