Do I have sensitive skin?
There is no specific definition of sensitive skin but if you suffer from dryness, redness, or your skin is easily irritated or experiences burning, stinging or bumps, particularly after using certain products on your skin, your skin may be sensitive.
If you find using new products on your skin is like playing roulette, some things just don’t go well on it, then you may have sensitive skin. It can easily be managed though! We go further into how to care for sensitive skin below.
What causes sensitive and reactive skin?
Sensitive skin could be caused by genetics, allergies, sun-damage, build-up of chemicals in the body and/or on the skin, and using harsh, dehydrating or too many products.
Genetically, those born with fair, and/or thin skin and who have blonde or red hair are more likely to experience sensitive skin. These skin types may also have a lower tolerance toward environmental factors like wind, sun, and changes in air temperature.
Sensitive skin often results from a weak barrier function and when a disordered skin microbiome is more easily disturbed or needs healing.
Skin may become sensitised and irritated from aggressive skincare products, too many skin care products, using scrubs or peels, using harsh and drying ingredients like alcohol and sulphates. The trend for skinimalism is sensitive skin’s best friend.
Do I have Reactive Skin?
Reactive skin is typically seen in response to allergies, autoimmune conditions, and skin disorders such as rosacea or eczema. Tolerance toward soaps, cosmetics, fragrance, perfume, acids, enzymes, and alcohols is low and anything could trigger an allergic reaction on the skin.
Reactive skin will become very hot and will redden easily. Reactive skin may not be dehydrated or dry like sensitive skin. Sometimes reactive skin doesn’t start as sensitive skin but may become sensitive over time.
Stay on top of Dry Skin
Very dry skin can be a cause of sensitive skin, so treating dry skin with super hydration and getting on top of itchiness, flaking, peeling and cracking can prevent skin from becoming sensitive.
Dry skin can happen anywhere on the body, it is common on hands, feet, arms and lower legs, but we also are seeing a large rise in people complaining about dry scalps as well.
Top Tips For Dealing with Sensitive & Reactive Skin Naturally
- Keep your face and body skincare routine very simple, the fewer products used, most likely the better to avoid reactions and over stimulating your skin. If you know your skin is reactive, avoid products with high concentrate actives (for example retinols & vitamin C) until your skin calms down and reintroduce them slowly and gradually. Learn more about the benefits of keeping a minimal skincare routine here and why we don’t need a 10 step routine.
- Avoid having hot showers and baths. Keep them short and of mild warmth.
- Do keep your skin hydrated! Always after having water in contact with your skin, apply a gentle moisturiser or non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) oil to your skin, such as almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba, or macadamia oil. Water can dry the skin out and while the skin is damp it is also the best time for it to absorb hydration and make the most of your moisturiser.
- Use a restorative and protective skin salve or balm on your skin to keep the skin barrier protected, lock in moisture and provide additional hydration. Apply to skin that is cracked, or peeling, and dry every day as needed.
- Keep your skin protected from any known irritants and keep it covered from harsh sun and wind when outdoors.
Chemicals to Avoid in Your Skincare
It is best to avoid harsh chemical ingredients as these can trigger reactions and sensitivities. Check ingredients lists for:
- Artificial fragrance - this can be very triggering for sensitive and reactive skin and they are made using synthetic ingredients.
- Sulphates - for example, sodium lauryl sulphate which strips the skin of its natural oils contributing to dry skin while also causing irritation and allergic reactions for some individuals. It is not recommended for anyone suffering from eczema, dermatitis and itchy skin.
- Petroleum oils - also called petroleum jelly, mineral oil, petrolatum. These ingredients are sourced from crude oil and don’t offer any nutrients that alternative and natural ingredients do. Read more about crude oil derivatives versus plant extracts in skincare here.
- Parabens - for example methylparaben and propylparaben. Parabens can mimic oestrogen and can act as potential hormone disruptors. They are used as preservatives in skincare. The formula may need them but our body doesn’t and there are plenty of safer alternatives for preservatives nowadays.
Our Favourite All-Body Wash For Sensitive, Dry & Blemish Prone Skin
SHOP ETTO Premedicated All-over Body Foam, 200g, $35
ETTO's Premedicated All Over Body Foam re-hydrates skin and gently cleanses without leaving your skin feeling tight or dried out. It is a high functioning plant-based, soap-free cleanser. With a rich, creamy coconut base, soothing plant glycerine and ETTO Tea Tree Oil, it is ideal as a gentle cleanser. It is specially formulated for dry, sensitive, eczema, dermatitis, and blemish prone skin.
It is free from artificial fragrance, colour, lanolin, sulphates, parabens, petroleum oils, and benzoyl peroxide.
The Premedicated All-Over Body Wash is made with high functioning, clinically researched and effective plant-based ingredients:
Australian Tea Tree Oil To Naturally Heal Acne & Eczema
Tea Tree soothes irritated skin and provides an antibacterial function to fight blemishes and protect eczema exposed skin. ETTO medicinal Tea Tree oil is grown on ETTO’s Australian farm where we steam distil the oil without chemicals for a truly pure and guaranteed unadulterated oil. Tea Tree is well researched and has proven antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Clinical research also demonstrates that Tea Tree is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide (BP) at fighting. the bacteria that causes acne, without the same harsh side effects that BP causes.
Coconut & Glycerine For Sensitive Skin
Coconut and plant glycerine protect the skin barrier health by providing hydration, and healing damaged skin so the skin is strong and healthy enough to fight irritants. Our coconut derived ingredient has a low allergy profile making it suitable for sensitive skin and is non irritating unlike sulphates which are often used in soap-free cleansers. Glycerine locks in moisture, protects against skin irritants, helps speed up the wound healing process and is well tolerated by eczema prone skin.
Jojoba Esters For Soft, Healthy Skin
Jojoba esters rich in fatty acids, gently soften skin and mimic the natural skin oils, while not clogging pores. They help to retain moisture and improve your skin barrier function.
Our Premedicated All Over Body Wash is Made Without Chemicals
Many popular skin cleansers labelled for sensitive, dry and eczema prone skin contain parabens and sulphates. Look out for methylparaben, propylparaben and sodium lauryl sulphate listed on the ingredients list of everyday “gentle” skin cleansers commonly found in pharmacies and supermarkets.
