Products to suit sensitive skin

Are you feeling delicate? It's okay, we all do from time to time. Take care of sensitive skin with these gentle products.

There are a number of reasons why we can experience sensitive skin. Conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis and rosacea can mean that skin is easily irritated. Dry skin often feels tight or sore, and excessive exposure to environmental factors like sun, wind and heat can also leave skin feeling unhappy. 

Sensitive skin typically reacts to irritants by flushing, stinging or burning. As everyone’s skin is different, it’s impossible to guarantee that a particular product won’t cause irritation but customers with sensitive skin can infact use a lot of products in the Lush range, as they are freshly made and don’t use many of the synthetic ingredients which are considered common allergens.

Fortunately, there are lots of natural ingredients which have anti-inflammatory properties. These products, specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind, can help to soothe irritation and relieve itching, leaving skin soft and comfortable. 

If you’re struggling to find the perfect products to soothe your skin, here’s a guide to the most calming ingredients and where to find them…

Aloe vera soothes and softens

Aloe vera is a desert plant which is prized for its healing qualities. The fleshy leaves contain a clear gel, which is used to soothe and cool irritated or unhappy skin.

Aloe vera gel and extract can be found in Skin Drink facial moisturiser, which also contains avocado, sesame oil and rose petal infusion to calm and protect the skin. For an intensive treatment, Aqua Marina cleanser contains a blend of soothing aloe, seaweed, calamine powder and Irish moss gel, all well-known for their calming properties. Cosmetic Lad facial moisturiser has been specially formulated for men who shave (but can be used by anyone). It contains aloe to soothe skin and lavender honey water to heal and hydrate.

Chamomile calms and relaxes

Chamomile, another natural anti-inflammatory, helps to calm the skin and speed up the healing process. You’ll find chamomile blue oil, oat milk and rose water in Dream Cream body lotion, which can be used by those with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. If your hands are sore, Helping Hands hand cream is made with soothing chamomile water, fair trade shea butter and honey to help soften and soothe hardworking hands.

Oats nourish and cool

Oats have been used to cool and calm the skin for thousands of years. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help to relieve itching and calm allergic reactions. When infused in water, oats produce oat milk, which is also used in many Lush products.

If you're looking for the perfect night's sleep,  Sleepy Shower Gel blends calming lavender oil and tonka absolute with a decadent oat milk base for a peaceful lather you'll want to snuggle up with. So that's the shower sorted, but what about if you fancy a soak and a pamper? Ceridwen’s Cauldron bath melt works wonders on unsettled skin and turns your bath water into a softening, milky lagoon. 

Honey hydrates and protects

Honey is a natural antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal. It is also a humectant which means it attracts and retains moisture in the skin, therefore making it a gentle but effective moisturiser. 

Ultrabland cleanser is the perfect choice for easily irritated skin - this ultra-gentle blend of almond oil, rose water, beeswax and honey can be removed with a damp cloth after massaging into the skin. Honey I Washed The Kids soap is gentle enough even for young skin, thanks to a blend of soothing honey and aloe vera.

Cocoa butter deeply moisturises and conditions

Cocoa butter melts at body temperature, making it easy to massage in, leaving skin supple, smooth and moisturised. Sympathy For The Skin body lotion contains a light blend of Fair Trade organic cocoa butter, bananas and almond oil soften and vanilla pod infusion to soothe. It also contains sandalwood, which is anti-inflammatory and cooling, so it’s good for those who may be eczema-prone. Celestial facial moisturiser was formulated especially to help soothe and calm. It contains Fair Trade organic cocoa butter, fresh dove orchid extract, almond oil and almond milk to keep skin moisturised and protected.

To get the best results from all of these products, remember to treat your skin gently: avoid scrubbing, use lukewarm water rather than very hot or very cold, and protect your skin from the sun.

Words by Ceri Roberts