When you're struggling with sensitive skin, there's little scarier than trying out a new skincare brand. Will it break me out in blemishes? What if it causes a red rash and irritation? Are the ingredients really as 'gentle' as they claim to be? Just the thought of diving into a new product can be terrifying.

Trust us, we've been there and know exactly how you're feeling!

That's why we're sharing our tips for selecting and introducing new products when you have sensitive skin.

Lauren's post-cancer sensitive skin

When Lauren was diagnosed with life-threatening leukaemia in 2012, her complexion was the least of her worries. But soon, the cancer treatment's impact on her skin started to cause her physical pain. It left everywhere unbearably sore and fragile with even supposedly 'natural' skincare ranges irritating it.

She was horrified to discover many of these products contained hidden ingredients that caused her delicate skin to shed even further.

Seeing her suffer so much pain and stress prompted Lauren's sister Sarah to step in, researching and developing her very own blends – using her own extensive skin health knowledge – to soothe and repair Lauren's reactive complexion.

These natural formulations – that now make up our award-winning range – truly transformed Lauren's skin and today it's happy and healthy. But, since she's still prone to sensitivity, Lauren has become the ultimate 'litmus' test for our By Sarah products. Any new ingredients or blends are extensively trialled on Lauren's own skin first to ensure they'll suit even the most sensitive types.

Understanding skincare ingredients

While terms like "gentle" and "natural" might sound reassuring, they can often be misleading due to the lack of stringent regulations governing their use. For instance, a product labelled as "natural" might still contain essential oils or fragrances that are known to trigger reactions, especially in sensitive skin types.

To truly protect and enhance your skin’s health, it’s crucial to go beyond marketing buzzwords and study the ingredients list—also known as the INCI list—yourself. This is where the real value lies in choosing products that are both safe and effective. At By Sarah, we’re committed to transparency and efficacy, which is why we clearly explain the purpose of each ingredient on our website product pages. Our formulations are meticulously crafted with proven ingredients that have been clinically tested for their skin benefits, ensuring that you won’t encounter any hidden surprises like fragrances or essential oils that could irritate your skin.

Our dedication to skin health means prioritising ingredients that are not just kind to sensitive skin, but also scientifically validated for their performance. Whether it's our antioxidant-rich plant oils or barrier-strengthening actives, every component in our skincare is chosen for its ability to support and improve your skin's health. By selecting clinically proven products with ingredients that are both effective and gentle, you can trust that your skincare routine is truly working for your skin, helping it stay healthy, resilient, and radiant.

Keep it simple

Side line 15-step routines and countless potent active ingredients – the more products you use, the more likely you are to react to something. It can also be really hard to pinpoint what's causing any discomfort when you're using an abundance of different formulas.

We know skin loves consistency and we advocate a simple routine with minimal, multi-tasking products that slot seamlessly together. Our Hero Facial Oil works to hydrate and replenish the skin in one easy blend while our Balancer Cream Cleanser utilises prebiotic inulin and mango butter to strengthen the skin barrier whilst providing relief to irritation and sensitivity.

Nourish your skin with natural ingredients

It's easy to fall for the hype of a new buzz ingredient or formulation. From retinol-loaded gels to salicylic acid-spiked foams, the world of skincare can often feel like one big science experiment. But to truly enjoy happy healthy skin, it's important to understand how the organ (yes, it is one) actually works.

Remember, we have a barrier wall that keeps irritants out and moisture in. Similarly, our skin has its very own microbiome – like a bustling rainforest – filled with trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms. If either of these become out of whack – triggered by over-exfoliation or an overload of harsh active ingredients – our complexion reacts. Cue breakouts, rashes, dehydration and irritation.

Our By Sarah mantra for calm, comfortable and radiant skin? Giving our biome and barrier plenty of TLC. Think nourishing ingredients that repair and replenish – like a big cocooning hug... and there's nothing scary about that, right?

 

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