Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is becoming more and more common in today’s modern world. It is true to say that we are washing our skin more today that in our ancestors did, our homes are warmer, we have a constant supply of hot water and we are using more cosmetic products to cleanse and scrub our skin with. As we wash we strip our skin’s natural layer of oil, which defends the skin from drying out, our skin naturally replenishes itself regularly. The danger is that if we strip our skin from its natural moisture by over washing the skin or by using harsh cosmetic products, we can leave our skin dry, itchy and irritated.

It is vital to respect your skin by cleansing our skin and scalp with gentle washes, facial cleansers, shower gels and shampoos in order to prevent excessive moisture loss and avoid irritating the skin. Many harsh shower gels, shampoos and washes can contain perfumes, colourings, preservatives such as parabens and formaldehyde, which can irritate the skin making it sensitive and irritated. In order to protect your skin and save your skin from harsh chemicals it is important to avoid perfumes, colourings, soap, alcohol, phthalates, formaldehyde, lanolin, formaldehyde, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as these may dry and irritate sensitive skin. The elave skincare ranges are all free from these chemicals – click here for more information.

For more information on these chemicals, visit our chemicals page. Check out the Greenpeace Chemical Home Report which assesses the effects of these ingredients on our bodies and our health.