If you've ever felt like your skin has a mind of its own, you're not alone. Sensitive skin can be tricky; one minute, you're glowing, the next, you're blotchy, itchy, or dealing with a flare-up that seems to come out of nowhere. But here's the thing: sensitive skin isn't actually a medical diagnosis. It's more of a catch-all term for skin that's easily irritated or reactive.

So, how do you know if your skin falls into the "sensitive" camp? Let's start there.

Signs You Might Have Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin doesn't always look the same on everyone. For some, it shows up as redness that flares after a hot shower or a day in the wind. For others, it's that uncomfortable stinging or burning sensation when you try a product that was meant to be "gentle" but instead was full of ingredients with too much bite. You might notice:

• Dry patches or flakiness: skin that feels tight no matter how much cream you apply.
• Little bumps or breakouts: even if you're not acne-prone, your skin reacts when it's not happy.
• Overreaction to products: what works for your best friend leaves you sore and irritated.

If any of this sounds familiar, chances are your skin falls into the sensitive category.

Another thing to keep in mind is that sensitive skin isn't always permanent; it can change depending on what's happening in your life and environment. Your skin might be perfectly happy for months, and then suddenly flare up after a stressful week, a change in weather, or even after trying a new food or skincare product. That's why it's so important to pay attention to the little signals your skin gives you. Think of it like a conversation: redness, tightness, or irritation are all ways your skin is telling you it needs a bit of extra care, so you can adjust your routine before things get uncomfortable.

What Triggers Sensitive Skin?

Once you start paying attention, you'll often notice a pattern. Some of the biggest culprits include:

• Harsh ingredients like synthetic fragrance, alcohol, or strong artificial exfoliants or natural abrasive exfoliants.
• Environmental factors such as sun, wind, or extreme temperatures.
• Stress and a lack of sleep can also tip your skin over the edge.
• Lifestyle or diet changes that show up on your skin before anywhere else. The usual suspects are present here, such as an increase in refined sugar or alcohol intake. For some, dairy can lead to congestion or irritation; for others, it may be due to excessive caffeine or insufficient hydration.

The key is learning to spot these triggers so you can work around them and give your skin the TLC it needs.

Caring for Sensitive Skin

The golden rule? Keep it simple. Sensitive skin thrives when you strip things back and focus on gentle, nourishing care. That means:

• Choosing products with cleaner ingredients and natural soothing agents, such as Certified Organic Chamomile, Gotu Kola or Calendula.
• Keeping your skin barrier strong by avoiding harsh cleansers and over-exfoliating (once a week may be enough for you).
• Making hydration a daily non-negotiable - both from moisturisers that lock in moisture and drinking enough water.
• Always patch-test before committing to a new product. (Did you know you can try any of our organic Skin Goal Sets for 40 days, and if they don't work for you, you can return them and get a full refund?)
• Most importantly, listen to your skin. If something stings, burns, or doesn't feel right, it's not the product for you. LOVE IT? Keep it. Don't? Leave it.

Are Essential Oils Essential?

You might be wondering about essential oils - we hear from people all the time who worry that these can be too strong for sensitive skin. The good news is that we carefully and thoughtfully formulate our products, ensuring the essential oils we use are gentle and balanced. Plus, we always combine them with soothing botanicals and carrier oils like Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel or Jojoba Seed Oil, which help calm and nourish the skin. This means even sensitive skin can enjoy the natural benefits of Certified Organic Lavender or Rose Oil without fear of a flare-up.

If you are concerned about essential oils, consider trying one of our gentler moisturisers, such as Moisture Replenish, and avoid heavily fragranced moisturisers that contain retinoids (natural or synthetic). We use Certified Organic Avocado Oil, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E and vegan Squalane (derived from Olives) to nourish sensitive skin deeply yet gently.

See Ya Sensitive Skin!

So, how do you actually care for sensitive skin day to day? The key is gentle, consistent care. Stick to simple routines with products that soothe rather than irritate, and avoid over-cleansing or harsh exfoliants. Think of your skin barrier like a little shield: protect it, nourish it, and let it do its job. And don't forget the small but effective touches, like using lukewarm water instead of hot showers, wearing mineral sunscreen, and giving your skin time to adjust to any new products.

Meet Our Organic Calm Set

Because we understand the frustration that sensitive skin can cause, we've created something unique for you: the new Organic Calm Set. Filled with Certified Organic, calming ingredients like Certified Organic Aloe Vera and Chamomile, this set hydrates, nourishes, and soothes without irritation. It takes the stress out of choosing products by giving you a ready-made routine that's gentle, effective, and kind to your skin barrier.

At the end of the day, sensitive skin doesn't need complications; like us, it just wants a little care and a whole lot of calm.