Sensitive skin can be caused by excessive dryness, or a range of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. Skin can become sensitised from overuse of products or adverse reactions to products. When your skin is sensitive, it means the nerve endings in the top layer of your skin are irritated. Even though it’s not a medical diagnosis in itself, sensitive skin is usually the symptom of another condition, and can feel super uncomfortable.
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FAQ
Sensitive skin can range from mild to severe recurring symptoms. If you experience stinging, burning, itchiness or redness after touching or using certain skin care or household products, your skin could be mildly sensitive – and we bet it sometimes doesn’t feel so mild! To diagnose, what the experts are looking for is more serious reactions such as pustules, skin bumps or skin erosion, very dry skin, or a tendency toward blushing.
Sensitive skin can be caused by skin disorders or conditions such as eczema, rosacea, dermatitis or psoriasis. Other causes of sensitive skin are dry air, long, hot showers and baths, soap, itchy clothing, medication, and the already mentioned medical conditions.
Sensitive skin isn’t technically a condition; it’s more of a skin type or a symptom of another skin condition, like eczema. Genetics can play a role – so if people in your family have sensitive skin, you’re more likely to experience it too. Interestingly, your age, gender and race can also affect sensitive skin conditions.
The best skin care for sensitive skin happens in a two-step process: cleansing and moisturising. Most dermatologists recommend using soap-free cleansers and skincare products specially designed for sensitive skin. For cleansing, use a soap- and sulfate-free wash to ensure that it is non-irritating to the skin, and for moisturising, use a concentrated, non-greasy moisturiser that’s free from fragrances and petrochemicals. We have a range of clinically tested products available for sensitive skin conditions that are approved and recommended by dermatologists nationwide, so you can feel confident knowing you’re in good hands. See here for options.
Looking for a quick fix for sensitive skin? It’s a good idea to avoid products with strong fragrances, detergents, or soap. The best thing to do when using a new product is to test a small patch of skin first, possibly for a few hours, to make sure you’re not experiencing a reaction. Patience is a virtue, as they say! Other lifestyle changes you could consider include: avoiding triggers, try using a humidifier, establish a healthy sleep schedule and experiment with de-stress methods like meditation.
Most children with sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema, tend to grow out of it by the age of 5 or 6. If both parents have eczema, their children are 80% likely to also have eczema from early childhood.
Articles about Sensitive Skin
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04/01/2024
Amit Saha, Registered Pharmacist & Head of Technical & Innovation at Dermal Therapy provides his expert commentary on how to choose the right acne face wash / acne cleaner to manage your acne: Cleansing your face with an appropriate cleanser is a very important step in acne management, perhaps the most important one! A typical …
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Key Takeaways: Fungal infections affect millions of Australians every year. Whether it’s a stubborn patch of athlete’s foot from the gym or an itchy rash in a skin fold, dealing with fungus on skin can be both uncomfortable and persistent. But understanding how these organisms behave is the first step toward clearing them for good. …
10/02/2026
Key Takeaways: Up to 25% of Australians experience athlete’s foot at some point in life, often caused by hot, sweaty footwear and communal areas like pools. It’s a common skin condition that affects many of us, especially if we lead active lives. It’s caused by a group of fungi that love the warm, damp environment …
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People who have this condition have found these products to be helpful
Sensitive Skin Wash
For a mild yet effective body wash for sensitive skin, try Dermal Therapy Sensitive Skin Wash to cleanse and hydrate.
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Gentle and non-irritant
- Soap and SLS free
- Dermatologist recommended, clinically tested!
1.1L variant is exclusive to Chemist Warehouse.
Sensitive Skin Lotion
Intensive yet gentle, Dermal Therapy Sensitive Skin Lotion is designed to nourish sensitive skin.
- Increases hydration by 50%
- Paraben and fragrance free
- Dermatologist recommended, clinically tested
- Australian made & owned
- Winner of the Best in Beauty Awards for 2021, 2023 & 2024!
825ml variant is exclusive to Chemist Warehouse.
Lip Balm Sensitive
Discover our new ultra gentle, hypoallergenic lip balm. Perfect for tender, loving treatment of sensitive lips, Lip Balm Sensitive contains dual soothing actives to relieve stinging and prevent irritation.
- Extremely gentle, hypoallergenic
- Contains ingredients to reduce lip sensitivity
- No hidden allergens and free from parabens, SLS and artificial flavours
Real People Real Results
Scalp Relief Serum
Scalp Relief Serum
Crystal Deodorant
Cyrstal Deodorant
Crystal Deodorant
Anti-itch Soothing Cream
I have been very impressed with how effective and fast acting it is.
Kevin
Sensitive Skin Lotion
Anti-Ageing Hand Balm
I have been using the Anti-Ageing Hand Balm overnight and it is fabulous both for moisture and age spots.
Elizabeth
Sensitive Skin Lotion
This brand has exceeded my expectation when it comes to helping to soothe and calm, dry and irritable skin.
Caryl
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