Sensitive Skin
Trying to deal with sensitive skin can be incredibly frustrating. You really want to find products that can help to moisturise or cleanse your dry skin, but many products only make things worse due to your skin’s sensitivity.
We know that it can be hard to find the best skincare for sensitive skin. We are committed to creating simple, active products specially formulated for sensitive skin and can confidently recommend the entire AMPERNA® range to people dealing with dry, sensitive skin.
Products for Sensitive Skin
Let customers speak for us
OMG this stuff is serious magic for PD! I have been a PD sufferer for over 10yrs on and off with my bouts of flare ups. I have tried EVERYTHING under the sun and done all of the deep dives into how to cure my PD, knowing for me a lot of it is gut related and diet etc. However, still finding nothing to help soothe the flare ups whilst I conquer the gut stuff. I'd always been on the fence about Amperna not really trusting that any skin care could help. But I finally purchased the duo pack after deciding to try this rather than a sulfar soap as a last resort. And WOW WOW WOW!! Literally after one day of applying morning and night I saw immediate results! All of the tingling and itchiness ceased and the ever growing red little bumps also ceased immediately. I literally couldn't believe it. After a week, it had completely cleared all the little bumps and within two weeks the redness around my nose and mouth was barely visible. I cannot scream enough how amazing these products are for anyone suffering with PD! I cannot wait until my skin is ready to indulge in all of the Amperna products. I am converted for life and so thankful Amperna exists. Bloody gamechanger! Can't believe I sat on the fence this long!
An absolute game changer for my POD. I use both at night if I get a flare up, and it works really well to keep flare ups at bay
I’ve only been using the Soothing Duo for a couple of days but I already notice a difference in my rosacea prone skin. My barrier is improved and overall redness is reduced. Will definitely be purchasing more products from the range. Happy to have found such lovely soothing natural products!
I suffer from PD with intermittent flares when the weather changes and sometimes exfoliating with other products is not possible. This lotion is amazing and has helped keep my skin clear as well as improved texture over the last six months of use!
I have suffered from PD intermittently over the last few years to varying degrees and have tried so many different things. Some seem to work for a little bit but ultimately the fix never seems to last. Typically weather change will bring this on for me and come summer time I don’t want to be wearing much on my face so it is difficult when I flare during this time. Amperna has helped so much, just after a week of use I noticed a difference in my skin and since then I have had minimal to no flares. Photos on top are before and photos to the bottom are after just one week of using the Amperna cleanser as well as the resurfacing lotion. I plan to buy more products to add to my stock!
I am in love with this product and how amazing it has transformed my skin. I have not had any flare ups since starting the soothing duo 7 months ago!! Thank you
Honestly, Amperna is the best out there, and I am so lucky to have essentially stumbled upon Kiri and her brand a few years ago. I have been using all Amperna skin care since 2020 and have been so happy with the results and the day to day efficiency of her products. This cleanser is gentle, doesn't have a strong fragrance, and doesn't dry out my skin. I 'lather' the cleanser on my face for 60 seconds and then rinse off and find it doesn't leave my face feeling tight at all but refreshed.
My skin glows up everytime I use this product everyday in the morning. The best SPF I’ve ever used!!!
I have been struggling with acne, rosacea and periodical dermatitis over the past few years. I have found nothing that addresses all 3 skin concerns without flaring another issue. This product is so gentle and soothing. Have been using it with the Hydrate for the past month or so and my skin has never looked or felt better. Almost completely gone! So thankful to have found this line.
‘I get eczema on my face. Generally it starts with dry skin, although sometimes food or wine seems to trigger it. Without knowing what to change it’s hard to do anything about it.
It’s usually around my lips and most lip products aggravate it. I’ve tried a lot of different products for moisturising my face, but I always end up having a reaction to them - if not at first, then after several weeks. It makes me feel really self-conscious.’
Kylie, 39
AMPERNA® Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser is a light gel cleanser specifically formulated with acne prone skin, eczema, dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and rosacea in mind. This ultra gentle formulation rinses clean without leaving an irritating residue or upsetting pH levels. It contains an infusion of sage and cucumber extracts to help cool, soothe and nourish skin.
The AMPERNA® Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion moisturiser is an ideal product for dry and sensitive skin. Apply as much and as often as you need it. This moisturiser contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and emollients to help nourish the skin and protect it from free radical damage.
For extremely sensitive dry skin, we also recommend using the AMPERNA® Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum on your entire face, as it contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. This potent serum help soothe the skin while targeting dullness, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines.
You may also be interested in trying our AMPERNA® Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum which contains copper and zinc. Our Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, so it can help prevent skin dryness and redness.
As you know it is important to wear an SPF. Applying sunscreen will help protect your skin when you are out in the sun.
Our Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15 is the first probiotic SPF moisturiser to market, full of great active skin loving ingredients, that has been specially formulated for even the most sensitive skins.
SENSITIVE VS SENSITISED SKIN
Sensitive skin
According to The Dermal Institute, sensitive skin is likely caused by a genetic condition, while sensitised skin is most likely due to environmental factors.
‘Someone who is truly sensitive is born with this condition and tends to be prone to blushing, asthma and allergies,’ notes Dr Diana Howard in an article about sensitive vs sensitised skin for The Dermal Institute.
‘This skin is considered more delicate with a lower amount of pigment, a thin epidermis, and blood vessels close to the skin surface, hence the obvious appearance of redness.’
Dr Howard goes on to explain that a defect in the skin’s protective outer layer is often the cause of extremely dry and sensitive skin. This defect can allow things such as allergens, irritants and microbes to get into the skin and cause a reaction.
