Are You Listening to What Your Skin is Telling You?

As the body’s largest organ, the skin tells a lot about what’s going on in your body. It can also give you telltale clues if it’s sad, happy, or requires extra care and attention. It is up to you to listen to what your skin is telling you and properly attend to what it needs. This will not only benefit your skin, but also save you money, time, and stress. 

Pay attention to these five things to understand what your skin might be saying to you. 

1. Skin feels tight/painful after cleansing

Washing or cleansing should never make your face dry, tight, or uncomfortable. If your skin feels like this almost after every cleansing, you probably have dry skin or are over washing your face. It could also be due to over-exfoliating or abusing harsh products and combining different active ingredients all at once.

Dry skin lacks oil or doesn’t produce enough sebum to keep the skin balanced and supple. It requires using hydrating formulas or those that contain fatty acids to replenish what your skin is lacking. Regardless of your skin type, however, it is never advisable to over wash and over-exfoliate, or use harsh products. Gentle is the way to go when taking better care of your skin. 

For further reading: Face Washing: Why Shouldn’t Aim for a Squeaky-Clean Face

2. Skin has lots of dark spots

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are patches of skin that are deeper in shade than your natural complexion. Factors such as sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations are usually the culprit, as they can send the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to go into overdrive, producing more melanin or turning existing dark spots darker. 

This makes it important to protect your skin from the sun properly. Make sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher, regardless of the weather. You can also benefit from using products with niacinamide or antioxidants or vitamin C, which are considered effective at lightening dark spots. 

3. Skin suddenly breaks out

Having an oily skin type can make you prone to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.  Noticing more blemishes than usual, however, could mean a few different things. Hormonal changes are a common culprit and can happen before or during your period or around perimenopause.

Cleansing and exfoliating can help loosen dead skin cells, reducing the risk of breakouts. Make sure not to skip moisturizer, preferably a lighter or water-based formula, as thick serums and colors can clog the pores. Using an over-the-counter acne medication like benzoyl peroxide can help manage mild to moderate acne, as well as blackheads and whiteheads. 

4. Skin stings or feels painful after applying certain products

A slight tingling sensation is fairly normal when applying certain products, such as chemical exfoliants. This tingling, however, shouldn’t be intense and persistent. If your skin feels painful and is accompanied by redness, it could be a sign of irritation or that you have sensitized your skin.

Discontinue the use of such products. You can also benefit from taking it easy or simplifying your skincare routine by cutting down on active ingredients. Focus on the basics such as cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. This can reduce the risk of irritation and sensitivity, as well as help your skin heal. 

5. Skin appears red and angry

Dirt, pollution, and other environmental aggressors can irritate the skin and compromise the skin barrier. This can lead to a dry, red, and angry-looking complexion. Skin redness can also be due to rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that causes persistent flushing or facial redness. 

Knowing and understanding what might be triggering redness or rosacea can help you manage the problems. Common triggers include UV exposure, temperature extremes, stress, alcohol, and strenuous exercise. You can also consult a skin or aesthetic doctor to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and concerns. 

Try Sanctuary by Cutis facials for healthy, glowing skin

Using the products right for your skin type and concern can go a long way in supporting your skin health and appearance. You can also elevate your skincare regimen with regular facials that offer clarifying, brightening, and anti-aging benefits. Some facial worth considering include:

• Hydra Anti-Aging Skin Rejuvenation – a form of hydra dermabrasion that leaves the skin clean, nourished, and polished. This combines exfoliation, soothing massage, and technologies like Perfectio+, Microcurrent BIO, and ultrasonic therapy. It helps fight fine lines, reduce puffiness, and tighten pores for a rejuvenated complexion that radiates youth and confidence.
• Premium Anti-Aging Facial with Exilis – combines a series of treatments that can address several aging concerns. It features Exilis Ultra 360, a US FDA-cleared non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency and ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen. It is ideal for areas where there are signs of skin laxity or firming needed.
• Imperium® Deep Cleanse & Lift – features the use of bipolar RF spheres, which generate heat that helps with skin lifting and tightening. It promotes new collagen growth and formation, which can improve signs of aging and give the skin a glowing appearance.

Contact us today

Always pay attention to the signs that your skin is giving you to properly attend to its needs and prevent skin issues from worsening. If you need help with managing your skin concerns or improving a dull and tired-looking complexion, reach out to us. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to book an appointment.