Whether it’s redness, breakouts, flaking, or just that tight, itchy feeling, you know the signs when your skin is having a full-blown meltdown. But don’t worry, there are a few easy things you can do to help calm the chaos.
Here are 5 steps to soothe stressed-out skin (and avoid making it worse)...
1. Pause the Actives
If your skin is stinging, peeling, or unusually red, now is not the time for exfoliants, retinol, or even vitamin C. These ingredients are powerful, but during a flare-up, they can make things worse. Instead, focus on calming and hydrating ingredients like oat kernel extract until your skin resets.
2. Simplify Your Routine
More products does not mean better results. When your skin is irritated, less is more. Stick to a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and SPF during the day. Think of it as a skin detox. Let your barrier breathe.
3. Look For Barrier-Boosting Ingredients
If your skin is suddenly sensitive, your moisture barrier might be compromised. Ingredients like jojoba seed oil, algae extract, and peptides can help rebuild it. These create a protective shield while locking in hydration.
4. Keep It Cool, Literally
Hot water, steamy showers, and spicy foods can all aggravate sensitive skin. Cool everything down to reduce redness and calm inflammation. Bonus tip: Store your moisturizer in the fridge for an instant cooling effect.
5. Check Your Lifestyle
Flare-ups aren’t always caused by products. Lack of sleep, high stress, hormones, or even changes in weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Hydrate, rest, and be gentle with yourself… your skin is listening!
When your skin’s in crisis mode, your top job is to nurture it, not fight it. With a few thoughtful adjustments like these ones, you’ll be back to glowing in no time!
