If your skin tends to flare up when trying out new products – itches, burns, and redness – that means it’s sensitive. And if you happen to be part of this group, then you’re just one of increasingly many. According to statistics, more and more women, as well as men, are identifying themselves as having sensitive skin, and have become more aware of the ingredients in the products they’re using.
While it’s true that you should know what you’re applying to your face, the best results come from staying consistent in your routines (even if you’re tired as heck). The next time you’d rather get straight to getting some shut-eye than giving TLC to your skin, consider what Vivian Shi, a dermatologist and an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, says: “We spend one third of our lives sleeping, so if you don’t take care of your skin at night, that’s a lost opportunity.”
What she means to say is that it’s way better to have your skincare routine right before bed since sleeping means you won’t be doing any activities that may potentially harm your skin and undo the effects of your skincare routine. Fortunately, “care” doesn’t necessarily translate to a detailed, multi-step procedure. Here are some relatively simple skincare routines that give you the best results:
Cleanse
A cream cleanser or a soap-free lotion is the best way to keep your skin healthy and lively. According to Dr. Shi, these cleansers don’t foam up, so they don’t remove the natural oils from your skin. As an added bonus, rich textures will feel so smooth and soft as you massage them onto your face. We suggest you use smooth formulas with no harsh irritants like Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser.
It’s made with a cotton extract that softens the skin and eliminates all the dirt and makeup without that tight, discomforting feeling that face washes can produce. Night time tends to be mellow and quiet and is quite a contrast to hectic and bustling mornings, which means the former is the best time to start your skincare regimen. Be sure to take your time when massaging the cleanser onto your skin and make sure your whole face is covered with them.
Dr. Shi even tells us to begin with the forehead and work down. End off with a light splash and rinse. Perhaps, you can treat your bathroom like a nighttime spa by gently pushing a warm, damp washcloth against your face. Let the cleanser be for a few seconds then wash it away lightly.
Eye Products
The contour area of your eyes is the most sensitive and delicate part of your face, which means you’ll need a healthful eye cream to moisturize and keep it secure.
Dr. Shi recommends using one, “especially for sensitive skin types, which are often drier and more prone to allergen entry, to begin with.” Dr. Shi also says that, contrary to popular belief, “Eye products should be applied before you put moisturizer on the rest of your face.” Swabbing eye treatments on those areas as the first step allows the substance to penetrate the skin more effectively. Using your ring finger, tap your cream all around the eye contours until the cream completely fades into your skin.
Moisturize
There is a pretty good reason why nighttime is the best time to apply a heavier moisturizer: According to Dr. Shi, the skin is the most vulnerable at night when the barrier function is the least effective. It doesn’t have the same defense mechanisms as we do during the day, so it needs extra protection.”
She suggests reading the labels and searching for soothing substances such as moisturizing natural oils and rice extract, in which the former can deal with problems that are exclusive to sensitive skin. For example, Burt’s Bees Sensitive Night Cream is a deeply hydrating formula that you should try. Its ingredients contain aloe and the anti-inflammatory sunflower oil.
Fresh Air
Dr. Shi points out that people who have delicate skin can undergo airborne contact dermatitis. This means that you can get an allergy or skin inflammation not from something that you directly applied, but from what’s in the air.
The solution to this problem is quite easy to do: Install an air filter in your bedroom to get rid of dust. Just try to follow her advice, and you can count on your skin health improving faster than you know it.