Sensitive Skin: 7 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Sensitive skin doesn't have to be a mystery!

Hi! I'm Nika Xavier, and as a mother of two girls, I know how hard it is to find time to take care of ourselves. But believe me, the journey to healthy, radiant skin is worth it!

Like you, I've also struggled with allergies and sensitive skin since I was a teenager. I've tried everything from home remedies to expensive products, but nothing seemed to work. My skin was always irritated, red and itchy.

That's when I decided to study the subject thoroughly and discovered that most of the products I used contained ingredients that irritated sensitive skin.

With this article, I want to share with you what I've learned over the years and how I finally managed to control my skin's sensitivity. You'll discover the main mistakes we make when caring for sensitive skin and how to correct them to have healthy, radiant skin.

1. Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin

Many people don't realize that conventional products with aggressive fragrances or preservatives can worsen irritation in sensitive skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, products with alcohol and sulfates are the biggest villains.

Tip: Look for products specifically for sensitive skin, with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile.

2. Over-Washing Your Face

Excessive face washing can remove the skin's natural protective barrier, leaving it more susceptible to dryness and inflammation. Studies show that washing your face more than twice a day increases the risk of irritation by up to 35%.

Solution: Use a mild soap, suitable for your skin type, wash only with water in the morning, dry and apply sunscreen, and wash your face only at night with soap and moisturize with a facial moisturizer for your skin type.

3. Ignoring Sunscreen

Sun exposure without protection can cause blemishes, premature aging and worsen allergies. A survey by the Skin Cancer Foundation indicates that 80% of UV rays pass through even on cloudy days.

Tip: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably without fragrances or oils.

4. Overdoing Exfoliation

Although exfoliation helps remove dead cells, excess can cause microlesions and redness, especially in sensitive skin. The Cleveland Clinic recommends limiting the practice to once a week with mild products.

Solution: Bet on natural or chemical exfoliants recommended by dermatologists.

5. Not Testing New Products Before Use

According to data from the Mayo Clinic, about 10% of allergic reactions are caused by cosmetic products tested directly on the skin without prior evaluation.

Tip: Do a contact test on your forearm before using new products. Wait 24 hours to observe possible reactions.

6. Neglecting Moisturizing

Many people with sensitive skin avoid moisturizers for fear of reactions, but this can worsen dryness and peeling. Proper hydration is essential to maintain the skin's protective barrier.

Solution: Choose moisturizers with simple formulas, containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.

Conclusão (inglês)

Caring for sensitive skin is an ongoing process that requires attention and conscious choices. Avoiding these mistakes and adopting appropriate practices can reduce irritation by up to 50%, according to dermatologists. With correct information, it is possible to achieve balanced, healthy skin.