Article: Is your skin sensitive or sensitised? (and 7 tips to nurture it back to health!)

Feb 13, 2026Skin Health

Is your skin sensitive or sensitised? (and 7 tips to nurture it back to health!)

Struggling with sensitive skin? Sometimes what we call 'sensitive' skin is actually sensitised skin. Knowing the difference helps you treat it effectively so we will break it down for you:

Sensitive vs sensitised skin

Sensitive skin: A genetic condition you’re born with. It’s delicate, thin and easily irritated by allergens, pollution, hormones or conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Sensitised skin: Not lifelong and any skin type can develop it. Caused by stress, dehydration, pollution, sun exposure or harsh skincare. It weakens the skin barrier, leading to redness, tightness or flare-ups.

Key question: Have you had sensitive skin your whole life, or did it appear later with occasional flare-ups? The latter usually indicates sensitised skin.

7 tips to repair sensitised skin & nurture sensitive skin.

Whether your skin is naturally sensitive or has become sensitised, these tips will help calm, repair, and protect it:

Choose gentle, restorative skincare
Products designed for sensitive skin and that support your natural skin barrier function. Our entire range is designed to strengthen the natural skin barrier and the Australian Native botanicals help to visibly restore damaged skin. Some of our favourite ‘restorative heroes’ include Radiance Cream Cleanser, Kakadu Brightening Serum, Restore Serum and Ultra Rich Moisturiser.
Avoid harsh actives
Avoid irritating skincare products that have harsh chemicals such as retinoids, and strong hydroxy acids, they can worsen sensitivty and further compromise your skin barrier function. For gentle renewal, try Instant Glow Face Masque once a week. This hydrating masque combines mild fruit acids and enzymes with antioxidant-rich botanicals to brighten and soothe skin.
Be cautious with exfoliation
Avoid jagged scrubs that can cause micro-tears. If you need gentle exfoliation, Refining Face Polish uses soft jojoba beads and Lilly Pilly extract, protecting the skin while removing dullness. Be mindful to limit exfoliation to just once per week, and use delicate pressure without scrubbing the skin.
Ditch harsh soaps & detergents
Eliminate all detergents and soaps with harsh chemicals and replace them with natural products free from synthetic perfumes and dyes.
Protect against environmental stress
Shield your skin from extreme weather conditions and destructive elements. Overexposure to UV will cause dehydration and compromise your skin’s protective barrier. Wind, dry heat and dry cold weather will strip your skin of moisture.
Support skin from the inside
Maintain a healthy anti-inflammatory diet. Drink plenty of fluids and eat fresh, nourishing and colourful whole foods including water-rich leafy greens, celery and cucumber. Add in skin-loving foods with Omega 3 essential fatty acids & healthy fats – such as avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseeds and chia seeds. Reduce or avoid foods that are processed, fried or high in refined sugars as they can have an inflammatory effect in the body.
Nurture your nervous system
Stress aggravates skin concerns and it can also cause skin flare ups. While it’s not realistic to eliminate all stresses in your life, it’s important to manage it with relaxation practices such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga.

Why Retreatment Botanics is perfect for sensitive & sensitised skin

Australian native extracts are the heart of our range, offering powerful anti-inflammatory, calming and barrier supporting properties. Here are just some of the antioxidant-rich extracts found in our range:

Kakadu Plum – featured in many of our products including Radiance Cream Cleanser
Finger Lime & Desert Lime – Kakadu Brightening Serum
Tasmania Pepper Berry – Ultra Rich Moisturiser
Quandong - Firming Eye Contour Cream
Emu Apple – Instant Glow Face Masque
Wild Rosella flower – Restore Serum

Our products are designed for minimal routines, perfect for sensitised skin needing calm, gentle care without overwhelming it. Customers with sensitive skin consistently report improved hydration, reduced redness and stronger skin barriers.

The Retreatment Botanics range has been developed with sensitivity in mind, and we have received glowing feedback from many of our customers with sensitive skin, reporting amazing results. However, as every sensitive skin is unique and has the potential to respond differently to products, we do always recommend patch testing before use. We also suggest you check the ingredient lists and consult with your medical professional prior to use if you have any concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sensitive skin and sensitised skin?

Sensitive skin is a genetic condition you're born with - it's naturally delicate, thin and easily irritated by allergens, pollution, hormones or conditions like eczema or rosacea. Sensitised skin is not lifelong and can develop in any skin type. It's caused by external factors like stress, dehydration, pollution, sun exposure or harsh skincare products that weaken your skin barrier, leading to redness, tightness or flare-ups.

How do I know if my skin is sensitive or sensitised?

Ask yourself: Have you had sensitive skin your whole life, or did it appear later with occasional flare-ups? If you've experienced sensitivity your entire life, you likely have naturally sensitive skin. If sensitivity appeared later or comes and goes with flare-ups, you most likely have sensitised skin that can be repaired with the right skincare routine.

What skincare ingredients should I avoid for sensitive and sensitised skin?

Avoid harsh actives like strong retinoids and hydroxy acids, as they can worsen sensitivity and compromise your skin barrier function. Also eliminate harsh soaps, detergents, synthetic perfumes and dyes. Instead, choose gentle, restorative skincare with natural ingredients and Australian native botanicals that support your natural skin barrier.

Can sensitised skin be repaired?

Yes! Unlike naturally sensitive skin which is genetic, sensitised skin can be repaired by strengthening your skin barrier. Use gentle, restorative skincare products, avoid harsh actives and exfoliants, protect against environmental stress, maintain an anti-inflammatory diet, and manage stress levels. With consistent care, you can restore your skin's health and reduce sensitivity.

What are the best Australian native botanicals for sensitive skin?

Australian native extracts offer powerful anti-inflammatory, calming and barrier-supporting properties for sensitive and sensitised skin. Key ingredients include Kakadu Plum (high in Vitamin C), Finger Lime and Desert Lime (natural AHAs), Tasmania Pepper Berry (anti-inflammatory), Quandong (antioxidant-rich), Emu Apple (soothing), and Wild Rosella flower (skin repair). These botanicals help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness and improve hydration.

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