5 natural home remedies for sensitive skin

If chemical cosmetics are ruining your sensitive skin, here are a few home remedies you could try.

By: Kriti Saraswat | | Updated: March 19, 2015 10:33 am

Women who have sensitive skin are often worried about irritation caused due to the use of strong cosmetics or products which have too many chemicals in them. This makes it very difficult for them to take care of their skin and they may resort to natural products instead. Even though home remedies are safer than other chemical-based cosmetics, using harsh ones can lead to potential irritation. We have a list of home-made face packs which are safe to use on sensitive skin. But first, one needs to know if they really have sensitive skin.

Many people often think they have sensitive skin if they see redness or dryness. This cannot completely be a judge of terming your skin sensitive. It is always best to consult a dermatologist to assess if you really have sensitive skin or if it is just dry and dehydrated. A few common indicators could be:

Extremely dry skin which does not protect the nerve endings
Regular skin reactions leading to rashes, breakouts, etc.
Skin itching and redness after using certain products

Once you ve analysed that you indeed have sensitive skin, you can make packs using home remedies that are mild in nature and will not cause a skin reaction. Dr Anju Methil, a Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Founder of Skin & Shape clinic, recommends a few such natural ingredients.

Aloe vera gel

This is one of the best natural ingredients for sensitive skin. The gel has soothing properties along with vitamin E which can help heal skin redness and itchiness.

Steps:

Cut open the leaf of an aloe plant.
Squeeze out the gel from within.
Now apply the gel on the affected area or simply on your face and neck.
Leave it to dry overnight and wash off with plain water in the morning.
You may experience mild itchiness after applying the gel which is normal. Learn more ways to use aloe vera gel for your beauty.

Honey

Honey is not just soothing, it has antibacterial properties as well which help keep sensitive skin moisturised without causing any irritation. Applying honey on your skin can give you an instant glow as well.

Steps:

Take 2 tbsp of honey in a bowl.
Add 2 tsp of cinnamon powder to it and mix well.
Apply it on your face and neck and leave it on for 15 minutes.
Wash off with water to get smooth and supple skin. Here are some more face packs using honey.

Overripe banana

An overripe banana may not be of much use for eating but you can certainly make a moisturising face pack with it. It helps remove dead skin cells and also seals in the moisture so your skin does not feel dry and itchy.

Steps:

Mash an overripe banana in a bowl.
Add 1 tsp of honey and 2 tsp of curd to it.
Mix well and apply all over your face and neck.
Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash off and pat dry your skin. Try these 5 banana face packs too.

Turmeric or haldi

Turmeric powder has antiseptic properties which prevent common skin problems such as breakouts, rashes. The presence of a compound called curcumin helps give your skin an inner glow. You could try kasturimanjal to make turmeric face packs.

Steps:

Take 1 tbsp of turmeric powder.
Add a few drops of honey and 2 tbsp of raw milk to it.
Mix well and spread it on your face and neck.
Let it dry and then wash off with plain water.

Green tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants which help keep your skin rejuvenated and youthful. Since it has negligible caffeine, it does not dry out the skin and helps soothe it. You can even store green tea bags in the fridge and use them later once they are completely chilled.

Steps:

Boil water and add green tea leaves.
Once you strain out the liquid, let it cool.
Now add 2 drops of honey to it and then dab it on your face with a cotton ball.
Let it stay for 10 minutes and then wash off with water. Try some more green tea packs.

You can apply all these face packs twice a week and post washing them off, use a moisturiser with SPF to protect your skin. Avoid adding anything too strong or of acidic nature when you have sensitive skin especially lemon, vinegar. You can also follow these expert tips to manage sensitive skin.

Image source: Getty Images

Published : December 17, 2014 4:28 pm | Updated:March 19, 2015 10:33 am

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