Tips That May Help Clear Up Your Sensitive Skin

Here are some tips that may help clear up your sensitive skin problems:

1. Don't be too harsh on your skin. 

        I learned this the hard way—in my desperate attempt to zap the oil, I constantly scrubbed my skin with strong, drying soap and harsh types of astringent. Little did I know, doing that just sent my oil glands into overdrive to make up for the moisture loss, eventually clogging my pores and resulting in even more blemishes. Instead of battling with your skin, be gentle with it. Sensitive skin needs special attention, so use only the mildest soap or liquid cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of moisture. And don't overdo it!

2. Know your type. 

        It's important to stick to beauty products formulated for your skin type, and be religious about your twice-a-day cleanse-tone-moisturize beauty routine. If you feel that your skin is too oily to moisturize, do it only at night. Though it's tempting to exfoliate and scrub your skin of impurities daily, do so only once a week—or you'll risk irritating your skin. Also, even if you're crazy tired from gimmick, don't ever sleep with your makeup on!

3. Daily use of SPF—not of the beach variety. 

        Sensitive skin is more prone to the evils of sun exposure (burning, blotchy skin, discoloration, wrinkles); conversely, excessive exposure to sun can also result in sensitive skin. So as early as now, make sunscreen a daily habit. We don't mean the same goopy product you slather on at the beach—these days, there are super light formulations made especially for the face and for daily wear (use at least SPF 30).

4. Check the label. 

     "Sensitive" girls have to be pickier about their products, so watch out for keywords like "non-toxic," "hypoallergenic," "fragrance-free" and "paraben-free." Also, though "anti-bacterial" products may sound good for your skin, the high alcohol content will just irritate and dry it out. Be cautious of products with retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids; they'll just aggravate your already flushed skin.

5. Leave it alone. 

        As tempting as it is to squeeze out the pus from that pimple, leave it alone and let your zits dry out naturally. Usually, it only takes a few days. Popping your pimples may lead to scarring, which will last longer on your face. The force you exert can also drive the pimple deeper, and lead to even more zits. The best thing to do is apply a good on-the-spot treatment like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (but only on the affected area!).

6. Watch out for pimple triggers. 

        Observe where your zits appear most often, and try to trace the cause. If they're always on your chin, you might be allergic to your toothpaste (switch to a non-flouride version). Notice a pimple patch where you apply your blush? Make sure you clean your brushes, switch makeup brands, or go bare-faced and let your skin breathe for a while. If they're mostly on your forehead or back, it might be your shampoo—make sure you rinse well so there's no residue left on your skin. And stop the habit of touching or resting your face on your dirty hands!

7. Visit a reputable derma. 

        If all else fails and your skin problem is waaaay out of hand (perpetually inflamed skin, never-ending zits, zero confidence), it's best to get professional help. Ask around and go for a dermatologist who is highly recommended and has done wonders for someone you know. Know that it won't be an instant cure—you have to stick to the program and be diligent about using the recommended products before you see any results.

8. Live a healthy lifestyle. 

        Engaging in exercise or physical activity is great for blood circulation, and eating a nutritious, balanced diet is crucial for healthy, glowing skin. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to flush the toxins from your system, and be sure to get your eight hours of beauty sleep—though you may think sleep is overrated, that's when your skin repairs itself!