With the abundance of skin care products you can find in the aisles of your local drugstore these days, it’s easy to fall for the belief that skin care needs to be complicated. Whether you have dry skin, acne, rosacea or another skin issue, chances are good that you can find a 3-step skincare program that promises to solve your issue and deliver healthy, beautiful skin.
The problem, though, is that many of these skin care systems (as well as individual skin products in general!) actually do much more harm than good. Most of the mainstream products on the market contain harsh and toxic ingredients. Also, it’s not uncommon for different ingredients to react poorly to one another and cause skin damage!
The “Sensitive Skin” Myth
According to skin care experts, more people claim to have sensitive skin than is truly accurate. Why would this be?
Harsh products and treatments are to blame. Many people find that when they eliminate certain ingredients and cut back on treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, their skin bounces back and starts to repair itself.
Simplify your skin care routine by limiting irritating processes and ingredients such as:
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabraison
- Exfoliation (1-2 times per week is plenty!)
- Artificial fragrances
- Alcohol
- Beta-hydroxy acids
- Parabens
- Sulfates
Keeping Skin Care Simple
Simplifying your skin care routine might be in order if you struggle with sensitive skin. The good news is, it’s not difficult!
Cleanse with a fragrance-free, mild cleanser. Soap free facial bars are one option – many people find good results using the oil-cleansing method as well.
Make healthy lifestyle choices – avoid smoking, drink plenty of water, and eat a balanced, whole-food-rich diet.
Protect and hydrate your skin with a natural, all in one skincare product. Look for nutrient-rich botanical oils such as coconut oil, lavender, and apricot kernel.
Choosing a natural moisturizer that addresses a range of issues is ideal, because it takes the guesswork out of your routine – one product that protects your skin from environmental damage while nourishing and hydrating is all you really need to have healthy, beautiful skin.
