Sensitive skin is not a skin type in itself, but rather it is a condition that can present itself with oily skin, dry skin and combination skin. You may suffer from mild to severe sensitive skin which can affect certain parts of your skin or your whole body. If it does affect your facial area then you could be suffering from sensitive facial skin. To alleviate the discomfort and irritation that usually accompanies this condition, you should look for sensitive skin products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

During summer, any skin type can become dull because of excessive sebum production. When dealing with sensitive skin, this may mean more irritation. In order to keep this under control, anyone with sensitive skin should follow a cleansing routine that includes cleansers, toners and moisturizers specially designed for sensitive skin.

Sunscreen is extremely important during the summer. UV exposure can irritate sensitive skin and lead to flakiness, rashes, and cracked skin. This can be counterbalanced using a soothing gel after sun exposure.

A great option is the use of natural skin care products. Their mix of natural ingredients can offer soothing benefits for any skin type without producing rashes or irritation. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to read the labels as even natural ingredients could trigger sensitive skin reactions. Some common ingredients to look for are: chamomile, lavender, camphor, calamine, aloe vera, azulene and bisabolol.

Sensitive skin treatments can include masks that incorporate one or more of the previously mentioned ingredients. Just take care in not using a product, traditional or homemade, that contains alcohol. This ingredient will dry out your skin and make it more irritable than normal.

Herbal Remedies & Sensitive Skin

In some cases you may want to try using home remedies instead of traditional sensitive skin lotions. I'll say it again: even natural ingredients can lead to allergic reactions so before purchasing any product, whether it be natural or tradition, do a patch test on your skin.

You can use almond or jojoba oil to cleanse your face. These natural oils will help clear your skin and keep it moisturized at the same time. When toning you can use comfrey steeped in water.

Exfoliate naturally using a mix that includes grapefruit and oatmeal. The citric acid contained in the grapefruit juice will help you slough off dead skin cells. While, oatmeal can help soothe your skin.

You can even make a soothing skin mask by using fruits. Sensitive skin can be treated with a mask made of cucumber and yogurt. Licorice is also a soothing ingredient that can be found in some natural products.

Aloe vera gel is perhaps the most common ingredient in soothing skin care products. You can use it directly on your skin. Wash off with a warm, moist wash cloth.