The Best Foods For Sensitive Skin
by Vanessa
(Canada)
These days there are so many different skin care brands, it can be hard to know which line to choose, which one won't cause your sensitive skin to flare up, and which one will actually deliver results.
It can be a daunting process full of reading labels, price checking, and experimenting but it doesn't have to be as hard as we make it out to be.
Personally, when I am looking for a sensitive skin treatment I try to avoid the chemical-laden, store-bought products and instead open up my fridge and see what ingredients I can use on my face.
If you think that sounds a little crazy you're not alone. However, using natural ingredients straight from Mother Nature is a healthy alternative that is not only gentle on sensitive skin but costs far less!
Curious to know which ingredients you can use on your sensitive skin? Read on.
Why Go Natural?
Simply put, if you can't pronounce the ingredients listed on your skin care products you shouldn't be using them on your face.
Since our skin is our biggest organ we need to take care of it as best as we can, and that means nourishing it with wholesome ingredients.
If you can avoid using synthetic chemicals, you should notice your skin emitting a radiant, healthy glow and feeling less irritated.
So which foods should you be focusing on?
Oil
Okay so it's not really a 'food' but it is a natural ingredient that can help to ease the burden of sensitive skin, as well as cleanse away dirt and bacteria.
I know you are probably thinking: “Wait, what? Cleanse my skin?”
But it is true. In fact, oil helps to dissolve and cleanse away any oil that can get build up and get caught on our skin. Think back to Science class in High School where you learned that 'like dissolves like', well apply that theory to the Oil Cleansing Method and you have yourself a natural face cleanser that is easy on your skin but tough on dirt and bacteria.
All you need to round up is:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (you can also use Almond Oil or Grapeseed Oil)
- Pure Castor Oil
From there the process is pretty straightforward:
Mix together 1 part pure Castor Oil to 3 parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil.Rub your mixture into your skin, covering your entire face.Continue to massage the oils into your skin for a few minutes.Place a steaming hot facecloth over your face and let it sit there for about 3 – 5 minutes.The steam will help to draw out the dirt, bacteria, and impurities that can get caught in our pores.
Once the facecloth has cooled down, wipe the oil off your face.And that's it! That's all you have to do to properly, and effectively, cleanse your sensitive skin. Who knew oil could be so...well...clean!
Strawberries
If you have a sweet tooth, this natural skin treatment may be perfect for you!
When you have sensitive skin the last thing you want is an acne breakout.
I mean, in case your skin couldn't feel more agitated now your pores have to become clogged and cause acne?
It just doesn't seem fair.
If you want to battle those blemishes but still be gentle with your skin, open up your fridge and grab:
- a handful of Strawberries
- 1 Egg (separate the yolk and throw it out)
- 2 teaspoons of Honey
From there the process is simple:
- Wash, cut, and mash up your Strawberries until you create a mushy paste.
- Beat your Egg White and pour into your strawberry mixture.
- Mix in your Honey.
- Stir your ingredients together until well combined.
- Spread your mixture evenly all over your face
allow it to sink and soak in for about 10 minutes before washing off.
- Pat dry.
Alternatively, if you want to spot-treat a few stubborn pimples simply grab a strawberry, cut it in half and apply it directly to your blemish. Hold it there for a few minutes and then rinse off.
The natural Salicylic Acid content found in strawberries helps to gradually zap acne sores but is still easy enough on sensitive skin that it won't cause any irritation or flare ups.
And if that's not a good enough reason to use strawberries, the taste is...not that I taste-test my acne treatments...much.
Avocados
These powerhouse fruits pack a serious antioxidant punch that not only help to ward off free-radicals but also nourish and hydrate your skin, naturally.
And not only are they chocked full of Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, but the healthy fats found within the fruit help to lubricate, protect, and ease any irritation and sensitive skin flare ups you may be experiencing.
So how can you use it in your everyday skincare routine? Simple, you make a moisturizer out of it!
All you need is:
- half of a ripe Avocado
- 1 tablespoon of Honey
Once you have your ingredients, simply:
- Mash up your Avocado until you have a creamy consistency.
- Add in your Honey.
- Stir until your mixture until it can be easily spread onto your face.
- Apply your moisturizer evenly all over your face.
- Allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Pat dry.
Not only is it simple to make but it will keep for around 5 days in the fridge and is an inexpensive alternative to in-store solutions.
In addition to that, the Honey has both antibacterial and humectant properties meaning that it will gently cleanse away any bacteria and further hydrate your skin, helping to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and soothed.
So if you are tired of trying different products only to have your skin feel irritated, head into your kitchen and see what skincare remedies you can create. After all, half the fun is playing with your food!
AUTHOR BIO:
Vanessa is the chief blogger for BesSkincare.com where she blogs and vlogs about all things skincare including reviews on products, such as
Elite Serum, as well as handy DIY tips and tricks that help her readers to look and feel their very best!