By Nicole Fabian
Personally, I am not one of those blessed with the ability to skip washing my face because I'm "just too tired," or try out a cheap new wrinkle cream because it "I've heard good things." My skin is a creature of habit. And by habit I mean it's super sensitive.
For those of you unfortunate enough to have complexions as finicky as mine, fret not. We, too, can be clear-complected and redness-free (and still fight wrinkles!). There are just a few more rules we need to follow.
1. Test ItIt says it on the label. You know you should do it. But you're impatient.
It's okay, we all are.
Before lathering your skin with a new cream or foundation, do a small patch test and wait 48 hours to see if redness or blemishes occur. No, it's not as fun as ripping open a package and immediately using it, but it's a lot better than a blotchy, red face.
2. Read It
Key in protecting sensitive skin and preventing flare-ups is knowing your ingredients. Always look for hypoallergenic products containing Vitamin E or Pro-Vitamin B5 - both are particularly good for combating very dry skin. Aloe vera, camomile, coconut oil, and canola oil-based products are great for replenishing, softening, and soothing skin.
A moisturizer we've never had trouble with is Ahava's Dermud Facial Calming Moisturizer. It's hypoallergenic and paraben-free with a good dose of Vitamin E.
3. Cleanse ItTwice a day (at most!), that is.
We know it's tempting to wash skin more when it's, ahem, not behaving, but over-washing will only strip skin of natural oils, causing dryness and even blemishes.
Find a mild cleanser that's right for you (We've never heard of anyone having problems with Cetaphil) and gently wash (don't scrub) once or twice a day. Pat (don't rub) skin dry.
4. Clean Your Makeup BrushesSure, you may have found that perfect mineral makeup that doesn't irritate your skin, but that doesn't mean you don't have to clean your brushes!
Every two weeks or so, wash brushes with a mild soap or a baby shampoo. Squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry. Bacteria be gone!
5. Change Your PillowcasesYour mom may have told you this when you were in high school, but it's not without merit. Switch out pillow cases every few days to avoid laying your face where night cream residue and hair oil may reside.
No thanks!
--Also Popular on ThirdAge
Kathy Bates and Her Best Roles
Do I Have the Menopausal Blues?
Things to Consider Before You Move