SENSITIVE VS SENSITISED SKIN
Sensitised skin
Sensitised skin is most often caused by reactions to environmental factors. The Dermal Institute lists the following factors as potential causes:
- Stress
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Poor diet
- Certain ingredients in skincare products
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Medical procedures
- Excessive exfoliation
WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE SKIN?
According to DermNet, surveys have shown that around 50% of women and 40% of men report having sensitive skin.
Recognised medical causes of sensitive skin include conditions such as contact dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis and carcinoid syndrome (Source: DermNet).
For people suffering from these conditions, certain ingredients found in some skincare and household products can cause unexpected irritations. These irritations can include stinging, itching, burning or visible skin changes including redness, dryness or peeling.
If you have sensitive skin and are wondering whether there could be an underlying cause, it’s a great idea to see your doctor or skin specialist. They may take a patch test in order to give the correct diagnosis.
The DermNet New Zealand article on sensitive skin has some very helpful information and photos relating to sensitive skin issues that you may find useful.
HOW TO KNOW IF A PRODUCT IS OK FOR YOUR SENSITIVE SKIN
Before trying a new active skincare product, it’s best to do a patch test.
Experts suggest a variety of ways to do patch tests and for people with extremely sensitive skin, it could be a good idea to consult your doctor or skin specialist to find the right test for you.
The basic premise of a patch test is to apply a small amount of a product in a sensitive (but hidden) area and leave it overnight to see how your skin reacts.
One way of patch testing for very sensitive skin as outlined on the Skinpractice website is as follows (you can download a pdf guide from their website):
- Start by applying a small amount behind the ear
- Leave the product on your skin overnight for up to 24 hours before washing (if you don’t have a reaction immediately)
- Repeat this for 2-3 days before applying to a more prominent area such as your face
HOW TO KNOW IF A PRODUCT IS OK FOR YOUR SENSITIVE SKIN
You should also check the ingredients on the back of the label as this can be your first warning sign that a product is not for you. Certain ingredients are known to be irritants for those with sensitive skin.
Lifestyle magazine Byrdie noted that of all the questions they are emailed, how to care for sensitive skin is at the top of the list.
They interviewed skincare expert Renee Rouleau to find out which ingredients people with sensitive skin should avoid and she listed the following:
- Alcohol (an ingredient that’s found in many toners, it can deplete your skin’s moisture levels)
- Fragrance (lotions containing perfumes can cause inflammation)
- Ammonium lauryl sulphate & sodium lauryl sulphate (these ingredients are commonly known to cause irritation)
- Apricot kernels (found in many scrubs, they are not recommended for the face as they are too harsh)
Read the article along with Renee’s tips on which ingredients are good for sensitive skin at the Byrdie website.
WHAT CAUSES DRY SKIN?
Dry skin occurs when the natural coating of fatty oils on our skin is stripped away. This leaves our skin unprotected and often makes it flaky, itchy and irritated. As we get older, our skin produces less of its natural moisturising oils, leaving us more prone to suffering from dry patches.
Dry skin can appear anywhere on our bodies, but it’s most common on our hands, arms, lower legs and stomach. If untreated, it can sometimes lead to dermatitis, swelling and infection. (Source: WebMd)
‘It is important to keep the skin moisturised because our skin is a barrier against infection. If we allow the skin to become dry, it can become cracked. When cracks or breaks in the skin occur, the usual bacteria that live on our skin can get inside and cause an infection. By protecting our skin from drying out, we protect ourselves from infection. In addition, keeping the skin moisturized helps people with eczema have fewer flares.’
Doctor Diana K. Blythe (Source: Sharecare)
MEDICATIONS
Certain medications may reduce the water levels in the top layer of skin.
People taking some acne medications are likely to find their skin dries out. High blood pressure medications can also cause skin to dry out
Visit the Right Diagnosis website for a very long list of medications know to cause dry skin (this is a US website and may use different names for some medications).
Diseases and skin conditions
Malnutrition, kidney disease and dialysis can cause dry skin, as can diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis are also major causes of dry skin. Head to our pages on eczema and dermatitis for more information.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT DRY SKIN?
Choose the right type of moisturiser
Choose thick creams that don’t run when you apply them and avoid choosing moisturisers with alcohols or perfumes.
Apply your moisturiser the right way
The most effective way to use a moisturiser is to apply it while your skin is still damp.
Why? The role of a moisturiser is to trap moisture on the skin. If you apply moisturiser to dry skin, it won’t be as effective.
Limit time in hot baths
Take showers instead of baths and limit your shower to a few minutes. Keep the water lukewarm.
Why? Taking a long, hot shower or bath can feel like heaven at times, but it’s definitely not recommended for those with dry skin. Soaking for a long period, especially in a bath, may remove your skin’s natural oils. You’ll know if you’ve been in the tub for too long when your skin feels tight after you emerge.
Limit time spent in ‘dry air’
Try to limit the time you spend in heated or air-conditioned spaces or use a humidifier in your room to add moisture.
Why? Dry air draws the moisture out of your skin. Heating and air conditioning can exacerbate the process.
Restrict the use of certain soaps and abrasive cleansers
Look for fragrance free, mild soaps or better still, throw away your soap and use a cleanser instead. Try not to use scrubbing brushes or face washers to rub the skin; this will just irritate any existing dryness.
Review your clothes washing detergent
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free washing detergent as some clothes washing detergents can contain perfumes or dyes that can irritate dry skin.
There are lots of threads on parenting forums that discuss detergents for dry skins, as many mums are looking for ways to minimise irritation for kids with dry skin conditions such as eczema.
Some of the detergents recommended on forums include:
- Seventh generation ‘free & clear’
- Ecostore plant based laundry products
- Earth Choice
- Lux flakes