Sensitive Skin - Best Advice Skin Care

Here's a little guide to appropriate skin care for sensitive skin. There are many harsh and abrasive compounds that you should avoid putting on your face or anywhere else, for that matter. If you avoid those compounds, then your skin's health will improve.

Probably the most important ingredient to avoid is alcohol. It changes the natural pH balance that normally protects the skin's cells. It is very drying and irritating, but is a common ingredient in lotions, splashes and shower gels.

It is normally present in shaving creams and after shave lotions. It is the primary ingredient in most perfumes and colognes. As long as you continue to expose yourself, the health and appearance of your face will not improve.

So, after you finish reading this article, go in the bathroom and read the labels of all the products that you are applying to your body. Throw away anything that contains ethanol, ethyl, methanol, benzyl, isopropyl or other alcohols. That will be the first step towards appropriate skin care for sensitive skin.

Fragrances are a real detriment when it comes to your skin's health. When listed on the label as "fragrance", a company could mean any one or more of 4000 different synthetic chemicals, some of which are toxic. Some cause cancer. Others affect the central nervous system and can cause depression, hyperactivity and irritability.

They can cause itching, which leads to scratching and that of course scrapes off your protective outer layers. They can cause rashes, because they are common allergens. They can cause sneezing, coughing and itchy throat. So, avoiding added fragrances is your second step in skin care for sensitive skin.

There is one more group of common ingredients that should be avoided because they are damaging. Liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum or mineral oils are by-products of petroleum, as in petroleum jelly, and though they have been used for years, we know now that they are a bad choice.

Chap-stick for example is paraffin wax. Some lipsticks contain it, as well. If used occasionally, it might not be a problem. But, if used on a daily basis, it will strip the natural oils found on your lips and increase dryness and peeling. Mineral oil and its derivatives are found in most lotions and creams. So, your third step towards better skin care for sensitive skin is to avoid them.

Now, let's look at some ingredients that are beneficial. Honey has been used for thousands of years to help heal injuries and protect them from infection. Only recently did researchers discover that compounds in honey have an antibacterial and antiseptic effect, so it actually does promote healing. It's not just a folk remedy.

Today, the right type to look for is called Active Manuka Honey. It's from New Zealand and has been shown to soften and protect, without stripping or damaging. Olive oil is another ingredient that is very beneficial. Of all the vegetable, animal and mineral oils in the world, olive oil most closely resembles that of human skin.

There are many other natural ingredients that may be beneficial. Avocado, Jojobo, Grape seed, vitamin B5, COQ10 and vitamin E are some of them. But, the manufacturing process must be excellent for them to be effective. Those are your beginning basics in skin care for sensitive skin. Hopefully, it will get you started in the right direction. credit:ezinearticles