How to Make Sensitive Skin Stronger

While one can’t ignore the importance of developing a metaphorical thick skin, it’s just as important to strengthen your actual skin. Your skin is the first line of defence against external aggressors. It also an indicator of your health. Dry skin and itchy skin can result from underlying conditions, and it’s not uncommon for serious illnesses to cause skin problems.

If you suffer from sensitive skin, there are plenty of measures you can take to fortify your first line of defence. Here are five ways you can make sensitive skin stronger:

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Most people know the importance of sun protection, but wearing sunscreen is especially important for those with sensitive skin. UVA and UVB exposure can dry out your skin and age it prematurely. Wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 (such as Vaseline Men SPF15 Even Tone Face Moisturiser) and avoid being out on the sun between 10 am and 3 pm.

Avoid Cleaning Agents

While detergents do a great job of keeping the house clean, they can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. When you have sensitive skin, detergent strips away the oily, protective surface layer, resulting in itchiness, dryness and contact dermatitis. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to use a hypoallergenic detergent that was formulated specifically for your skin type. If you have to handle non-hypoallergenic detergent, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Bath/Shower with Tepid Water

Heat is a potential irritant for sensitive skin, so opt for a lukewarm shower or bath to prevent skin issues. You can also spritz yourself with water to keep you cool throughout the day.

Moisturise Regularly

Your skin is held together by lipids, molecules that serve as the building blocks of living cells. Lipids make skin soft and bind skin cells together to prevent dehydration and lock in moisture. Giving your skin more lipids creates a tighter cell bond, making it less prone to drying out. Moisturise as often as you can with an occlusive skin care product such as Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.

Relieve Stress

Stress is known to exacerbate skin problems. For instance, stress can worsen conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. It can also cause fever blisters to flare up. Whenever you can, try to unwind by meditating, reading a book, watching a funny film or partaking in any activity that calms you down.

You may not realise it, but your skin is constantly at work. It functions much like a security guard, preventing pathogens from making their way into your body. Sensitive skin allows irritants in more easily, which is why it’s in your best interest to make sure your skin is as healthy as it can be.