Do you have broken capillaries or suffer from skin inflammation? Does your skin react to what seems like anything and everything or are you simply easily flushed whether it be from the likes over over-exertion or embarrassment?

If you’ve answered yes to any or all of the above, we feel you, and so do millions of others!

Unfortunately, any number of things can contribute to skin sensitivity some of which are out of our control – genetics, the environment, the weather, our hormones, the water – but by following these 10 simple lifestyle tips we promise they can make a huge difference to not only your complexion but your confidence too!

1. Choose wisely

Be diligent about the skincare you use. Opt for products specifically targeted to sensitive and rosacea prone skin and stick with them (changing up your products continually in the quest for the perfect product can aggravate your skin and mess with its natural pH balance too!)

We also recommend using products formulated with pharmaceutical quality, pure ingredients farmed from the ocean and are in love with Phytomer’s Accept Desensitizing Mask.

2. Be gentle with your skin

When applying skin products, be gentle. Say no to exfoliators especially ones formulated with granules. This will make facial redness worse and make sure you use a gentle moisturiser every single day, morning and night! Moisturising helps to lock in water and prevents sensitive skin from drying out.

3. Say no to hot water

Avoid extreme temperatures! Especially when taking a bath or shower. Hot water will not only cause your skin to feel flushed (and potentially aggravated!) but will also strip your skin of its healthy oils and increase blood circulation (which can be the source of facial redness!) Instead wash your face with lukewarm water every time.

4. Exercise can actually help decrease facial redness

Sure sure I hear you say! But trust us. Whilst exercise might seem counter-intuitive if you are trying to combat facial redness, it is essential for stress (another key trigger) management and your well-being. Just alter your exercise regime. Try short blasts of high-intensity workouts and exercise in cool, air-conditioned environments while keeping hydrated.

5. Don’t overexpose yourself to the sun

This can damage your already sensitive skin by making it more prone to flare-ups. Also keep reactions at bay by opting for a fragrance-free, natural sunscreen. Best to wear a hat too!

6. Red wine can be the enemy (eek)

If you’re like me you’ll love a glass of wine in the evenings, but try to steer clear of red. Why red you say? Red wine promotes the opening of blood vessels in the skin and is a histamine releaser which causes redness and flushing, it also deprives the skin of vital vitamins.

7. Hydration is key

Drink plenty of water (we know Julian…!) But on a serious note water not only rehydrates you but also flushes away toxins and replenishes skin tissue. Drinking enough water can fight off skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and all common skin sensitivities.

8. We are what we eat

Steer clear of dairy products and spicy foods and ensure you eat lots of green leafy vegetables and foods rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. Foods rich with Vitamin C and E are beneficial for the skin as they not only serve as excellent antioxidants they also promote a healthy immune system. Think broccoli, kale, spinach, avocados, fish, nuts, seeds, blueberries, strawberries…the list goes on.

9. Always remove makeup before going to bed

Sleeping with a face full of makeup can and will result in skin irritability and breakouts. Makeup not only traps dead skin cells it also blocks our pores and when pores are blocked the skin can’t breathe and therefore regenerate!

10. Sleep more, stress less

Of course, this is easier said than done! Especially if you have children, work long hours or generally have a lot going on in your life. But…if it’s possible to put your head down even half an hour earlier at night it’ll make all the difference and allow your skin to repair and regenerate and your brain to recharge!