Sensitive skin is caused by a compromised skin barrier – a weak protective barrier means that heat, cold, wind and other environmental allergens will cause skin irritation.

Often a sensitive skin or rosacea can be linked to a gut imbalance or immune system disfunction, so it is important to address sensitivity both topically and internally.

My favourite naturopathic tips to address sensitive skin include:

Reduce inflammatory foods.

Make the effort to cut out dairy, gluten and sugar along with histamine-releasing foods (vinegar, soy, alcohol) which may be contributing to the redness. It might be tough at first but the benefit of clear skin will encourage you to keep it up! Keep a diet diary for a week to see if you can identify a pattern in your flare ups with foods that you are eating.

Identify environmental triggers.

Identify any environmental or other triggers that may be triggering your sensitivity. Is it air conditioning, cold wind or dust/mould? Are you reacting to any skincare products or washes you are using on your face (such as a foaming facial cleanser) or are you using very hot water to wash your face in the shower?

Take Flaxseed Oil.

This Omega rich oil is abundant in fatty acids which help to reduce inflammation and repair the skin barrier on the inside. It helps the skin to retain moisture which can help to calm and soothe irritated skin.

Supplement with Zinc + Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is critical for rebuilding connective tissue and strengthening skin capillaries. It is also instrumental in strengthening the immune system. Use a heaped teaspoon of our Native Collagen Powder for a boost of Vitamin C along with 1 tablespoon of Beauty Dew for zinc, silica and additional Vitamin C support.

Drink in Burdock Root.

This beautiful herb is in all herbalist’s skin soothing formulas. It is known for its “blood cleansing” and skin soothing properties. Find it in our No.4 Golden Glow tea along with calming Calendula and Licorice.

Check out Squalane.

Clinically proven to address skin sensitivity and redness, this olive-oil derived ingredient is ultra-nourishing and calming and best of all it won’t leave the skin feeling greasy. Find it in our & Exotic Seed of Youth Oil.

Use probiotics topically and internally.

Probiotics topically and internally are a wonderful way to restore the skin and gut barrier. A gut barrier which is compromised may allow undigested food particles to float through the gut wall causing an immune response, followed by inflammation that often manifests as skin redness. Supplementing with a probiotic contains L.paracasei has been shown clinically significant in reducing skin sensitivity. Using probiotics along a gut replenishing supplement, such as Gut Replenish, can help to improve the gut microbiome which has a flow on effect to healthy skin. Probiotics applied topically can also assist in restoring the skin barrier and PH. Use our Probiotic Radiance Serum after cleansing and toning to help to rebuild your skin barrier.

Try an oatmeal bath

Treat your skin and body to a nourishing oatmeal bath – oats have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe red and dry skin.