What irritates sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can worsen due to various environmental factors, such as irritants or allergens in the air and itch-aggravating heat, and can sometimes be an effect of an allergic reaction to food.1 In skin care, cosmetics and cleaning products, one of the biggest things that can irritate sensitive skin is artificial fragrance. For kids, artificially perfumed bubble bath and shampoo can be one of the biggest culprits for upsetting sensitive skin and causing irritation, while for adults, discomfort can be brought on by synthetically scented perfumes, body lotions and cleaning products.1 Many natural products are beautifully scented with organic extracts and natural ingredients, but for the most temperamental skin I would recommend using products with little to no fragrance to minimise any chance of irritation. Even home cleaning products can come into contact with skin, so it's best to opt for the most pure formulations to keep your skin from drying out or risk becoming inflamed.
Best products for sensitive skin
Pai Sea Aster & Wild Oat Redness Serum
If the delicate skin on your face is your problem area, I recommend the Pai Sea Aster & Wild Oat Redness Serum. This calming serum was developed specifically for people with hyper-sensitive skin and may help to keep redness associated with Rosacea at bay. Sea Aster and Wild Oats may help to calm redness on the surface of the skin to make them less reactive, while natural Hyaluronic Acid helps skin retain moisture and stay plump, smooth and toned.
Juniper Calming Face & Body Wash
I also love the Juniper Calming Face & Body Wash as it's gentle enough for all skin types, even babies! Non-allergenic, gentle and pH balancing, it's a great multitasker to have in the shower as it can be used as a facial cleanser, body wash and even as a shower moisturiser. Creamy and nourishing, this revitalising formula contains soothing Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, and may help to reduce the effects of inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, mild forms of eczema and dermatitis, and other itchy dry skin conditions.
Weleda White Mallow
The entire Weleda White Mallow range is great for sensitive skin, all with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, but my pick is the White Mallow Face Cream, which can be used by the whole family. With calming Coconut, Sweet Almond and Sunflower Oils as well as soothing White Mallow Root Extract, this fragrance free moisturiser has been specially developed and dermatologically tested and may help to calm irritated skin, relieve mild forms of eczema and soothe dry, hypersensitive skin. White Mallow is known for its natural medicinal properties providing soothing, nourishing protection.
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Cream
Another amazing and much-loved product for sensitive skin is the Egyptian Magic All Purpose Cream. This all purpose cream may do everything from moisturising the face to hydrating dry skin on the body, soothing nappy rash and mild forms of eczema. With just 6 natural ingredients including Olive Oil, Beeswax, Bee Propolis, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Honey, this dermatologist-recommended cream can be used all over the body to soothe and rejuvenate the skin.
Lavera Basis Sensitive Moisturising Body Lotion
The Lavera Basis Sensitive Moisturising Body Lotion makes a nourishing body cream for very sensitive skin. Dermatologically approved and beautifully hydrating, this silky, non-greasy formula contains moisturising Aloe Vera, Almond Oil, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil may help to restore and replenish dry, dull skin and bring it back to life. A vegan formula, this skin quenching and fast absorbing lotion is perfect for those who don't like the feel of heavy moisturisers.
Lariese Evolve Personal Organic Lubricant Fragrance Free
For women with sensitive skin, there's a lot more to consider than just the face and body. If you require a lubricant for condoms of any kind, menstrual cups or pelvic training balls, Lariese Evolve Personal Organic Lubricant Fragrance Free is perfect. It's completely toxin free and is certified organic, and it's been formulated to match the slightly acidic pH level of intimate internal skin so it keeps the body balanced.
Dr Bronner's Organic Pump Soap Baby Unscented Mild
If your child suffers from skin conditions or sensitive skin, I'd suggest trying Dr Bronner's Organic Pump Soap Baby Unscented Mild to replace your hand wash. This pump soap is fragrance free so it won't worsen any sensitivities, and it can be used on the hands, hair, face and body of the whole family so it's another fabulous multitasker and money-saver.
Home cleaning products for sensitive skin
Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap Baby Unscented Mild
The Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap Baby Unscented Mild is one of those products that really just does it all. Not only is it great for the body, you can also use it as a shampoo, dishwashing liquid, washing detergent, makeup brush cleaner and multipurpose cleaning spray. Fragrance free and gentle on skin, this liquid soap can be used in countless ways, the list goes on!
Abode Fabric Softener Zero Fragrance Free
The products you wash your clothing in can have a serious effect on sensitive skin, as artificial fragrance soaked clothing and bedding can transfer onto the skin causing even more irritation. The Abode Fabric Softener Zero Fragrance Free is great because, as its name suggests, it's completely fragrance free and is plant based, plus it works with both hot and cold wash cycles.
Ethique Flash! Solid Laundry Bar & Stain Remover
For more stubborn stains, I love the Ethique Flash! Solid Laundry Bar & Stain Remover. This solid bar is perfect for hand washing as you can target stains and spots and remove oil discolouration. Formulated to leave clothes clean and fresh, this multi-purpose laundry soap is scented with Lavender and Peppermint, and is gentle enough to be used as a hand soap.
Wooly Mates Dryer Balls
One of my all-time favourite laundry products is the Wooly Mates Dryer Balls, which are eco-friendly dryer balls that can help reduce tumble drying time and soften your clothes and bedding without having to use any fragrant products. Made from triple felted pure wool, these biodegradable dryer balls can also help to remove lint, dust and allergens from clothing.
Ecostore Dish Liquid Fragrance Free
The Ecostore Dish Liquid Fragrance Free is one of my favourite products for cleaning the dishes as it's recyclable, non-toxic and eco-friendly, and leaves your skin's natural moisture levels in tact so it won't cause irritation and dry out the skin as many mainstream washing liquids do. The pH-balanced formula care for those with allergies, and is designed to leave dishes sparking clean.
To find out more about how artificial fragrances can potentially affect your health, read my blog post here.
Source: 1Better Health.
