Do you have sensitive or sensitised skin?

There is actually a difference between the two; you might think you have one, but you actually have the other.

Sensitive Skin: Skin Type

If you have sensitive skin, it’s likely that you’ve had it from birth – it’s your skin type.

Sensitive skin is characterised by:

💠 A thinner epidermis
💠 An impaired barrier function

This essentially means your skin has difficulty a) retaining water and b) keeping pathogens and aggressors out. So, sensitive skin is, by nature, reactive and can be dry. You might also present with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hay fever or allergies.

While you can’t completely repair the barrier, the good news is that clear and healthy skin is still possible when you select skincare suited to your type and are conscious of the products you apply.

Sensitised Skin: Skin Condition

If is a condition resulting from lifestyle, environmental factors, or skincare choices. It’s not something you’re born with, but a state that develops over time.

You might mistake it for sensitive skin, as the symptoms are similar:

💠 Redness
💠 Dryness
💠 Itchiness
💠 Bumps

These symptoms can be triggered by factors like a change in soap or laundry detergent, new medications, excessive sun exposure, or harsh skincare products. For example, many people developed sensitised skin on their hands because of the strong hand sanitiser during the COVID-19.

Sensitised skin conditions can be reversed and a healthy barrier function restored with lifestyle changes and using the right skincare products.
What can you do? Be kind to your skin

The approach to manage sensitive and sensitised skin is similar; overall be gentle with your skin.

Look for:

✅ Hydrating products
✅ Barrier-restoring ingredients
✅ Gentle exfoliants
✅ Calming components
✅ Hypoallergenic formulas
✅ Non-comedogenic formulas

Our range of 100% natural, products for body, face and home are nourishing, gentle, and effective for sensitive and sensitised skin.

Avoid:

🚫 Fragrances
🚫 Dyes/Colors
🚫 Alcohol
🚫 Parabens and Phthalates
🚫 Sulfates
🚫 Harsh exfoliants

For in-depth advice on maintaining skin health, we encourage you to download our skincare guide available on our website. If you haven’t yet accessed it or would like another copy, just email us – info@oliveandash.com.au – and we’ll be more than happy to send it to you!

If your sensitive skin isn’t showing improvement, you can see your doctor, pharmacist, or a natural health provider. They can provide valuable support and suggestions tailored to your unique skin needs.

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